Obstructive sleep apnea tied to weaker bones and teeth in adults

A recent study led by the University at Buffalo has revealed that Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) may be linked to low bone mineral density in adults. This is important as low bone mineral density is an indicator of osteoporosis, which makes bones weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fractures. It also affects oral health, causing teeth to loosen and dental implants to fail.

The study used cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) to measure bone density in the head and neck of 38 participants, half of whom had OSA. The participants with OSA had lower bone mineral density than those without, after controlling for age, sex and weight. OSA, which is characterized by difficulty breathing during sleep, can lead to hypoxia, inflammation, oxidative stress, and shortened breathing patterns, which negatively impact bone metabolism and bone density. The study's author, Thikriat Al-Jewair, believes CBCT imaging could be used as a screening tool for low bone mineral density, but more research is needed.

References:

University of Buffalo. (2023, January 30). Study: Obstructive sleep apnea tied to weaker bones and teeth in adults. Newswise. Retrieved January 31, 2023, from https://www.newswise.com/articles/study-obstructive-sleep-apnea-tied-to-weaker-bones-and-teeth-in-adults