Prevalence of Sleep-related Breathing Disorders in Children and Its Correlation with Oral Health Status Using FAIREST-6: Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: The hallmark of sleep-related breathing disorders (SRBDs) is the frequent occurrence of partial or complete upper airway collapse while asleep, which causes recurrent episodes of intermittent hypoxemia and wakefulness. The prevalence of SRBD is very high, yet it remains underdiagnosed and untreated. Initial screening can maximize the chances of early identification and assistance for children with SRBD. The aim was to assess prevalence of SRBD in young patients during mixed dentition period, reporting for dental examination using the pediatric sleep questionnaire (PSQ), and assess its correlation with oral health status utilizing Functional Airway Evaluation Screening Tool (FAIREST-6). Methodology: A study was conducted from January 2024 to June 2024, of 1,800 mixed dentition children during dental examinations. Outcome measures included a PSQ fulfilled by participating patients' guardians. Children identified at risk through PSQ were further screened using the FAIREST-6 screening tool by dental residents. Results: The sample consisted of 1,800 screened pediatric patients, 960 males and 840 females, with an overall mean age of 8.74 (1.8) years, with an age range between 6 and 12 years. SRBD was found in 5.2% of the children, with girls having a greater prevalence (52.2%) than boys (47.8%). A positive correlation was seen between variables (Tonsillar hypertrophy, narrow palate, and mentalis activity) and SRBD. Conclusion: The frequency of SRBDs, as assessed by routine examination of the PSQ and FAIREST-6, was 5.2%. The symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) were strongly linked to the existence of mentalis activity, tonsillar hypertrophy, and a narrow palate. Clinical significance: Dentists, doctors, and allied health providers can utilize the short and validated chairside FAIREST-6 screening test, which consists of six clinical determinants, to evaluate young patients for SDB. How to cite this article: Shirsat SM, Pawar M, Choudhari KS, et al. Prevalence of Sleep-related Breathing Disorders in Children and Its Correlation with Oral Health Status Using FAIREST-6: Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2025;18(11):1373-1377.