[Correlation between edentulism, sleep disorders and arterial hypertension. Preliminary research].
BACKGROUND
Respiratory disturbances during sleep are considered risk factors for arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Edentulism, by decreasing retro-pharyngeal space, may favor upper airway occlusion during sleep. Aim of the study is to evaluate whether edentulism is associated with greater prevalence of sleep disturbances, arterial hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.


METHODS
Eighty edentulous subjects with dentures (removed during sleep) and 57 subjects with natural teeth, matched for age, underwent assessment of oral conditions and recording of questionnaires on diseases and respiratory sleep disturbances.


RESULTS
Edentulous subjects had a significantly higher prevalence of arterial hypertension and cardiovascular diseases, than subjects with natural teeth.


CONCLUSIONS
In edentulous subjects, removing dentures during sleep may favor respiratory disorders, and increase the risk for hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
Carossa
S
S
Università degli Studi, Foggia Cattedra di Malattie Odontostomatologiche Università degli Studi, Torino.
Bucca
C
C
De Lillo
A
A
Corsalini
M
M
Rizzatti
A
A
Lombardo
S
S
Pera
P
P
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D009066:Mouth, Edentulous / Q000150:complications*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires