Oral surface pH and dental findings in children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and sleep disordered breathing

Objectives: This study aimed to characterize pH and dental status of Israeli children who suffer from sleep disordered breathing.
Methods: 43 children aged 3-11 years: 22 children in the study group and 21 children in the control group were examined. The following data were assessed: Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), dental calculus formation, DMFT index and oral surface pH at 7 sites. Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS™ software (version 22, IBM Corporation, Armonk, New York).
Results: A significant difference (p= 0.008) was found between the groups in the total mean mucosal pH of all sites. Moreover,a significant difference was found between the groups in the average pH of hard and soft palate and in the posterior and middle tongue. The acidity at these sites was higher in the study group as compared to the control group. There was no statistical difference between the groups regarding the PI, GI, dental calculus formation, DMF Index, and the pH score at right and left buccal mucosa and anterior tongue.
Conclusions: A statistically significant lower average mucosal pH level was measured in the study group as compared to the control group. This may be explained by mouth breathing which is characteristic of OSA.