Associations between snoring and dental sleep conditions: A systematic review

Background: It is important for dentists to know if the presence of snoring is associated with the presence of other dental sleep conditions (e.g. obstructive sleep apnea [OSA], sleep bruxism [SB], gastroesophageal reflux disease [GERD], xerostomia and oro-facial pain). If so, dentists could play a significant role in the early recognition and management of these conditions. Objectives: This systematic review aimed to: (i) investigate the associations between the presence of snoring and the presence of other dental sleep conditions; and (ii) determine if it is clinically relevant that dentists assess snoring in their population. Methods: The literature search was performed in PubMed and Embase.com in collaboration with a medical librarian. Studies were eligible if they employed regression models to assess whether snoring was associated with other dental sleep conditions, and/or investigated the incidence of snoring in patients with other dental sleep conditions and vice versa. Results: Of the 5299 retrieved references, 36 eligible studies were included. The available evidence indicates that the presence of snoring is associated with higher probabilities of OSA, GERD and headache. Due to limited evidence and conflicting findings, the currently available articles are not indicative of associations between the presence of snoring and the presence of SB and oral dryness. Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that the presence of snoring is associated with higher probabilities of OSA, GERD and headache. Therefore, it is clinically relevant that dentists assess snoring in their patient population.