For a significant number of Australians, the missing piece is obstructive sleep apnoea — and they have no idea.

OSA is far more common than most people realise

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) occurs when the airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing the body to partially wake in order to restore breathing. These episodes can happen dozens — sometimes hundreds — of times per night, fragmenting sleep and starving the body of oxygen, without the person having any memory of it in the morning.

The prevalence data is striking. Research suggests that approximately one in two men over 40 have moderate-to-severe sleep-disordered breathing. Yet OSA remains significantly underdiagnosed, partly because many people assume it only affects overweight, older men who snore loudly. In reality, OSA presents across a much wider range of body types, ages, and genders — and many people with significant OSA sleep through the night without their partner noticing anything unusual.

The conditions OSA may be driving — or making worse

High blood pressure that won’t respond to treatment

If you or someone you know has hypertension that isn’t responding well to medication, OSA is worth investigating. Each time the airway collapses during sleep, the body undergoes a stress response — heart rate rises, blood pressure spikes, and the sympathetic nervous system activates. Over thousands of episodes per year, this chronic nocturnal stress drives sustained hypertension that can be difficult to manage through medication alone.

Research has shown that successfully treating OSA can lead to meaningful improvements in blood pressure management — sometimes reducing the need for medication.

Heart failure and atrial fibrillation

The links between OSA and cardiovascular disease are now well established. Recent data highlights a significant gap in chronic disease management: up to 80% of patients with heart failure, and approximately 50% of those with atrial fibrillation, have undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea.

For patients already managing these conditions, the repeated oxygen desaturations that occur during untreated OSA place additional strain on an already compromised cardiovascular system. Identifying and treating OSA is increasingly considered part of comprehensive cardiac care — yet it is often missed entirely.

Type 2 diabetes and metabolic health

OSA is also considered a likely hidden variable in patients with type 2 diabetes that is difficult to manage. Night-time oxygen desaturation and disrupted sleep architecture affect insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation. For patients who are doing everything their endocrinologist recommends and still struggling to achieve good control, sleep-disordered breathing is worth ruling out.

Mood, cognition, and what gets mistaken for something else

This is perhaps the most underappreciated aspect of OSA — and one that disproportionately affects women.

Symptoms including persistent low mood, poor concentration, memory difficulties, irritability, and emotional flatness are frequently attributed to depression, stress, perimenopause, or simply the demands of a busy life. In a meaningful proportion of cases, these symptoms are driven — at least in part — by disrupted, non-restorative sleep caused by untreated OSA.

One of the key clinical distinctions is the difference between general tiredness and excessive daytime sleepiness. General tiredness — feeling fatigued and flat — is common and has many causes. Excessive daytime sleepiness — the inability to stay awake in passive situations, such as reading, watching television, or sitting in a meeting — is a more specific symptom of disordered sleep architecture and is worth taking seriously.

Brain fog, reduced vigilance, and difficulty sustaining attention also have real-world consequences. For professionals, this affects performance, decision-making, and productivity. For anyone who drives regularly, it is a genuine safety concern.

Why so many people go undiagnosed

OSA is underdiagnosed for several reasons. Many people don’t snore loudly, or sleep alone and have no partner to report disrupted breathing. Some people feel they sleep “fine” — they fall asleep easily and don’t wake frequently — without realising that their sleep is non-restorative at a physiological level.

Women in particular are less likely to be referred for sleep studies, partly because their symptoms more commonly present as fatigue, mood changes, and insomnia rather than the loud snoring and witnessed apnoeas more typically associated with male OSA.

And for people already seeing multiple specialists for chronic conditions, sleep-disordered breathing may simply not be on anyone’s radar.

What can be done — and where your dentist fits in

If you think OSA may be relevant to you or someone in your care, the starting point is usually a conversation with your GP and a referral for a sleep study. We can help arrange this for you. This may be an in-laboratory polysomnography or a home-based sleep test, depending on your circumstances and your physician’s recommendation.

If OSA is confirmed, treatment options include:

CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) — a machine that delivers pressurised air through a mask to keep the airway open during sleep. It is highly effective but not tolerated by all patients. Mask comfort, noise, and the practical demands of travelling with equipment mean that adherence can be a real challenge.

Mandibular Advancement Splints (MAS) — a custom-fitted oral appliance made by a dentist that works by gently repositioning the lower jaw forward during sleep, preventing the airway from collapsing. MAS therapy is recommended by sleep physicians as a first-line treatment for mild-to-moderate OSA, and as an alternative for patients with severe OSA who cannot tolerate CPAP.

At Dentistry on George, we provide custom-fitted MAS devices for patients who have been diagnosed with OSA or who are experiencing significant snoring. The device is made from digital scans of your teeth and fitted precisely to your bite. Most patients find it significantly more comfortable and convenient than CPAP, and many report noticeable improvements in daytime energy and alertness within the first few weeks.

Who should consider asking about OSA?

You may benefit from a conversation about sleep-disordered breathing if you:

• Snore regularly, or have been told you stop breathing in your sleep
• Wake unrefreshed despite what seems like adequate sleep
• Experience excessive daytime sleepiness — not just tiredness, but difficulty staying awake in passive situations
• Have high blood pressure that is difficult to control
• Have been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation or heart failure
• Are managing type 2 diabetes and finding it difficult to achieve good glucose control
• Experience persistent brain fog, poor concentration, or mood changes that haven’t responded to other interventions
• Are a woman whose symptoms have been attributed to perimenopause or stress

What to do next

If you think OSA may be relevant to you, the starting point is a conversation with your GP and a referral for a sleep study. We’d encourage you to take this route rather than going directly to a sleep study provider — and here’s why.

Not all sleep study providers are equal, and the pathway you take matters. Some providers are affiliated with CPAP suppliers and will recommend CPAP as the primary or only treatment option, regardless of whether other options might suit you better. For a dentist to provide a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) as part of your OSA management, MAS therapy needs to be specifically recommended or considered in your sleep physician’s report.

By starting with your GP, they can refer you to an independent sleep physician who will assess all appropriate treatment options for your situation — including MAS — and provide a report that opens the door to the full range of care available to you. We’re happy to suggest sleep physicians we work with regularly if that’s helpful.

If you’ve already had a sleep study but aren’t sure what your report says about MAS therapy, bring it along to your appointment with us and we can take a look together.

At Dentistry on George, we see patients in Brisbane CBD who are looking for practical, evidence-based solutions to sleep-disordered breathing — whether that’s snoring affecting a partner’s sleep, or OSA contributing to a broader health picture that hasn’t quite added up.

Call us on 0732111155 or book online to arrange a consultation.

Related reading:

• Snoring and Sleep Apnoea: What Your Dentist Can Do
• The Hidden Risks of Snoring
• Our Snoring and Sleep Apnoea service page

The post Is Sleep Apnoea Making Your Health Harder to Manage? first appeared on Dentistry on George.

A cancer diagnosis brings a lot of moving parts — and dental care is often one of the first things people postpone. We understand why. But in many cases, staying on top of your oral health (or completing a few key dental steps before treatment begins) can help reduce the risk of dental pain, infection, and urgent problems during treatment.

This article explains:

• why dental care matters before and during cancer treatment

• what types of dental treatment are often suitable (and what is usually postponed)

• how timing works for chemotherapy and dental procedures

• what to do if you develop tooth pain or an infection during treatment

• how certain medications can change dental planning

Important: This is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personalised medical advice. Your oncology/haematology team’s guidance comes first, and your dentist may liaise with them when planning care.

Why dental care matters during cancer treatment

Cancer treatment can affect the mouth and immune system in ways that increase the chance of dental problems becoming urgent. Depending on the type of treatment, people may experience:

• mouth ulcers and soreness (mucositis)

• dry mouth and a higher risk of tooth decay

• gum inflammation and bleeding

• increased infection risk (particularly when white blood cell counts are low)

• increased bleeding risk (particularly when platelet counts are low)

• slower or more complicated healing after dental surgery

The goal of dental care in this context is straightforward: reduce the risk of infection and complications, keep you comfortable, and avoid preventable emergencies.

Before treatment: should you see a dentist?

If you can, yes — especially before chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or major cancer surgery

A pre-treatment dental appointment is often recommended because it gives time to:

• identify and address active infection

• stabilise teeth that are likely to flare up during treatment

• plan care around your medical schedule

• put a prevention plan in place (particularly for dry mouth and decay risk)

How far in advance should you see a dentist?

If timing allows, a few weeks before treatment is ideal, especially if extractions or other procedures requiring healing are needed. Sometimes treatment starts quickly — in that case, dental care focuses on priority issues rather than “everything at once.”

What your dentist will usually prioritise before treatment

This commonly includes:

• treating active infection or severe tooth pain

• stabilising cavities and broken teeth

• addressing gum infection or inflammation

• smoothing sharp edges that can irritate the mouth

• providing preventative advice (fluoride, dry mouth support, hygiene adjustments)

“I’ve just been diagnosed — should I cancel my appointment?”

Often, no — it may simply need to be adjusted.

Even if you’re starting treatment soon, your appointment can still be useful for:

• checking for infection or dental problems that could worsen

• taking baseline photos/x-rays if needed

• creating a simple prevention plan to reduce decay and soreness

• coordinating timing with your treating team where appropriate

If you’re unsure, the best approach is to tell us what treatment you’re starting and when, and we can advise whether to proceed as planned, modify the visit, or reschedule strategically.

Can you go to the dentist while on chemotherapy?

In many cases, yes — but it depends on:

• the type of chemotherapy and where you are in the cycle

• your current blood results (especially infection and bleeding risk)

• whether the dental treatment is routine, urgent, or invasive

What to tell your dentist

It helps to share:

• your cancer treatment type (chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy)

• your treatment dates (or approximate schedule)

• your medication list (including bone-strengthening medications)

• any recent blood test results if available

• any history of infections, fevers, or hospital admissions during treatment

Your dentist may recommend liaising with your treating team before invasive care — this is normal and is done for safety.

What dental treatment is usually appropriate during treatment?

Every situation is individual, but the general approach is:

Often suitable (when you’re medically stable)

• dental examination

• simple fillings or repairs

• smoothing sharp edges

• denture adjustments

• gentle cleaning (where appropriate)

• urgent care focused on stabilising pain and infection risk

Sometimes suitable (case-by-case)

• root canal treatment (often preferred over extraction when feasible)

• gum treatment, depending on comfort and bleeding risk

• minor procedures if timing and blood results are suitable

Usually postponed unless urgent

• elective cosmetic dentistry

• extensive treatment plans that can safely wait

• implants

• extractions and other surgery (unless necessary)

Flossing demonstration

Can you have a dental cleaning during chemotherapy?

Sometimes — and when it’s appropriate, it can be beneficial. The key is that it should be gentle, comfortable, and medically appropriate. If you have mouth soreness, ulcers, or a tendency to bleed easily, your dentist or hygienist may modify what they do and focus on comfort and prevention.

Can you have dental work done while on chemo?

This is one of the most common questions we hear. The answer is: sometimes, and it depends on the type of dental work.

• Non-invasive care can often be done with minimal risk.

• Invasive care (particularly extractions) requires more planning because infection risk, bleeding risk, and healing capacity can be affected.

If dental work is needed during treatment, the safest plan is usually one that:

• keeps procedures as conservative as possible where clinically appropriate

• times treatment around periods of lower risk

• coordinates with your treating team if needed

Can you get a tooth pulled while on chemotherapy?

Sometimes it’s necessary, but dentists generally try to avoid extractions during chemotherapy unless the tooth can’t be stabilised.

If an extraction is required, planning usually considers:

• infection risk and healing capacity

• bleeding risk

• timing within the treatment cycle

• whether alternative options (such as root canal treatment) could control the problem without surgery

If you develop facial swelling, fever, or rapidly worsening symptoms, seek urgent medical advice.

Toothache or infection during chemotherapy: what to do

If you develop tooth pain or signs of infection during treatment, don’t wait and hope it settles.

Seek advice promptly if you notice:

• increasing toothache

• swelling of the gum, face, or jaw

• a “pimple” on the gum, pus, or a bad taste

• fever, chills, or feeling unusually unwell

The priority is to control infection and keep you safe, which may involve dental treatment, coordination with your medical team, or referral depending on your overall health status.

How soon after chemotherapy can you have dental work?

There isn’t a one-size-fits-all timeline. Recovery varies depending on:

• the chemotherapy regimen and duration

• your immune recovery

• ongoing medications that affect healing or infection risk

A practical way to think about it:

• simple dentistry may be possible earlier

• invasive procedures generally wait until your treating team is confident your body is ready for healing and infection control

If you’re planning significant dental work after chemo, it can help to book a consultation early so you can map out a safe sequence and timing.

Does chemotherapy affect teeth?

Chemotherapy doesn’t usually “damage teeth” directly, but it can increase risk factors that lead to dental problems, including:

• dry mouth → higher decay risk

• mouth soreness → brushing becomes difficult

• changes in appetite/diet → more frequent snacking

• changes in oral bacteria and immune response

Radiotherapy to the head/neck can have more direct long-term effects on saliva and decay risk, and it can influence how dentists approach extractions and oral surgery.

Medication considerations: bisphosphonates/denosumab and dental surgery

Some patients take medications that affect bone turnover, such as bisphosphonates or denosumab (used in some cancer care and in osteoporosis). These medications can increase the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), particularly after extractions or other invasive jaw procedures.

This does not mean you can’t have dental treatment — it means planning matters:

• prevention is a priority

• treatment may be more conservative where appropriate

• surgical decisions may require additional coordination and discussion

If you are on these medications, tell your dentist as early as possible.

Practical mouth care tips during treatment

Small changes can make a big difference.

For dry mouth

• sip water regularly

• use saliva gels/sprays if needed

• avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes

• ask your dentist about high-fluoride toothpaste if you’re at higher risk of decay

For a sore mouth or ulcers

• use a soft toothbrush and gentle technique

• avoid spicy/acidic foods if they sting

• ask your treating team about suitable mouth rinses if pain is significant

For decay prevention

• brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

• clean between teeth daily if comfortable

• try to reduce frequent sugary snacks/drinks (especially if dry mouth is an issue)

Brisbane CBD appointments

If you’re undergoing cancer treatment and you’re based in Brisbane, we can help you plan dental care around your medical schedule.

At Dentistry on George (Brisbane CBD) we can:

• assess and stabilise dental issues before treatment where time allows

• help manage dental pain or infection during treatment (with appropriate coordination)

• support prevention strategies for dry mouth, ulcers and decay risk

If you’re in active treatment, let us know:

• your treatment dates (or next cycle date), and

• any relevant medications (especially bisphosphonates/denosumab)

This helps us schedule appropriately.

You can book online for your dental assessment or treatment. For new patients to our practice, please check our new patients page

FAQs

Can you go to the dentist while on chemo?
Often yes, but timing and medical stability matter. Non-invasive care is generally easier to schedule than surgery.

Can you have dental work done while on chemo?
Sometimes. Your dentist will weigh the urgency of treatment against infection/bleeding risk and healing capacity.

Can you have a dental cleaning during chemotherapy?
Sometimes. A gentle clean may be appropriate depending on comfort and bleeding risk.

How soon after chemo can you have dental work?
It depends on recovery and your medical plan. Invasive work often waits until your team confirms you’re ready to heal safely.

Can a dentist tell if you have cancer?
Dentists may notice unusual changes and refer you for assessment, but diagnosis requires appropriate medical investigation.

The post Dental Care During Cancer Treatment first appeared on Dentistry on George.

What’s more, the last 11 years of a man’s life tend to be in poor health.

Men take their own lives at four times the rate of women (that’s five men a day, on average).  Accidents, cancer and heart disease all account for the majority of male deaths. (1)

The good news however, is that only 30% of a man’s health is determined through genetics. The other 70% is determined through lifestyle choices. (2) Those lifestyle choices affect all aspect of health, including dental health. In addition, a healthy approach to your dental well-being leads to a healthier lifestyle.

Men don’t brush their teeth as often as women

A study has shown that Australian men are significantly less likely to brush their teeth twice a day than women. Only 36% of men brush their teeth twice per day! (2)

You may remember from previous blogs, that brushing twice per day is only part of the picture. By not cleaning between your teeth (with floss or interdental brushes), 40% of tooth surfaces are missed.

This build-up of bacteria on the teeth causes inflammation, infection and tooth decay, which have consequences on general health.

Heart disease is a leading cause of death in men.

There is more and more evidence coming out on the links between poor oral health and cardiovascular disease, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. Those with gum disease are twice as likely to have heart disease.

Men are more likely to suffer heart attack
than women.

Although it’s important for all men to be diligent with their dental health, some men should take extra time to make sure their oral hygiene is at its best, especially if they have a heart condition.

Signs of gum disease:

• gums that are red and/or swollen
• bleeding gums
• bad breath
• teeth that are loose
• teeth that seem to be moving

Seeing your dentist regularly means that gum disease could be caught early, which makes it much easier to treat.

Men are more likely to get cancer of the head and neck

Another leading cause of death in men is cancer. One cancer that we are particularly worried about is cancer of the head and neck. In Australia in 2019, 73% of head and neck cancers diagnosed were in men.

Oral cancers are those that affect the lips, tongue, floor of mouth, cheeks, gums, roof of mouth, tonsils and salivary glands. These are a type of head and neck cancer.

Cancers of the mouth can affect anyone, but it is more common in men over 40 years old (95% of oral cancers are in the over 40s).

Too much alcohol increases
your risk of oral cancer.

The main risk factors for mouth cancer:

• Tobacco
• Alcohol
• Viruses (human papillomavirus; Epstein-Barr virus)
• Poor oral hygiene and gum disease
• Family history of mouth cancers
• Exposure to the sun (cancers of the lip)
• Betel nut chewing

Signs that warrant an urgent check by your dentist:

• A persistent ulcer
• A lump in your neck
• A swelling or sore on your lip that won’t heal
• Difficult or painful swallowing
• Changes in speech, including hoarseness
• Bleeding or numbness in the mouth
• White or red patches anywhere in the mouth, for example on the gums, tongue or roof of the mouth

Mental Health

On average, one in eight men will experience depression and one in five men will experience anxiety at some stage of their lives.

Depression can also lead us to neglect basic habits such as healthy eating, brushing and flossing. Neglecting our oral health can lead to many problems from tooth decay and gum disease.

Tell your dentist about any stresses or anxieties
you have, including any medications you are
taking.

What should I tell my dentist?

Telling your dentist about the medications you take for depression and anxiety is very important. Many of these medications can lead to a dry mouth. Saliva is so important for protecting your teeth and gums. It contains many substances, from those that are antibacterial, to ones that can actually stop and even reverse early tooth decay. Those with dry mouth are much more likely to suffer from tooth decay and gum disease, and these diseases can progress at an alarmingly rapid rate if left unchecked. Your dentist can help with keeping a close eye on things, and also prescribing or suggesting products that can help.

Men are more likely to snore

Snoring can affect the quality of life of those trying to get a good night’s sleep. However, snoring can by a symptom of a more serious disease – obstructive sleep apnoea.

Obstructive sleep apnoea is caused when fatty tissue at the back of the throat temporarily closes the airway during sleep. It is more common in men than in women, although after menopause women may be more at risk.

Almost everyone who has obstructive sleep apnoea snores. This is because snoring is the result of narrow or floppy upper airways. (4) People with moderate to severe sleep apnoea are more likely to die prematurely. Treatment is simple and can drastically improve your quality of life.

Untreated sleep apnoea increases your risk
of falling asleep at the wheel.

At Dentistry On George we can treat those, on recommendation from a sleep physician, who have mild to moderate sleep apnoea with an oral appliance. This is like top and bottom mouth-guards that hold the lower jaw, and therefore the tongue, forward. This reduces the soft tissues collapsing in at the back of the throat.

Next Steps

1. Make sure you are brushing twice per day and cleaning in between the teeth with floss or interdental brushes
2. Eat a healthy diet, low in sugars
3. Visit your dentist regularly
4. Get help for your snoring

Regular dental check-ups are an integral part of our overall health. This becomes even more important if there are other health issues at play, such as heart disease.

At Dentistry On George we do a thorough and meticulous check of not only your teeth and gums, but of your medical history and other factors that could be significant. If a sleep issue is suspected, a sleep history will be taken and referral to a sleep physician for testing.

Contact us to arrange your dental health assessment or to find out more about any of the issues raised in this article. Our friendly team are here to help.

Our friendly team are here to help you.

Resources

1. https://www.menshealthweek.org.au/health-info
2. https://www.dhsv.org.au/news/news-stories/general-news-stories/2013/mens-health-week-oral-health-for-men
3. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/media/statistics
4. https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/files/pdfs/Obstructive%20Sleep%20Apnoea.pdf

The post Men’s Health first appeared on Dentistry on George.