Prevalence of Sleep-Related Breathing Disorders in Children: Exploring Links Between Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Dental Disorders – A Questionnaire-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction: Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a sleeping-disordered breathing condition widely neglected that can negatively affect the dental and systemic health of a child. The symptoms are often associated with behavioural or developmental abnormalities, and thus, it is not easy to diagnose in the early stages. OSA in untreated conditions may cause dental issues, impairment of craniofacial development, and a decrease in the overall quality of life. Dental professionals are in a distinctive position to identify warning signs early, as they may be the first to identify oral disease manifestations like malocclusion and bruxism, as well as oral hygiene issues. Therefore, the Dental practitioners have a very critical role in early screening and referral, as they are in a unique position to screen the oral symptoms of OSA. Purpose and the setting: This paper employed a validated questionnaire and clinical assessment to determine the connection between paediatric OSA and dental issues in children. Paediatric obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is an undiagnosed but common sleep disorder that can have a significant negative effect on systemic and oral health. Early detection of OSA and the associated dental symptoms is necessary to prevent the impact on behaviour, functional, and developmental problems in the long-term. Material and Methods: Wardha Sharad Pawar Dental College, 60 children aged 6-12 years were subject to a cross-sectional study (30 males and 30 females). Parents were provided with a questionnaire containing a few questions in order to determine the symptoms related to sleep using a validated questionnaire. The questionnaire to be used in the given study was based on the Paediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ). The questionnaire was modified to simplify it so that the parents could easily understand it and fill it in accordingly. Clinical examination tests that were performed include Mallampati classification, bruxism, temporomandibular disorders, facial profile, tonsillar hypertrophy (Brodsky-score), malocclusion (Angle classification), dental caries (G.V. Black classification), and oral hygiene status. The data has been assembled using descriptive statistical analysis. Results: Snoring (63.3), daytime sleepiness (75%), and behaviour change were the most frequent OSA-related symptoms (71.6%). The prevalence of dental caries (76.6%), poor oral health (88.3%), and halitosis (61.6%) was observed among affected children, and malocclusion was observed in 30% (Class I), 41.6% (Class II), and 28.4% (Class III) of the participants. According to the Mallampati classification, 71.7 percent of children had a Class III-IV, and 53.3 percent of children had Grade 3-4 tonsillar hypertrophy. The other symptoms were bruxism (21.6), temporomandibular disorders (16.6), and a changed facial profile (18.3). Conclusion: The study demonstrated the reciprocal impact of airway obstruction on oral health, as it demonstrated that there was a significant correlation between paediatric OSA and dental- related issues. Early detection of the symptoms of OSA in dental practice can assist dental practitioners in referring and multidisciplinary care. The practice of screening children for sleep-disordered breathing by dentists can significantly enhance both oral and systemic health of children.