Background

Previous research has shown that there may be such a link between the sleep disorder obstructive sleep apnea and dry mouth. These findings have been made in a small study group and there is a lack of population-level studies from the Nordic countries. Two of the main symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea are snoring and stopping breathing during sleep. Both of these symptoms and the experience of dry mouth were reported by participants in HUNT4.

Purpose

Primarily, this master's thesis aims to study the association between symptoms of OSA (respiratory arrest and snoring) and dry mouth. Secondarily, we have looked at the association between symptoms of OSA and self-perceived health and dental health.

Methods

Cross-sectional study with data from HUNT4. The selection consisted of 38,237 participants. Descriptive analyses and logistic regression analysis were used.

Results

In this study, an association was found between perceived respiratory arrest, snoring, and self-reported dry mouth. Those with respiratory arrest and snoring had an increased chance of also having dry mouth, compared to those without respiratory arrest and/or snoring. This association was stronger with increased frequency of snoring and respiratory arrest. There was also an association between experienced respiratory arrest and self-perceived poor health and dental health.

Cooperating institutions

• UiT Arctic University of Norway