Sleep Disordered Breathing and Oral Health in Children

Abstract

Purpose: To assess the oral health status and Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) of children at risk for SDB (SDB 1) in comparison to those not at risk for SDB (SDB 0). Methods: This cross sectional study recruited consecutive children between the ages of 8 to 17 years from a university-based pediatric dental clinic. Caregivers completed the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire (PSQ) to stratify risk of SDB. Children and their Caregivers completed the Child Oral Health Impact Profile (COHIP) to measure the OHRQoL. A dental exam was conducted and dental caries, periodontal status, oropharyngeal soft tissue features, and dental occlusion were recorded. DMFS, dmfs, PPD (pocket probing depth), parent COHIP score, child COHIP score, and BOP (bleeding on probing) were compared between children at risk for SDB (SDB 1) and those not at risk for SDB (SDB 0). Results: 123 children were enrolled (11.5  2.7 years, female =48%). 49% were classified as being at high risk for SDB. There was a significant association between SDB and all six outcomes. The SDB 1 group had an average of 12.03 (P<0.001) more DMFS, 6.15 (P<0.001) more dmfs, and 30.22 (P<0.001) times the odds of BOP. Being at risk for SDB was associated with a poorer OHRQoL, with an average parent COHIP score of 15.50 (P<0.001) points greater and child COHIP score of 13.02 (P<0.001) points greater. Conclusion: The results from this study suggest that the impact of SDB on the oral health and Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) in children is profound and far-reaching. Given the significant association between SDB and all six outcomes, it is critical practitioners closely monitor the oral health of their pediatric SDB patients.