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Obstructive sleep apnea and bruxism — NDEB AFK MCQ

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HardRestorativeObstructive sleep apnea and bruxismNDEB AFK

A 52-year-old with loud snoring, witnessed apnoeas, morning headaches, and severe tooth wear asks for a nightguard. The partner reports choking episodes at night. What is the most appropriate investigation?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

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Correct answer: D — Medical sleep assessment before appliance therapy

Symptoms of obstructive sleep apnoea require medical sleep assessment before assuming tooth wear is isolated bruxism. A nightguard alone may protect teeth but does not diagnose or treat airway obstruction. The pearl is that dentists can identify sleep-disordered breathing risk and should refer appropriately.

Reference: Canadian dental sleep medicine references; NDEB KSAs 2024