Impact of Habitual Snoring on Subjective Dental Esthetics in University Population

OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to assess the prevalence of snoring in the University population and to test the null hypothesis that there is no impact of habitual snoring on the self-perceived of dental esthetics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Berlin Questionnaire and esthetic component of the index of orthodontic treatment need was given to 700 students and employees aged 17–59 years (22 ± 4.5). Both snorers and nonsnorers were assessed for orthodontic treatment need. Chi-square and Student t-test were used to compare the difference between both groups using SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0. (IBM Corp, Armonk, NY). RESULTS: The prevalence of snoring was 19.2% (male 11.8% and female 7.4%). Nodded off or fall asleep during driving a car or while waiting at least twice a month were reported in 46%. The prevalence of tiredness and fatigue after sleep from 3 to 4 times a week was 36.9% and during the working time was 33.6%. Based on the Berlin Questionnaire stratification for risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), 8.2% were considered as a high-risk patient for OSA, (males: 3.8% and females: 4.4%). About 38.3% of the participants with habitual snoring have gone through orthodontic treatment, while only 28.5% of nonsnoring participant have done that. About 12.3% of snoring participant consider themselves in need of orthodontic treatment compared to 6.6% of a nonsnoring participant (P < 0.04). CONCLUSION: The null hypothesis is rejected; snoring has an impact on the self-perceived of dental esthetics. Snoring participant seeks orthodontic treatment more than the nonsnoring participant in our University population.