Association Between Dental Malocclusion and Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children: An Umbrella Review

• Grant number: 24/20153-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: September 01, 2025
• End date: August 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Health Sciences - Medicine - Surgery
• Principal Investigator: Almiro José Machado Júnior
• Grantee: Giovani Vinhato Breanza
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Estadual Paulista (UNESP). Campus de São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Malocclusion, characterized by dental misalignments and discrepancies in the relationship between the upper and lower dental arches, has been the subject of growing interest in the dental field, related to sleep disorders. Malocclusion can influence jaw posture and upper airway permeability, contributing to the occurrence of apnea and hypopnea. Understanding this relationship is crucial for an integrated approach that considers not only oral health, but also the well-being of children. The objective of this systematic review is to study whether the severity of malocclusion can play a significant role in the intensity and frequency of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a clinical condition in which repetitive obstructions of the throat occur during sleep, in children, understanding the effects and causes for the health of children and consequently of adults.