Tongue and tonsil size could cause sleep problems

Your dentist could be in the best position to pinpoint signs of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), according to a new study led by University at Buffalo orthodontic researcher Thikriat Al-Jewair.

OSA is a disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to blocked upper airways. The study found that oversized tonsils and tongue indentations, which are teeth imprints along the tongue that indicate it is too large for the mouth, placed people at high risk for OSA. Obese patients were almost ten times more likely to report OSA symptoms than non-obese patients.

Although dentists aren't able to diagnose OSA, they can spot an enlarged tongue or tonsils and recommend a patient to a sleep medicine specialist.

"We need to teach students about this condition before they get out in the field and educate dentists about the major role they play in identifying and treating patients with sleep-related disorders," Mr Al-Jewair stated.