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Our mission as a specialist sleep dental clinic is to provide clear, evidence-based information about obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and its causes, and to offer effective dental sleep solutions.
One question we hear frequently is: “Is sleep apnoea genetic?” The answer is nuanced: yes, genetic and familial factors can increase the risk of developing OSA, but genes are only part of a much broader picture.
What Does “Genetic” Really Mean in the Context of OSA?
Research shows that OSA is heritable to a meaningful degree, although it does not follow a simple “one gene causes the condition” pattern. For example:
- Studies indicate that having a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, with OSA raises your risk by approximately 50 percent compared with the general population
- Large scale genetic analyses have identified multiple loci (specific genetic variants) associated with OSA severity. One study found nine novel loci, with part of the effect explained by body mass index (BMI) and part independent of BMI
- Twin and family based studies demonstrate that structural traits of the upper airway and associated physiology (such as the Apnoea Hypopnoea Index) show substantial heritability
In simple terms, when we say “genetic risk”, we mean inherited factors such as craniofacial anatomy (jaw shape, palate width, tongue posture), neuromuscular control of the airway, fat distribution around the neck, or underlying metabolic tendencies, all of which may make someone more prone to OSA.
Why Genetics Alone Doesn’t Tell the Full Story
Despite the clear genetic component, it’s very important to emphasise that genes do not guarantee OSA will occur—they raise susceptibility and interact with environment, lifestyle and anatomy. Key reasons include:
- Obesity and neck fat: Excess weight remains one of the strongest modifiable risk factors for OSA. Some genetic effects operate through BMI, but lifestyle plays a large role
- Age, sex, and anatomical development: Male sex, advancing age, and anatomical features like tonsil enlargement or a narrow airway dimensional space all contribute. Genetics may underlie these, but so do developmental and environmental factors
- Environmental and behavioural factors: Alcohol use, smoking, sleeping position, nasal congestion and muscle tone all influence airway collapse risk. Genes cannot be modified, but many of these factors can
From a clinical dental perspective, this means that even if a patient has a family history of OSA, early screening and intervention become even more important and at Optima Sleep we emphasise this pathway.
What This Means for Dental Sleep Medicine and Our Practice
We specialise in mild to moderate OSA and snoring with custom airway sleep devices (mandibular advancement splints). When a patient has a family or personal risk of OSA (for example, family history, large neck circumference, craniofacial traits), we integrate the following into our care:
- Targeted screening and home sleep apnoea testing: Early stage HSAT allows us to identify OSA risk before the condition progresses
- Dental airway assessment: We evaluate jaw development, tongue posture, dental arch width and occlusion—all factors that may be influenced by genetic anatomy
- Custom mandibular advancement splint therapy: For appropriate candidates, we provide evidence based dental devices that reposition the lower jaw and help maintain airway patency during sleep, especially valuable when anatomical predisposition is present
- Follow up and ongoing monitoring: Because genetic risk is non modifiable, we provide long term follow up to ensure therapy remains effective as anatomy and physiology evolve
Yes, obstructive sleep apnoea does have a genetic component. Inherited traits such as airway anatomy, neuromuscular control and fat distribution can increase risk, often by around 50 percent if a first degree relative is affected. However, genes are just part of the story. Lifestyle, anatomy, sleep position, nasal health, and dental structure all play major roles and can be addressed.
For patients with family history or craniofacial risk traits, specialist dental sleep medicine care, such as that provided by Optima Sleep, offers a proactive pathway to screening, intervention and long term management. If you have concerns about sleep apnoea, snoring or family risk, contact us today for a personalised assessment and treatment plan.