The Association Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Oral Function, Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition...

Area of Science:

• Oral Health
• Sleep Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is increasingly linked to negative oral health outcomes.
• However, the specific impact of OSA on oral function and its exacerbation in vulnerable populations requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk and oral function problems.
• To determine if these associations are more pronounced in socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Main Methods:

• Utilized data from 6349 adults (aged 40+) from the 2022-2023 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES).
• Assessed OSA risk using the STOP-Bang questionnaire and oral function via chewing discomfort, speaking discomfort, and dental pain.
• Employed complex sample logistic regression and stratified analyses to examine socioeconomic disparities.

Main Results:

• High OSA risk correlated significantly with chewing discomfort (OR: 1.365), speaking discomfort (OR: 1.534), and dental pain (OR: 1.198).
• Associations were notably stronger in lower education and income groups.
• Individuals in the lowest income bracket showed over a fivefold increased likelihood of reporting speaking discomfort (OR: 5.207).

Conclusions:

• Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) risk is significantly associated with impaired oral function.
• Socioeconomically disadvantaged groups experience a disproportionately higher burden of OSA-related oral health issues.
• Integrated public health initiatives addressing both sleep and oral health disparities are crucial.