ROLE OF THE DENTIST IN THE EARLY IDENTIFICATION OF RISK FACTORS OF THE OBSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNEA
Syndrome of obstructive sleep apnea - is a sleep disorder that involves cessation or significant decrease in airflow in the presence of breathing effort, depression of level of blood oxygen, rasping fragmentation of a dream and excess day sleepiness [1; 2]. Determining the risk of sleep apnea using a questionnaire and examination of the oral cavity - the initial step in the fight against this disease, which in many cases is still remaining undiagnosed. As a result of research it was established that the risk of sleep apnea increases with age and depends on Mallampati class (extent of visualization of a oropharynx) [3]. The risk of the syndrome identified in significant part of the surveyed patients was confirmed by the results of polysomnography.