Berlin, Germany – As modern life increasingly encroaches on restorative sleep, a growing body of research is focusing on the intersection of dental health and sleep disorders. Recent developments in the field, highlighted by the Korean Dental Sleep Medicine Society’s spring academic conference, suggest that dentists may play a crucial role in both diagnosing and treating conditions like sleep apnea. This emerging field, known as dental sleep medicine, is gaining traction as a non-invasive and often effective alternative to traditional medical interventions.
The prevalence of sleep disorders is a significant public health concern globally. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than a third of US adults report that they usually get less than the recommended amount of sleep. This lack of sleep is linked to a range of health problems, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and mental health issues. In South Korea, as noted by 이유미 회장 (Chairwoman Lee Yu-mi), high stress levels contribute to a particularly acute problem with sleep disturbances, prompting increased attention to innovative treatment approaches.
The Expanding Role of Dental Sleep Medicine
Traditionally, sleep apnea – a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep – has been primarily managed by medical professionals using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) machines. Still, CPAP adherence rates are often low due to discomfort and inconvenience. Dental sleep medicine offers alternative treatments, primarily oral appliances, that reposition the jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. These appliances are custom-fitted by dentists trained in this specialized area.
The recent spring academic conference of the Korean Dental Sleep Medicine Society, held at Seoul National University Dental Hospital on June 15, 2025, focused on “Predicting the Possibility of Treatment in Dental Sleep Medicine.” The event brought together experts to discuss the clinical predictability of various sleep disorder treatments. As reported by GunChi News, the conference was structured around three sessions: the correlation between sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease/orofacial pain, non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea, and the predictability of surgical interventions.
Understanding the Connections: Sleep, Heart Health, and Pain
The first session of the conference delved into the complex relationship between sleep disorders and other health conditions. 순천향대학교 신경과 주병억 교수 (Professor Joo Byeong-yeok of Soonchunhyang University’s Department of Neurology) presented on the link between sleep disorders and cardiovascular disease. This connection is well-established; sleep apnea, for example, can lead to high blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and an increased risk of stroke. 서울대학교 구강내과 박지운 교수 (Professor Park Ji-woon of Seoul National University’s Department of Oral Medicine) explored the impact of sleep disorders on orofacial pain, highlighting how conditions like bruxism (teeth grinding) can be exacerbated by sleep disturbances.
Non-Surgical Treatments: Oral Appliances and Beyond
The second session focused on non-surgical treatments for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). 연세대학교 치과교정과 최윤정 교수 (Professor Choi Yoon-jeong of Yonsei University’s Department of Orthodontics) discussed the predictive efficacy of maxillary skeletal expansion – a procedure to widen the upper jaw – in improving sleep apnea. 서울대학교 구강내과 장지희 교수 (Professor Jang Ji-hee of Seoul National University’s Department of Oral Medicine) presented on predicting the effectiveness of oral appliances. These appliances, ranging from mandibular advancement devices (MADs) to tongue-retaining devices, are often a first-line treatment option for mild to moderate OSA. The success of these devices depends on factors like the severity of the apnea, the patient’s anatomy, and proper fitting by a qualified dentist.
Surgical Interventions: Assessing Predictability
The final session addressed the predictability of surgical treatments for sleep apnea. 연세대학교 구강악안면외과 김준영 교수 (Professor Kim Jun-young of Yonsei University’s Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery) examined the predictability of outcomes following mandibular-maxillary advancement (MMA) surgery – a more invasive procedure that repositions both the upper and lower jaws. 고려대안산병원 이비인후과 이승훈 교수 (Professor Lee Seung-hoon of Korea University Ansan Hospital’s Department of Otolaryngology) discussed predicting the effectiveness of various ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgical procedures used to treat sleep apnea, such as uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (UPPP).
The Leadership of 이유미 and the Future of the Society
The Korean Dental Sleep Medicine Society is under the leadership of 이유미 원광치대 학장 (Lee Yu-mi, Dean of Wonkwang University’s Dental School). Daily Dental reports that Lee was elected as the 8th president of the society in April 2023, serving a two-year term until April 2025. Her leadership is focused on promoting research and education in the field of dental sleep medicine, fostering collaboration between dentists and other medical professionals, and raising awareness of the importance of addressing sleep disorders.
The society’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is particularly noteworthy. Effective management of sleep apnea often requires a team approach involving dentists, physicians, sleep specialists, and other healthcare providers. By facilitating communication and knowledge sharing, the Korean Dental Sleep Medicine Society is working to improve patient care and advance the field as a whole.
Expanding Access to Treatment
One of the key challenges in addressing sleep apnea is access to diagnosis and treatment. Many individuals with sleep apnea remain undiagnosed, and even those who are diagnosed may face barriers to receiving appropriate care. Dental sleep medicine has the potential to expand access to treatment by providing a less invasive and more affordable alternative to traditional medical interventions. However, it is crucial that dentists receive adequate training and education in this specialized area to ensure that they can provide safe and effective care.
The growing recognition of the link between oral health and systemic health, including sleep disorders, is driving increased interest in dental sleep medicine. As research continues to uncover the complex interplay between these factors, the role of dentists in addressing sleep apnea and other sleep disorders is likely to become even more prominent.
Key Takeaways
- Dental sleep medicine is an emerging field offering alternative treatments for sleep disorders, particularly obstructive sleep apnea.
- Oral appliances, custom-fitted by dentists, can effectively reposition the jaw and tongue to maintain an open airway during sleep.
- The Korean Dental Sleep Medicine Society is actively promoting research, education, and collaboration in this field.
- Interdisciplinary collaboration between dentists, physicians, and sleep specialists is crucial for optimal patient care.
The Korean Dental Sleep Medicine Society’s ongoing work, coupled with increasing global awareness of the importance of sleep health, suggests a promising future for dental sleep medicine. Further research and continued education will be essential to refine treatment protocols and expand access to care for those suffering from sleep disorders. The next major event from the society is expected to be an autumn symposium focusing on advanced diagnostic techniques, details of which will be released on their official website in the coming months. Readers interested in learning more about sleep disorders and dental sleep medicine are encouraged to consult with their healthcare providers and explore resources from reputable organizations like the Sleep Foundation.
Worth a look