NEW YORK: A groundbreaking study by Rutgers Health, published in the Journal of the American Dental Association, suggests that dentists may play a pivotal role in detecting sleep apnea and other sleep disorders early.
"Dentists often encounter the first signs of sleep disorders during routine check-ups, well before patients seek medical help," said Dr. Davis Thomas, DDS, clinical associate professor at the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine and the study's senior author.
The review analyzed decades of research on sleep medicine and dental health, focusing on studies published between January 1990 and March 2024. It highlighted that common dental observations—such as tooth grinding, enlarged jaw muscles, tongue scalloping, or patients dozing off in the dental chair—can indicate underlying sleep disorders.
Using tools like the STOP-BANG questionnaire, dentists can identify at-risk patients with up to 80% accuracy, the study noted. Early detection and referral to sleep medicine specialists could prevent serious complications, including heart disease and stroke.
"This is a unique opportunity for dentists to significantly improve patient health outcomes," Dr. Thomas added.
The research emphasizes a collaborative approach between dental and medical professionals to address sleep disorders effectively and improve overall health outcomes.