Link between Periodontitis and Sleep Apnea
According to a study published in the Journal of Periodontal Research, people who have been diagnosed with periodontitis are more likely to have obstructive sleep apnea. Conducted by the Department of Pediatrics at Korea University Ansan Hospital, the study involved 460 men and 227 women between the ages of 47 and 77 years old at the Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study.
Researchers discovered that 60 percent of those who had periodontitis also had obstructive sleep apnea. The findings provide evidence that obstructive sleep apnea is linked with an 84 percent higher risk for periodontitis. Other factors that were found to increase the risk for periodontitis included old age, being a man, smoking, and breathing through the mouth during sleep. Although a risk increase was not noticed in younger participants, the risk is even more dramatic for those over the age of 55 at a whopping 151 percent.
For many medical professionals and scientists the study posed no significant surprise. Periodontitis has been associated with higher risk for developing heart disease early. The researchers concluded with strong evidence to support the fact that there is a statistically significant link between obstructive sleep apnea and periodontal disease. Further research studies are necessary in order to make clear whether the link between the two health conditions is causal however.
If left untreated, these diseases often lead to worsening heart diseases, including high blood pressure, heart arrhythmias, heart failure, and stroke. Any individuals who have been diagnosed with either periodontitis or obstructive sleep apnea are recommended to consult with a dentist in Los Angeles at earliest convenience.