Prevalence and Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Association with Orofacial Symptoms in Patients Attending the Dental Clinics

BACKGROUND: Dentists have a vital role in detection of the signs and symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) as it modifies in anatomy of orofacial structures. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the prevalence of OSA risk in patients attending dental department and explore the factors related with high-risk OSA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried in the Al-Farabi Dental College, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on 200 consecutive dental patients from June 1, 2018, to July 31, 2019. Demographic details and the OSA risk were evaluated based on the Berlin questionnaire (Arabic version). Two qualified investigators independently did anthropometric measurements, medical and dental examination. RESULTS: About 3.7% of males and 13.8% of females were found to be at high risk of OSA. Obese individuals almost had twice more likely chance to have OSA symptoms. CONCLUSION: Our findings confirm that dentists have an important role in recognizing the OSA signs and symptoms.