Snoring Symptoms and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Factors Identified by Doctors of Dental Medicine

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A recent study from the University of Split School of Medicine in Croatia has revealed a significant association between snoring and increased risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). The research, published in Acta Stomatologica Croatica, aimed to examine the relationship between snoring and patients' age, sex, and anthropometric characteristics. The study included 795 participants who underwent overnight polysomnography and completed the STOP questionnaire and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale. The results showed that snoring was significantly associated with higher body mass, increased BMI, larger body circumferences, and more severe OSA.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study found a significant association between snoring and increased risk of OSA, with snoring being a useful clinical marker for dentists when identifying patients at elevated risk for OSA.
  • Participants who reported snoring were significantly heavier and had a higher BMI than those without snoring, with a mean weight difference of 12 kg (96.5 ± 20.5 kg vs. 84.6 ± 19.3 kg) and a mean BMI difference of 4.1 kg/m² (31.3 ± 10.9 kg/m² vs. 27.2 ± 5.1 kg/m²).
  • Snoring was also associated with larger neck, waist, and hip circumferences, with a mean difference of 2.7 cm (41.5 ± 6.0 cm vs. 38.8 ± 4.5 cm), 10.9 cm (107.8 ± 15.4 cm vs. 96.9 ± 15.4 cm), and 4.7 cm (110.7 ± 12.3 cm vs. 106.0 ± 11.0 cm) respectively.
  • The study findings suggest that BMI, AHI, and age are significant predictors of snoring, while sex does not show a statistically significant influence.
  • The results of the study provide valuable insights for dentists and healthcare professionals when identifying patients at increased risk for OSA.

Statistics:

  • The study included 795 participants who were divided into two groups: those who reported snoring and those who did not.
  • Participants who reported snoring had a mean weight of 96.5 ± 20.5 kg, which was significantly higher than those without snoring who had a mean weight of 84.6 ± 19.3 kg.
  • Participants who reported snoring had a mean BMI of 31.3 ± 10.9 kg/m², which was significantly higher than those without snoring who had a mean BMI of 27.2 ± 5.1 kg/m².
  • Snoring was associated with larger body circumferences, with a mean neck circumference of 41.5 ± 6.0 cm, waist circumference of 107.8 ± 15.4 cm, and hip circumference of 110.7 ± 12.3 cm.

Sources:

  • Snoring Symptoms and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Factors Identified by Doctors of Dental Medicine. Acta Stomatologica Croatica, 2025, 59(2):155-164.
  • University of Split School of Medicine, Split, Croatia.
  • University of Zagreb. School of Dental Medicine.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.15644/asc59/2/5
  • NewsRx. New Obstructive Sleep Apnea Research from University of Split School of Medicine Described (Snoring Symptoms and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Risk Factors Identified by Doctors of Dental Medicine). Respiratory Therapeutics Week. July 14, 2025; p 2948.