Network analysis of sleep bruxism in the EPISONO adult general population.

Sleep bruxism (SB) has been associated with biological and psychosocial factors. The assessment of SB includes self-report, clinical evaluation, and polysomnography. This study aimed to investigate the associations of self-reported SB with other sleep disorders and demographic, psychological, and lifestyle factors in the adult general population, and to investigate whether self-reported SB and polysomnographically (PSG) confirmed SB provide similar outcomes in terms of their associated factors. We recruited 915 adults from the general population in Sao Paulo, Brazil. All participants underwent a one-night PSG recording and answered questions about sex, age, BMI, insomnia, OSA risk, anxiety, depression, average caffeine consumption, smoking frequency, and alcohol consumption frequency. We investigated the link between SB and the other variables in univariate, multivariate, and network models, and we repeated each model once with self-reported SB and once with PSG-confirmed SB. Self-reported SB was only significantly associated with sex (p = 0.042), anxiety (p = 0.002), and depression (p = 0.03) in the univariate analysis, and was associated with insomnia in the univariate (p < 0.001) and multivariate (ß = 1.054, 95%CI 1.018-1.092, p = 0.003) analyses. Network analysis showed that self-reported SB had a direct positive edge to insomnia, while PSG-confirmed SB was not significantly associated with any of the other variables. Thus, sleep bruxism was positively associated with insomnia only when self-reported, while PSG-confirmed SB was not associated with any of the included factors.

Methodological parameters for upper airway assessment by cone-beam computed tomography in adults with obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: A reliable method for analyzing the upper airway (UA) remains a challenge. This study aimed to report the methods for UA assessment using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in adults with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). METHODS: We performed a systematic review (PROSPERO #CRD42021237490 and PRISMA checklist) that applied a search strategy to seven databases and grey literature. RESULTS: In 29 studies with moderate-to-high risk of bias, investigators mostly reported the body position during CBCT (upright or supine) and hard tissue references, diverging in UA delimitation and terminologies. The meta-analysis showed two subgroups (upright and supine), and no statistical differences were identified (p = 0.18) considering the UA area. The volume in the OSA group was smaller than that in the control group (p < 0.003 and Cohen's d = - 0.81) in the upright position. Patients with OSA showed smaller anteroposterior dimensions than the control group and were not affected by the position during image acquisition (p = 0.02; Cohen's d = - 0.52). The lateral measurements were also lower in the OSA group (supine) (p = 0.002; Cohen's d = - 0.6). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with OSA showed smaller UA measurements in the upright (volume) and supine (lateral dimension) positions. The anteroposterior dimension was also reduced in patients with OSA compared to the control group, regardless of the position during CBCT acquisition.

The influence of age on the frequency of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity during sleep in general population differs from that in clinical research samples.

BACKGROUND: During sleep, limb and jaw muscle motor activity can be quantified by electromyography (EMG). The frequency of periodic limb activity during sleep increases with age in both the general and clinical research populations. The literature is controversial regarding stability, over age, of the frequency of rhythmic masticatory muscle activity (RMMA), which is one biomarker of sleep bruxism (SB). OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this retrospective sleep laboratory study was to assess if any change in RMMA frequency occurs over age in the general population (GP) and two clinical research (CR) samples. METHODS: RMMA signals from polysomnography (PSG) recordings of 465 individuals, irrespective of SB awareness, were analysed. The sample comprised 164 individuals from the GP of Sao Paulo, and 301 individuals from Montreal and Osaka CR samples. Data were divided into two subgroups, younger (15-39) and older (40-80) participants. RMMA was classified as low frequency (<2 events/h) or high (≥2 events/h). Pearson correlation (R) and B (slope) analyses were performed with power estimations. RESULTS: In the GP sample, no significant change over age was noted in the RMMA index/year. In the CR samples, a significant reduction was observed in the RMMA index/year (-0.05) with age (R2  = .042; p < .001; 3.5 to 1.5 RMMA/h from 20 to 60 years old). CONCLUSIONS: In the GP, the RMMA index remained stable over age. In the CR samples, a significant, reduction was observed. Prospective studies with multiple home sleep recordings, in both general and clinical research populations, are needed before extrapolating from the present findings.

Research routes on improved sleep bruxism metrics: Toward a standardised approach.

A recent report from the European Sleep Research Society's task force "Beyond AHI" discussed an issue that has been a long-term subject of debate - what are the best metrics for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) diagnosis and treatment outcome assessments? In a similar way, sleep bruxism (SB) metrics have also been a recurrent issue for >30 years and there is still uncertainty in dentistry regarding their optimisation and clinical relevance. SB can occur alone or with comorbidities such as OSA, gastroesophageal reflux disorder, insomnia, headache, orofacial pain, periodic limb movement, rapid eye movement behaviour disorder, and sleep epilepsy. Classically, the diagnosis of SB is based on the patient's dental and medical history and clinical manifestations; electromyography is used in research and for complex cases. The emergence of new technologies, such as sensors and artificial intelligence, has opened new opportunities. The main objective of the present review is to stimulate the creation of a collaborative taskforce on SB metrics. Several examples are available in sleep medicine. The development of more homogenised metrics could improve the accuracy and refinement of SB assessment, while moving forward toward a personalised approach. It is time to develop SB metrics that are relevant to clinical outcomes and benefit patients who suffer from one or more possible negative consequences of SB.

Dental sleep medicine: Time to incorporate sleep apnoea education in the dental curriculum.

Dental sleep medicine is a discipline that includes conditions such as sleep breathing disorders (eg snoring and sleep apnoea), sleep bruxism, orofacial pain and sleep-related complaints, and to some extent gastro-oesophageal reflux disorder and/or insomnia. Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is a life-threatening condition that dentists need to identify and manage when indicated in order to increase patient well-being and to be taken in consideration in the dental curriculum. The main objective of this paper is to highlight the relevance of dental sleep medicine in the context of dental education, and to discuss potential educational content for integration in the dental curriculum with a focus on OSA, a condition that is not yet integrated in many dental training curricula around the world.

Mandibular advancement device and CPAP upon cardiovascular parameters in OSA.

PURPOSE: This study aims to compare the effects of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) on blood pressure (BP), oxidative stress, and heart rate variability (HRV) in a randomized, crossed-over, single-blind, and controlled trial. METHODS: Twenty-nine moderate-to-severe adult OSA patients underwent MAD, CPAP, and placebo oral appliance treatment. Polysomnography, Epworth sleepiness scale, 24-h ambulatory BP monitoring, oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, vitamins C, E, B6, B12, folate, homocysteine, uric acid), and HRV were assessed at baseline and after 1 month of each treatment. Diaries were used to evaluate compliance for devices and a pressure-time meter for CPAP. RESULTS: Both active treatments resulted in decreases in apnea and hypopnea index and Epworth sleepiness scale; CPAP showed a greater effect. Frequency of diastolic BP dipping was higher in the MAD group compared with the CPAP group. A significant drop from baseline levels for catalase activity was observed after MAD. For HRV, there was a significant decrease in total power at night with CPAP and MAD compared with POA, and a decrease in index of sleep autonomic variation with MAD compared with baseline levels. Compliance rates were higher with MAD rather than CPAP. CONCLUSIONS: Even though CPAP proved to be more effective at attenuating OSA, better compliance with MAD favored the reduction of one of the enzymes which participates in oxidative stress and better autonomic modulation during sleep.

Erectile dysfunction and sleep related bruxism: An exploratory review of an improbable association.

The World Health Organization recognizes sexual health as not merely the absence of disease, but a state of physical, mental, and social well-being in relation to one's sexuality. Achieving sexual satisfaction is pivotal for many individuals, as it significantly contributes to their quality of life. Among various sexual disorders, erectile dysfunction (ED) is notably prevalent, affecting an estimated 10-20 million men in the United States alone. This condition impacts not just the person experiencing it but also significantly influences their intimate connections with partners. Although the causes of ED are multifactorial, recent research highlights a compelling association between sleep disorders, such as sleep deprivation, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and insomnia, and the incidence of ED. Furthermore, engaging in night work has been observed to exacerbate the risk of developing ED. One common sleep disorder, sleep related bruxism (SRB), despite its prevalence, has not generally been associated with ED. However, there is some interesting evidence hinting at a potential relationship, including a few studies reporting a high prevalence of ED in individuals with SRB. This review delves into the epidemiological, etiological, and mechanistic links between ED and SRB, aiming to uncover potential intersections between these two conditions. These insights could pave the way for innovative research avenues, possibly exploring treatments like vasodilation medication, that might concurrently address both ED and SRB.

Orofacial Pain and Snoring/Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Individuals with Head and Neck Cancer: A Critical Review.

AIMS: (1) To summarize current knowledge on the prevalence, intensity, and descriptors of orofacial pain and snoring/obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before and after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment; and (2) to propose future directions for research. METHODS: The median prevalence for each condition was estimated from the most recent systematic reviews (SRs) and updated with new findings retrieved from the PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane databases up to December 2021. RESULTS: The prevalence of HNC pain seems relatively stable over time, with a median of 31% before treatment in three studies to a median of 39% at 1 month to 16 years after treatment in six studies. HNC pain intensity remains mild to moderate. There was a threefold increase in temporomandibular pain prevalence after surgery (median 7.25% before to 21.3% after). The data for snoring prevalence are unreliable. The OSA/HNC prevalence seems relatively stable over time, with a median of 72% before treatment in three studies to 77% after treatment in 14 studies. CONCLUSION: With the exception of temporomandibular pain, the prevalence of HNC pain and OSA seems to be stable over time. Future studies should: (1) compare the trajectory of change over time according to each treatment; (2) compare individuals with HNC to healthy subjects; (3) use a standardized and comparable method of data collection; and (4) assess tolerance to oral or breathing devices, since HNC individuals may have mucosal sensitivity or pain.

Mandibular exercises improve mandibular advancement device therapy for obstructive sleep apnea.

RATIONALE: Temporomandibular disorder (TMD) has been the most common contraindication for mandibular advancement device (MAD) as a treatment for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Exercising the mandible is a recommended form of therapy for TMD. OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy of mandibular exercises in the control of pain, changes of quality of life and to assess the impact of MAD compliance in OSAS patients with previously diagnosed TMD. METHODS: A blind, randomized, and controlled trial was used to evaluate 29 OSAS patients with TMDs were divided in two groups: the exercise support therapy (ST) and placebo therapy (PT), who were evaluated prior to and 120 days after MAD treatment. Treatment outcomes were measured using the Fletcher and Luckett sleep questionnaire, Epworth sleepiness scale, SF-36 inventory of quality of life, polysomnography, diary of MAD usage, and the research diagnostic criteria for TMD. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: ST group showed significant improvement in their sleep quality and life quality when compared to the PT group (p < 0.05). Higher number of patients with persistent pain was observed in the PT group (p = 0.01). There was a reduction of pain intensity in the ST group, but not in the PT group (p < 0.05). Higher MAD compliance was observed in the ST group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular exercises enable patients with TMD to use MAD; exercises were found to be effective in reducing pain and increasing MAD compliance and produced a significant improvement in the quality of life and quality of sleep.

The treatment of mild OSA with CPAP or mandibular advancement device and the effect on blood pressure and endothelial function after one year of treatment.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), use of a mandibular advancement device (MAD), and no treatment on 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and peripheral arterial tonometry at 6 and 12 months follow-up in individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), and in a subgroup who had an apnea-hypopnea index of < 5 events/h and adherence of ≥ 4 hours per night (effective-treatment subgroups). METHODS: The inclusion criteria were individuals with mild obstructive sleep apnea, any sex, age between 18 and 65 years, and a body mass index of ≤ 35 kg/m². Patients were randomized into CPAP, MAD, and no-treatment groups. The evaluations included physical examination, full polysomnography, 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and peripheral arterial tonometry at baseline and after 6 and 12 months. A generalized linear mixed model was used for comparisons. RESULTS: The CPAP and MAD groups had lower apnea-hypopnea indexes than the control group at 6 and 12 months, and the CPAP group had higher blood oxygen levels (SpO2) than the MAD group. The MAD group had more hours of treatment per night and better adaptation to treatment than the CPAP group (MAD: 5.7 ± 2.7 h/night; CPAP: 3.8 ± 3.4 h/night; MAD: 16% did not adapt; CPAP: 42% did not adapt). No differences were found in the total sample and effective treatment in relation to peripheral arterial tonometry or 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of mild obstructive sleep apnea with CPAP or MAD did not improve blood pressure or endothelial function after 1 year, even in patients with effective treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Continuous Positive Airway Pressure and Oral Appliances Treatments in Mild Obstructive Sleep Apnea; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01461486; Identifier: NCT01461486.

COVID-19 - The clinical consequences of social isolation and the relation with sleep bruxism and comorbidities.

SARS-COV-2 is a highly pathogenic coronavirus that causes the disease known as COVID-19, which has infected more than 100 million people worldwide. The main form of containment of the pandemic is social isolation. However the isolation, the severity of the COVID-19 disease, the uncertainty of the future and the economic impact are the possible causes of anxiety as an adverse effect of the pandemic. The literature describes the possible association between anxiety with poor sleep quality, exacerbation of painful conditions, gastroesophageal reflux disease, increased consumption of drugs and the possibility of developing or enhancing sleep bruxism. Health professionals should keep in mind the possibility of overlapping with the different clinical conditions mentioned and the need for a multi-professional team to manage these patients.

An Operational Clinical Approach in the Diagnosis and Management of Sleep Bruxism: A First Step Towards Validation.

Exacerbation of nighttime sleep-related oromotor activity is often recognized as a relevant clinical entity commonly known as sleep bruxism (SB). Many pragmatic issues about SB diagnosis and management remain controversial. Therefore, within a critical review of the literature, this article proposes an operational clinical approach for SB diagnosis and management, with a focus on three comorbidities frequently occurring in relation to sleep: obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and insomnia. In the absence of any comorbidities, and if clinically justified, short-term medication and/or splints may be considered. If a comorbid condition is suspected, then the patient should be screened for OSA, GERD, and insomnia. For OSA screening, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale, STOP-Bang, and NoSAS questionnaires are available validated tools. For GERD screening, a positive patient report, whether associated or not with clinical signs and symptoms of heartburn and/or regurgitation, can be tested. For insomnia screening, report of difficulties initiating or maintaining sleep or of early morning awakening more than three times a week may be useful for diagnosis clarification. An adequate clinical approach for comorbid SB requires that both SB and the related comorbid condition be properly assessed and managed. Very often, improvement of SB with treatment of the associated condition will confirm the relationship and establish a more precise diagnosis (ie, secondary SB). Clinicians intending to manage SB should be able to identify these possible clinical interactions, and, if needed, perform an integrative multidimensional approach. Some approaches will benefit from a multidisciplinary approach for achieving therapeutic success.

Long term oral appliance therapy decreases stress symptoms in patients with upper airway resistance syndrome.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term effects of a mandibular advancement device (MAD) on stress symptoms and cognitive function in patients with upper airway resistance syndrome (UARS) compared with placebo. METHODS: This study was a randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial. Thirty UARS patients were randomized into 2 groups: placebo and MAD groups. UARS criteria were the presence of sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale ≥ 10) and/or fatigue (Modified Fatigue Impact Scale ≥ 38) associated with an apnea-hypopnea index ≤ 5 events/h and a respiratory disturbance index > 5 events/h of sleep, and/or flow limitation in more than 30% of total sleep time. All patients completed the Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, the Logical Memory test, the Stroop Color Test, the Trail Making Test, the Digit Symbol Substitution Test, and Inventory of Stress Symptoms. Cognition protocol was defined based on the most used neuropsychological tests in the literature. Evaluations were performed before and after 1.5 years of treatment. RESULTS: Mean adherence to placebo and to MAD was 6.6 ± 2.6 and 6.1 ± 2.4 h/night, respectively. Side effects reported by MAD group were minor and short-term. There was no statistically significant difference in Rey Auditory-Verbal Learning Test, Logical Memory test, Stroop Color Test, Trail Making Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test before and after 1.5 years of treatment in both groups. Inventory of Stress Symptoms score decreased at the alert phase and the resistance phase after 1.5 years of MAD treatment compared to the placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular advancement devices were effective in decreasing stress symptoms in UARS patients after 1.5 years of treatment. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov; Name: Efficacy of Oral Appliance for Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome; URL: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT02636621; Identifier: NTC02636621.

COVID-19 and dental sleep medicine: risks, precautions and patient guidance.

COVID-19 is the offcial name for the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, which has become a pandemic, infecting more than 5 million people worldwide. Transmission occurs by inhaling droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes or exhales, or by touching contaminated surfaces and then rubbing their hands over their eyes, nose or mouth. Some infected people become seriously ill, while others have no symptoms, but even though they are asymptomatic, they can still transmit the virus. As vaccines and effective medications do not yet exist, the only way to handle the devastating consequences of the pandemic is prevention. Quality of sleep is essential for the immune system to be prepared to receive, fight and restore itself after a viral infection. Therefore, patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) should continue treatment, and only suspend or change the therapeutic modality under the guidance of a sleep physician. In the era of COVID-19, due to the high probability of contamination promoted by CPAP, the mandibular repositioning device has been considered as the first choice for patients with OSA. However, as the dental approach is at high risk of contamination, due to the proximity of the dental surgeon to the patient, it is essential that the professional who works in this field knows the risks to which they are exposed. Precautions must be adopted and patients should be guided in order to control and use of their intraoral devices.

Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in obstructive sleep apnea patients referred for oral appliance therapy.

AIMS: To evaluate the prevalence of pain associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients referred for oral appliance therapy. METHODS: Eighty-seven patients (46 men and 41 women), between 18 and 65 years of age, with an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of > 5 and < 30 (events by sleep hour), and body mass index (BMI) of =or< 30 Kg/m(2) were evaluated according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) to determine the presence of signs and symptoms of TMD. Statistical analyses included correlations assessed by Pearson's test. RESULTS: Fifty-two percent of patients presented symptoms of TMD. Thirty-two patients (average age 47 +/- 11 years, AHI 17.3 +/- 8.7, BMI 25.9 +/- 3.8 kg/m(2)) completed the study. According to the Scoring Protocol for Graded Chronic Pain (Axis II-RDC/TMD), 75% of the patients presented chronic pain related to TMD, categorized as low disability grade I (< 50 points for pain intensity, and < 3 disability points). The most common TMD diagnosis was myofascial pain with and without limited mouth opening and arthralgia (50%). CONCLUSION: The high prevalence of TMD in the current study indicates that patients with OSAS referred for oral appliance therapy require specific evaluation related to TMD.

Cone beam computed tomography in assessment on pharynx effects of orthopedic-surgical treatment - a review of the literature.

The cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image provides clear differentiation of soft tissues from empty spaces. This paper presents a literature review to evaluate the effects of orthopedic and surgical treatment on the pharyngeal dimension by CBCT. It was concluded that treatments involving dentofacial orthopedics and orthognathic surgery have been related with an increase in the upper airway volume. Standardized capturing of tomographic images and more controlled and randomized studies are necessary.

Severe obstructive sleep apnea treatment with mandibular advancement device: A case report.

Mandibular advancement device (MAD) has been described as an alternative treatment to the severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), once it is not as effective as the continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) in reducing the apnea and hypopnea index (AHI). The objective of this study is to report a case using a MAD in a CPAP-intolerant patient suffering from severe OSA. Polysomnography exams were performed before and after treatment. Five months after fitting and titrating the MAD, the AHI was reduced from 80.5 events/hour to 14.6 events/hour and the minimum oxyhemoglobin saturation (SpO2) increased from 46% to 83%. A two-year assessment of therapy revealed an AHI of 8 events/hour and SpO2 of 85%.

Side effects of mandibular advancement splints for the treatment of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea: a systematic review.

INTRODUCTION: Occlusal side effects or development of pain and/or functional impairment of the temporomandibular complex are potential reasons for poor compliance or abandonment of mandibular advancement splints treatment for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at providing a comprehensive review evaluating the craniofacial side effects of oral appliance therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea. METHODS: An electronic search was systematically conducted in PubMed and Virtual Health Library from their inception until October 2016. Only Randomized Controlled Trials whose primary aim was to measure objectively identified side effects on craniofacial complex of a custom-made oral appliance for treating primary snoring or obstructive sleep apnea were included. Studied patients should be aged 20 or older. The risk of bias in the trials was assessed in accordance with the recommendations of The Cochrane Risk of Bias criteria. RESULTS: A total of 62 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. After the review process, only 6 met all the inclusion criteria. All studies were rated as having a high risk of bias. The most uniformly reported mandibular advancement splint side effects were predominantly of dental nature and included a decrease in overjet and overbite. The risk of developing pain and function impairment of the temporomandibular complex appeared limited with long-term mandibular advancement splint use. CONCLUSION: The limited available evidence suggests that mandibular advancement splint therapy for snoring and obstructive sleep apnea results in changes in craniofacial morphology that are predominantly dental in nature, specially on a long-term basis. Considering the chronic nature of obstructive sleep apnea and that oral appliance use might be a lifelong treatment, a thorough customized follow-up should therefore be undertaken to detect possible side effects on craniofacial complex. It is also important to provide adequate information to the patients regarding these possible changes, especially to those in whom larger occlusal changes are to be expected or in whom they are unfavorable. Long-term assessments of adverse effects of oral appliance therapy, with larger study samples and recruitment of homogenous patient population are still required.