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.

What is Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Snoring occurs when the flow of air through the mouth and nose is partially blocked during sleep, causing the tissues in the throat to vibrate. While it may seem benign, persistent snoring can be a sign of a more serious condition called obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterised by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to the relaxation of throat muscles and tissues, which block the airway. These interruptions can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur numerous times per hour. The condition leads to fragmented sleep and can result in daytime fatigue, cardiovascular issues, and other health problems.

Dental Implications of Snoring and OSA

Impact on Oral Health:

• Dry Mouth: Mouth breathing, which is common in individuals with snoring and OSA, can lead to dry mouth. This dry environment is less conducive to the natural protective mechanisms of saliva, increasing the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
• Dental Wear and Tear: The grinding of teeth (bruxism), which can sometimes accompany sleep disorders, may result in enamel wear, cracked teeth, increased sensitivity, and the need for restorative dental treatments.

Identification and Diagnosis:

• Oral Examination: Dentists can often identify signs of OSA during routine exams. Observations may include a large tongue, enlarged tonsils, or a narrow airway. Additionally, dental professionals may notice signs of bruxism or other stress-related conditions that often accompany sleep disorders.
• Sleep Studies: While dentists cannot diagnose OSA definitively, they can refer patients to sleep specialists for sleep studies to confirm the diagnosis. These studies are crucial for determining the severity of OSA and formulating an effective treatment plan.

Treatment Options:

• Oral Appliances: One of the most common dental interventions for OSA is the use of mandibular advancement devices (MADs). These custom-made devices help reposition the lower jaw and tongue to keep the airway open during sleep. MADs can also be an effective alternative for those who cannot tolerate Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) therapy.
• Behavioural and Lifestyle Modifications: Dentists can offer guidance on lifestyle changes that may alleviate symptoms, such as weight loss, smoking cessation, and changes in sleep position.
• Collaborative Care: Dental professionals often work in conjunction with sleep specialists, ENT doctors, and other healthcare providers to manage OSA comprehensively. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that all aspects of the patient’s health are considered in the treatment plan.

Why Dental Professionals Matter

Dental professionals are uniquely positioned to identify early signs of sleep disorders due to their frequent observations of oral health issues that can be linked to snoring and OSA. They play a crucial role in:

• Early Detection: By recognizing signs and symptoms related to sleep disorders, dentists can initiate timely referrals to sleep specialists.
• Customised Solutions: Dentists can provide personalised treatment plans and oral appliances tailored to the individual needs of patients with sleep disorders.
• Patient Education: Educating patients about the potential connections between their oral health and sleep patterns empowers them to seek appropriate care and make informed decisions.

Conclusion

Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea are not merely sleep disturbances; they are conditions that can have significant repercussions for overall health and well-being. From a dental perspective, recognising the signs, understanding the implications for oral health, and providing appropriate interventions can make a meaningful difference in the management of these conditions. By addressing these issues proactively, dental professionals can help patients achieve better sleep and improve their quality of life.

If you suspect you have a sleep disorder or are experiencing symptoms like snoring, consult your dentist. They can help identify potential issues, guide you through treatment options, and collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

Your oral health is closely linked to your overall health, and addressing sleep-related issues is a crucial step towards a healthier, more restful life.

References

1. American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM)
   • AASM provides comprehensive information on sleep disorders, including obstructive sleep apnea. Visit their website for resources and guidelines.
   • Website: aasm.org
2. American Dental Association (ADA)
   • The ADA offers insights into the role of dental professionals in diagnosing and managing sleep disorders.
   • Website: ada.org
3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
   • NHLBI provides detailed information on obstructive sleep apnoea, its symptoms, and treatments.
   • Website: nhlbi.nih.gov
4. Sleep Foundation
   • The Sleep Foundation offers articles on snoring, sleep apnoea, and the role of dental devices in managing these conditions.
   • Website: sleepfoundation.org
5. International Journal of Dental Sleep Medicine
   • This journal focuses on the intersection of dental health and sleep medicine, including articles on the use of oral appliances for sleep apnoea.
   • Website: ijdsm.org
6. American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine (AADSM)
   • AADSM provides resources for dental professionals regarding the management of obstructive sleep apnoea and other sleep-related disorders.
   • Website: aadsm.org

The post Understanding Snoring and Obstructive Sleep Apnea: A Dental Perspective first appeared on Dentistry on George.

A good night’s sleep is important for many aspects of our health and well-being:

• Good sleep can boost your cognitive performance and mood
• Poor sleep can increase the risk of poor mental health
• Poor sleep is linked to heart disease, diabetes, obesity and even dementia

For many of us, improving our sleep may be as simple as shutting off the blue light an hour before bed, limiting caffeine in the afternoon, having a wind down routine and going to bed earlier. However, for others it can be more difficult than that.

A relaxing bed-time routine can help with sleep

A snoring partner can be very disruptive to the quality and quantity of your sleep. Or perhaps you are doing all of the above and are going to bed early, feel like you are sleeping well, but are still tired in the morning. What else can you do?

This blog covers the disruptions of snoring, the hidden health impacts of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), what you can do about it and how your dentist can help. It’s one of the most common things we’re asked about at our Brisbane CBD practice.

What is snoring?

The sound of snoring is caused by soft tissue vibrations at the back of your throat. This happens when air passes past these tissues which are more relaxed and floppier when you are sleeping. Most of us will snore from time to time. A cold can cause a blocked nose and narrower airways, leading to snoring. Alcohol causes the soft tissues to relax even more, causing snoring.

Snoring is one symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea. It’s also very disturbing for bed partners.

However, chronic snoring can be the sign of an underlying issue and can be a problem in and of itself. Snoring is essentially an obstruction. It means that air is not passing freely. If the passage of air stops due to the soft tissues at the back of the throat collapsing and blocking airflow – this is what we call an apnoea. This can happen multiple times per night in those with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA).

Those that snore do not necessarily have sleep apnoea. However, one of the main symptoms of OSA is snoring.

How can I reduce my snoring?

1. Reduce alcohol – alcohol is a relaxant and will make the soft tissues at the back of the throat even more floppy and increase snoring.
2. Try and sleep on your side – gravity while sleeping on your back will cause more soft tissue collapse at the back of your throat. Try a positioning device, or an old-fashioned tennis ball tied into the back of your shirt.
3. Aim for a healthy weight – too much excess tissue at the back of our throat will increase snoring and risk of OSA.

What is obstructive sleep apnoea

Sleep apnoea is a very common sleep disorder, and many people don’t even know that they have it. Apnoea means ‘without breath’ and is classified as no airflow for more than 10 seconds. People with sleep apnoea also have hypopnoeas and this is a reduction in airflow by around 50%.

Apnoea means ‘without breath’ and can happen when the soft tissues at the back of the throat narrow and block the airflow

This absence of breath, or reduction in breath, causes the amount of oxygen in the blood to drop, which sets off alarm bells in your brain. Your brain will then wake you from sleep to make you take a breath. Most people are not even aware of these awakenings, as they are so short. However, this fragmented sleep can leave them feeling very tired.

All these little awakenings, which can happen anywhere from more than 5 times per hour (mild sleep apnoea) to over 30 times per hour (severe sleep apnoea) not only affects your sleep and your energy levels, but has physiological consequences. When your brain jolts you out of sleep to stimulate you to breathe, it also causes a rise in blood pressure and heart rate. This happening multiple times per hour can lead to other health issues such as cardiovascular disease and increased risk of stroke and heart attack. Untreated sleep apnoea also increases the risk of type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms. We go into these in more detail in Is Sleep Apnoea Making Your Health Harder to Manage?

What are the other symptoms of Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Along with snoring, those with OSA may also experience:

• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Problems with concentration
• Morning headaches
• Teeth grinding
• Sore throat when wakening in the morning
• Witnessed pauses in breathing during the night and/or gasping/choking during the night
• High blood pressure

If you are worried that you might have OSA, you can carry out a screening questionnaire here

How can the dentist help?

For all of our patients who we are considering helping with their snoring or suspected OSA, we recommend a referral to a sleep physician for a sleep study. Following this, we will present the results to you, along with the recommendation from the sleep physician. They may have recommended a mandibular advancement splint (MAS) or CPAP therapy.

CPAP is one option for obstructive sleep apnoea

What is a mandibular advancement splint?

A MAS is essentially top and bottom mouth guards that work in a way to hold your bottom jaw further forward from its natural position during the night while you are sleeping.

As discussed above, snoring is caused by the soft tissues at the back of the throat vibrating. These soft tissues can include the tongue, which can relax and fall backwards while asleep. As the air passes through this narrower gap at the back of the throat, the tissues will vibrate – causing snoring. If the air can’t pass through – we have an apnoea or a hypopnoeas.

Our tongues are attached to our bottom jaw. Therefore, by pulling the bottom jaw forward, we are pulling the tongue forward too, this can help open the airway. For severe OSA, CPAP is usually recommended. However, those who cannot tolerate CPAP or who have mild or moderate OSA, MAS can be an option.

A 3D printed nylon custom-made titratable oral appliance for snoring and/or OSA

However, this treatment is not recommended for everyone who has snoring and/or mild/moderate OSA. For example, if the cause of the snoring/OSA is thought to be from enlarged tonsils, or problems with the sinuses/nose, then referral to an ENT would be more appropriate.

Therefore, each patient is carefully assessed prior to any treatment. We consider your medical, dental and sleep history and will do a thorough exam of your teeth, jaw joints, how the teeth bite together and the health of your gums. Following this consultation, assessment and recommendations from the sleep physician, individual recommendations will be given, along with all the risks, benefits, and side effects.

Benefits of Oral Appliance Therapy

• MAS are easy to wear – it is possible to speak, yawn and drink while wearing it. Although it covers the top and bottom teeth, the two halves of the appliance are separate (not joined together)
• They are custom-made to fit your mouth and the design of the appliance is customised for your individual needs.
• They are titratable, which means they can be adjusted over time to change the position of the lower jaw
• MAS are an effective option for many people who snore
• A systematic review carried out in 2019 showed a 92% improvement in the symptoms of OSA with the use of a mandibular advancement splint. Other studies show success ranges from 65% – 95%. As mentioned above – everyone is different. Your individual likely success will be discussed by your dentist.
• The appliance is light and great for travelling – it can be used in conjunction with CPAP – for example some patients with CPAP like to have a MAS for travelling.
• Although they are light and comfortable to wear, they are strong and  also protect the teeth from the effects of tooth grinding
• If looked after well, it can last for many years

Although thin, light and comfortable to wear, they are strong and will protect the teeth from the effects of tooth grinding

Side Effects of Oral Appliance Therapy

Some side effects are transitory, for example:

• Dry mouth
• Excess salivation
• Tender teeth in the morning
• Tender jaw and jaw muscles on wakening.

More serious side effects include severe pain in the jaw – we would advice you stop wearing the device until we get your symptoms under control.

One side effect could be an alteration in the position of how the teeth bite together

A long-term side effect is movement of the teeth. Your dentist will discuss your individual risk factors with you, and we will give you a morning repositioning device to try and counteract this tooth movement.

Next Steps

If you’re worried about your or your partner’s snoring or risk of OSA, contact us or your GP for a consultation. To understand how untreated sleep apnoea can affect your wider health, read Is Sleep Apnoea Making Your Health Harder to Manage?

A sleep consultation at Dentistry on George includes:

• Taking a thorough medical, dental, social and sleep history
• For new patients to our practice, we will undertake a thorough check of the teeth, gums and soft tissues of the mouth
• We will check your jaw joints and how the teeth bite together
• Any x-rays or photos that are deemed necessary
• If you have a previous sleep study – this will be reviewed with you

Following this, we will make individual recommendations for you.

Book a sleep apnoea consultation at our Brisbane CBD practice — call (07) 3211 1155 or book online. Find out more on our Snoring and Sleep Apnoea page.

The post The Hidden Risks of Snoring first appeared on Dentistry on George.

Here at Dentistry On George, we can help you with your snoring and sleep apnoea. This might seem an odd thing for a dentist, but in fact, following further training and in consultation with a sleep physician, we can do this by way of oral appliances. These oral appliances are custom made and can be finely adjusted, designed to slowly and gently hold the lower jaw forward and therefore the tongue with it. This can open the airway to reduce snoring and help obstructive sleep apnoea.

What is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea?

Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA) is a serious disease with serious complications. It is linked to other diseases such as diabetes and heart conditions. In fact, one study showed that the prevalence of obstructive sleep apnoea in those with atrial fibrillation was between 49% – 63% (1). Left undiagnosed, this condition can lead to less successful treatment and stroke in those with atrial fibrillation.

OSA occurs when there is an obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. This can be due the tissues at the back of the throat relaxing and flopping back into the airway. When this happens, the oxygen saturation of the blood dips, and the brain stimulates the person to breathe again by partially wakening them up. The person does not necessarily remember these frequent awakenings, but it can be enough to lead them to waking up unrefreshed in the morning.

According to the Australian Dental Association, as snoring is so strongly linked to sleep apnoea (the most common symptom), those with chronic snoring should always have a sleep study carried out. So what is a sleep study and who does it?

Who is a Sleep Physician?

A sleep physician is a medical doctor who has done further training to become a specialist in the areas of sleep disorders. They can diagnose and treat sleep disorders, including sleep apnoea.

They will interpret sleep studies, looking for things like frequency and loudness of snoring, sleep position, duration and quality of sleep, and signs of apnoeas (absence of breath) and hypopnoeas (reduced breath). Following this interpretation, they can diagnose a snoring problem, with or without obstructive sleep apnoea and then give their recommendations, which may include an oral appliance made by a suitably trained dentist. That’s where we come in.

The type of appliance we recommend and how much it is adjusted will depend on the results of this sleep study along with things such as the position of the teeth and jaws.

What is a sleep study?

Not all sleep studies are created equal. There are in fact many different types of sleep studies, which are designed for different things. So let’s have a look at what’s on offer.

Snoring Apps

These can be quite a bit of fun but are not scientifically proven and are not an actual sleep study. However, they can be useful in getting an objective measurement of snoring. Kathryn and her family recently tried out the Snore Lab app, where you can listen back to the night’s snoring events! However, it does pick up other sounds and may interpret them as snoring, so it’s not always accurate.

Home Sleep Study

At Dentistry on George, we find great benefit in referring our patients for a home sleep study. We use something called the WatchPat One, which is really a screening tool, used to rule in sleep apnoea. However, it can’t always rule it out.

The reason we love this system is its simplicity. If we have a patient who is suffering with snoring (or their partner is!) and we want to further assess if there is sleep apnoea, the beauty of this test is that it gets delivered straight to the patient’s door. They can complete the study in the comfort of their own bed and in the morning the data is downloaded to an app and sent straight to the sleep physician. The doctor will then forward us the report and recommendation.

This kind of test will pick up obstructive sleep apnoea and it does this by measuring things like oxygen saturation, heart rate and the tone of the blood vessels, snoring levels, and body position. However, if certain things are picked up on this test that warrant further investigation, the sleep physician may require a telehealth consult and possibly a different type of test.

Lab-Based Sleep Study

There are different levels of these, but they all involve sleeping in a hospital or sleep lab. Some of these tests involve throughout the night monitoring, where the person having the sleep study is watched throughout the night.

These studies are usually polysomnography, which is where the brain waves produced during sleep are measured.  Lab sleep studies an also measure things such as eye and limb movements.

These would be used for other sleep disorders such as restless leg syndrome, narcolepsy, and sleep behaviour disorders. Obviously, with complex sleep disorders such as these, our dental input will be of no help. These disorders are treated under the care of the sleep physicians.

Post-Treatment Sleep Study

For those patients with diagnosed sleep apnoea, the sleep physician may ask for a further study to be carried out while the patient is wearing their CPAP machine or oral appliance. This is done to test the effectiveness of the treatment option.

Many people, after being fitted with an oral appliance, notice a reduction in their symptoms. However, the post-treatment sleep study gives objective measurements to show if there has been an improvement in the severity of sleep apnoea.

Think you might need a sleep study?

If you or your partner are snoring often and think you’d like to investigate the possibility of an oral appliance to help, please call our friendly team and book in for a sleep consultation with Dr Kathryn. Other symptoms of sleep apnoea are waking unrefreshed and excessive daytime sleepiness. Again, if this sounds like you or someone you know, we’d be more than happy to help. The improvement in quality of life of some our patients following the referral for a sleep study and the provision of these simple devices is amazing.

References

1. Tauman R, Berall M, Berry R, Etzioni T, Shrater N, Hwang D, Marai I, Manthena P, Rama A, Spiegel R, Penzel T, Koren Morag N, Pillar G. Watch-PAT is Useful in the Diagnosis of Sleep Apnea in Patients with Atrial Fibrillation. Nat Sci Sleep. 2020 Dec 3;12:1115-1121. doi: 10.2147/NSS.S278752. PMID: 33299372; PMCID: PMC7721305.

The post The Importance of a Sleep Study 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.

We all feel tired sometimes. A long day, a heavy lunch, that 3pm slump — that’s normal. Being sleepy is different, and it’s worth paying attention to.

Tired vs sleepy

Tired means low on energy. You feel flat or fatigued, but you wouldn’t actually fall asleep if you sat down.

Sleepy means your body is struggling to stay awake. You might:

• Wake up feeling unrefreshed, even after 7 or more hours in bed
• Nod off while reading, watching TV or sitting in a meeting
• Feel drowsy as a passenger — or worse, behind the wheel
• Need a nap most days just to get through

Regular sleepiness like this often points to a problem with the quality of your sleep, not just the amount. One of the most common causes is obstructive sleep apnoea.

What is obstructive sleep apnoea?

Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) happens when your airway narrows or closes while you sleep. Snoring is the sound of a partly narrowed airway. In OSA, the airway closes completely, again and again through the night. Each time, your oxygen dips and your brain wakes you just enough to breathe. You won’t remember it — but your sleep is broken into pieces.

Most people with OSA snore. But not everyone who snores has OSA.

Other things that can contribute include a blocked nose, a narrow throat, a set-back lower jaw and extra weight around the neck.

A quick self-check

The STOP-Bang questionnaire is a simple screening tool doctors use. It takes a minute and asks about snoring, tiredness, observed pauses in breathing, blood pressure, age, neck size and more. Try the STOP-Bang questionnaire here.

It can’t tell you whether you have sleep apnoea — only a sleep study can. But a higher score is a good reason to talk to us or your GP.

Why it’s worth doing something about

Left untreated, OSA is linked to:

• High blood pressure
• Heart disease and irregular heartbeat
• Type 2 diabetes
• Stroke
• Low mood and poor concentration

It also affects how you feel and perform every day — at work, at home and on the road. To understand why snoring and broken sleep matter, read The Hidden Risks of Snoring.

Small changes that help everyone sleep better

Whether or not sleep apnoea is part of the picture, good sleep habits make a difference:

• Aim for around 7-9 hours of sleep a night
• Wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends
• Get some daylight soon after you wake up
• Switch off screens a couple of hours before bed
• Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening
• Leave at least 2-3 hours between a big meal and bedtime
• Keep your bedroom cool, dark and comfortable — and just for sleep
• Go easy on alcohol, which relaxes your throat and makes snoring worse

Resist the long sleep-in. It can feel like catching up, but it often leaves you groggier and throws out your body clock for the next night.

What to do if this sounds like you

If you’re regularly sleepy rather than just tired, start with a conversation with us or your GP. We can refer you to a sleep physician for a sleep study or to your GP to rule out other causes of sleepiness.

If the study shows snoring or sleep apnoea, there are effective treatments — including CPAP and custom-made oral appliances, which we provide at our Brisbane CBD dental practice. Find out more on our Snoring and Sleep Apnoea page, or call us on (07) 3211 1155.

The post Are You Tired Or Sleepy? first appeared on Dentistry on George.