Obstructive sleep apnea and its relation with temporomandibular disorders: A narrative review

Sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) is a broad terminology that denotes a group of disorders. Conditions associated with SDB include obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), central sleep apnea, and upper airway resistance syndrome. Although OSA is most common in the general population, the reported prevalence shows a wide range of differences due to inconsistent study methodology. The pathophysiology of OSA has been described by active and passive theories. Polysomnography is considered as the gold standard and the most accurate tool for the diagnosis of OSA. Definitive diagnosis and determination of the severity of the OSA are instrumental before the commencement of the treatment. Patients with OSA are at increased risk of various endocrinal and metabolic disorders. OSA and temporomandibular disorders (TMD) have shown a clear relationship due to the highly prevalent rate of OSA in individuals with TMD. It may be concluded that concomitant TMD and sleep bruxism may be present in patients with OSA. Furthermore, the use of oral appliances in the treatment of OSA in mandibular advancement may cause TMD. The aim of this article was to review current knowledge on OSA and the association between TMD and OSA. This review also emphasizes that concomitant TMD in OSA is an object worthy of future study.