Abstract

MOTLOBA, DP; AYO-YUSUF, OA; SOLOMONS, YF  and  SETHUSA, MPS. Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: Epidemiology, quality of life, and management - implications for dentists. A review. S. Afr. dent. j. [online]. 2015, vol.70, n.5, pp.190-195. ISSN 0375-1562.

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a common respiratory disorder due to upper airway blockage resulting in reduced, or absence of, breathing. OSA remains largely underdiagnosed despite evidence that it is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular and neurological morbidity and mortality. The currently increasing levels of obesity, diabetes, smoking and alcohol use call for increased vigilance by doctors and dentists in identifying and managing patients with signs and symptoms of OSA. This review provides an update on the epidemiology of OSA, on its impact on quality of life and on the implications of the condition for dentists.

Keywords : obstructive sleep apnoea; snoring; quality of life; oral appliance.

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