Diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea

In the UK, it’s estimated that more than 1.5m people have sleep-disordered breathing, including obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). It is characterised by the intermittent cessation of breathing whilst asleep.

Many patients are unaware that they have this debilitating condition, unable to recall waking during the night but exhibiting daytime symptoms such as, but not exclusive to, waking unrefreshed. Snoring is a common symptom of OSA, and it is important that OSA is diagnosed and treated, as it can lead to serious medical comorbidities and reduced lifespan if left untreated. In addition, untreated OSA could lead to the development of high blood pressure, increased risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and depression, as well as neurocognitive disorders such as dementia. Additionally, it can make staying awake and concentrating during the day very difficult due to increased tiredness and reduced cognition.

Can dentists diagnose OSA?

Whilst dentists are not qualified to formally diagnose sleep apnoea, dental professionals are often the first to notice signs and symptoms. As part of routine dental appointments, practitioners should examine the patient’s maxillo-facial and oral anatomy, allowing them to recognise the risk factors for OSA, such as a narrow airway, large and/ or scalloped tongue, a retrognathic jaw and possibly underlying sleep bruxism. Any signs of a restricted airway, be it from a large tongue or enlarged tonsils, should be a cause for concern and prompt you to screen the patient for any potential sleep and/or breathing disorders, including snoring and OSA. In view of this, dentists should be able to advise patients of their risk of OSA and manage them accordingly.