Association between Risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Oral Health Indicators among Korean Adults Aged ≥40 Years Using the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and oral health indicators among adults aged ≥40 years, using data from the 8th Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Methods: The study participants (n=8,603) were adults aged ≥40 years who responded to both OSA-related questions and all variables related to oral health status. Using the STOP B-28 questionnaire, participants were classified into the normal OSA (n=2,750) and OSA risk (n=5,853) groups. Statistical analyses were performed using complex sample cross-tabulation and logistic regression analyses. Results: The risk factors for OSA included sex (male), age (≥40 years), low education level, frequent drinking, hypertension, dyslipidemia, sinusitis, obesity, and increased neck circumference (≥40 cm). The risk of OSA was 1.370-fold higher in participants who reported chewing discomfort than in those who did not (p<0.01). The risk was also 1.165-fold higher in those with a higher number of remaining natural teeth than in those with fewer teeth (p<0.05). Conclusions: Among oral health-related factors, chewing discomfort and the number of remaining natural teeth were associated with an increased risk of OSA, indicating that oral health management and prevention may contribute to a reduction in the risk of OSA.