Oral microbiota in obstructive sleep apnea patients: a systematic review

Area of Science:

• Microbiology
• Oral Health
• Sleep Medicine

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly associated with periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting tooth-supporting tissues.
• A dysbiotic oral microbiota is implicated in the pathogenesis of periodontitis.
• Understanding the oral microbiome in OSA patients is crucial for elucidating this link.

Approach:

• A systematic review was conducted by searching Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library for studies comparing oral microbiota in OSA patients versus controls.
• Included studies investigated oral microbiota composition using various microbiological techniques in adult and pediatric populations.
• Studies involving case reports, reviews, and animal models were excluded.

Key Points:

• Eight original articles, including three pediatric studies, were selected, encompassing 344 OSA patients and 131 controls.
• Salivary, oral mucosal swabs, and subgingival plaque samples were analyzed using diverse methods.
• Six out of eight studies reported significant differences in oral microbiota composition and bacterial abundance between OSA patients and controls.

Conclusions:

• The oral microbiota composition differs between individuals with obstructive sleep apnea and healthy controls.
• These alterations in oral microbiota may contribute to the heightened risk of periodontitis observed in OSA patients.
• Further research is warranted to fully understand the complex interplay between OSA, oral microbiota, and periodontal health.