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Snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) during sleep are signs that there is an interruption to the smooth flow of oxygen into and out of your airways. When snoring, air flows over and past the relaxed structures of the throat, causing the tissues to vibrate. Obstructive sleep apnoea happens when the walls of the throat come together during sleep, blocking the passage of oxygen to the lungs. With OSA the brain will signal that it is not receiving sufficient oxygen, this causes the person to wake up and start to breathe normally again. Sleep apnoea causes increases in the risk of heart attack, stroke and other health issues.

I think I snore…

Booking an appointment with your dentist can help to identify the cause for breathing problems when you’re sleeping. A correct diagnosis may require an overnight sleep study to observe and measure your sleep, breathing and oxygen levels.  While not all people who snore will have sleep apnoea, it’s important to rule this out as a possibility due to its impact on other areas of your health.

Sleep apnoea symptoms

A common symptom of OSA is exhaustion because of the repeated interruption to sleep from waking throughout the night.  Many people don’t realise they have sleep apnoea until their partner complains of their own sleep being disturbed. Snoring and sleep apnoea can have a larger impact on you than just a poor night’s sleep including impacting the health of your teeth and gums.  A dental examination can detect signs of damage to your oral health such as tooth grinding (bruxism) and Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome, which causes jaw pain.  Other symptoms of OSA you should be aware of can include waking up in the morning with a headache and sore throat.

Tooth sensitivity and worn or damaged teeth can also be signs of sleep apnoea which your dentist will notice in an examination. Dry mouth can also be a common symptom because of the tendency to mouth breathe. Saliva plays an important protective role against cavities forming and washing away food particles, increasing the risk of tooth decay for people who snore and have OSA. Be sure to mention this symptom to your dentist when you visit them.

How can my dentist help with my snoring or sleep apnoea?

Your dentist may refer you for a sleep study in combination with your GP and if needed, review by an ear, nose and throat specialist to confirm the diagnosis.  Lifestyle changes such as losing weight, cutting back on alcohol, stopping smoking and changes in sleeping position can be helpful, though only to a point. If snoring or sleep apnoea is due to structural causes such as a narrowed airway or nasal congestion, specific treatments may be necessary. Sometimes an oral appliance is recommended to help keep the airway open. This is worn like an orthodontic retainer in the mouth and helps to push the jaw forward and keep the tongue in a normal position.  This combination helps to keep the airway open so there is no compromise to the flow of oxygen. Another option is to use a CPAP (Continuous Positive Airways Pressure) machine to deliver pressurised air continuously which keeps the airways open.

See your dentist if you think you are snoring or are experiencing the symptoms mentioned for sleep apnoea. Taking the next steps towards improving your sleep, oral health and overall health may be as simple as a visit to the dentist.  Book an appointment today.

References

Is Sleep Apnea Or Snoring Robbing You From Your Sleep? | Colgate®

Sleep apnoea – Better Health Channel

 

It’s easier to be aware when other people have bad breath (also known as halitosis), but we can be less aware if we have it ourselves. Bad breath is often a symptom of an underlying health issue, with something else going on in the mouth or gut. Most causes of bad breath can be found easily and appropriate treatments are very effective.

Finding an effective treatment can be easy, but may require a bit of detective work. Bad breath can cause embarrassment, poor confidence and even social isolation in severe cases.  There’s a tendency for people to not comment on the reason for their distancing, making it difficult for the person with bad breath to recognise they have this issue. Fortunately, there are many things you can do to control bad breath and treat its cause.

How can I tell if I have bad breath?

You may have a feeling you have bad breath, based on other people’s behaviour, or just a sense that you do.  A yellow or white coating on the back of the tongue and a dry mouth are often cause for suspicion.  You could also have sensation of burning on your tongue and a foul, bitter taste in your mouth.  Your saliva could also be thick and viscous, rather than watery and tasteless.

What are the causes of bad breath?

Most cases of bad breath are caused by bacteria which produce sulphur. It’s important to know the source of halitosis, which is why it’s essential to have a thorough dental check to identify the cause. There may also be value in having a check-up with your doctor – the combination of professional expertise will help identify the reason and arrange a personalised treatment plan. There’s no need to feel embarrassed, your healthcare professionals will be very keen to support you.

Common causes for bad breath are particular foods such as onion, garlic and sulphur-containing foods like eggs. Common culprits are also cigarettes, alcohol, dry mouth, poor oral hygiene and food build-up on the teeth. Periodontal (gum) disease is a common cause for bad breath. This is where the gums are affected by plaque and bacteria which create toxins. Periodontal disease requires immediate dental treatment.

Some medical conditions such as diabetes and upper respiratory tract infections, including sinus infection, can also lead to bad breath. Gut or gastrointestinal conditions, reflux, constipation and extreme dieting increases the likelihood of bad breath.

 

 

What can be the solution for bad breath?

The best treatment for bad breath depends on its cause. Brushing your teeth carefully at least twice a day, flossing and brushing the tongue make a big difference.  Using an antibacterial toothpaste can help to control the growth of oral bacteria which contributes to bad breath. It’s also important to make an appointment with your dentist and speak with them about your tooth brushing technique.  Often, a little more guidance is needed to ensure tooth brushing and flossing is being done effectively.  Also, check with your dentist about using other cleaning devices such as interproximal brushes (small brushes which fit between the teeth), tongue scrapers and even antiseptic mouth rinses to help control bad breath.

References

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/halitosis-or-bad-breath

https://www.colgateprofessional.com.au/education/patient-education/topics/halitosis/keys-to-controlling-bad-breath

 

Easter is a great occasion to relax, catch up with loved ones and enjoy festive food and treats.  Chocolate, hot cross buns, sweets and cakes all make a special appearance over the Easter long weekend. However, four days of being a little more relaxed with our eating and snacking can affect our oral health if we’re not careful.

A small serve of chocolate contains a high concentration of sugar. Sugar is often combined with fat in treat foods and it’s this partnership that makes food taste so good, causing cravings and weight gain.  The frequency and regularity of eating and snacking can also cause negative effects to tooth health. Eating sugary foods over a long period of time is particularly risky because of the duration of time tooth enamel is exposed to acid attacks.

Five tips to keep your teeth healthy over Easter.

1. Enjoy your sweet treats with meals- not in between- and in moderation. This will help to reduce the frequency of acid attacks on your tooth enamel and boost protective saliva flow.
2. Aim to limit your sugar intake in the weeks before and after Easter. Eat mindfully to offset the sugar peak Easter often brings.
3. Plan activities that aren’t all about food; gifts like pyjamas can also be a great Easter-themed alternative. If you have children, get them involved in creative Easter craft fun and replace chocolate or sugar eggs with wooden or Papier-Mache ones.
4. Try to restrict the amount of sugar coming into your home over the Easter break. It can be very hard to fight off temptation once our focus lands on those shimmery, shiny egg wrappers.
5. Keep up everyday habits of tooth brushing at least twice each day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing daily. Take a little extra time with bedtime brushing – the risk of decay increases when sleeping and saliva flow slows down.

 

 

Key messages

Moderation over the Easter break will not affect enjoyment of this special time and will not negatively affect your oral health. Make an appointment for a dental check up for yourself and your family.

References

https://www.ada.org.au/getattachment/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Smart-Eating-Week/DHW19_UnderstandingSugar_factsheet.pdf.aspx?lang=en-AU

https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Parents-urged-to-spare-their-kids%E2%80%99-teeth-from-suga

https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Media-Releases/Don%E2%80%99t-be-a-bunny-this-Easter-%E2%80%93-Look-after-your-kid

https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/nutrition-and-oral-health/nutrition

 

With over 1.7 million diabetics in Australia, it’s important that we all know how diabetes can affect our overall health and dental health. If you have diabetes, maintaining normal blood sugar levels is just one part of your management plan. Your mouth also needs to be prioritised to reduce the risk of developing diabetes related complications.

The risk of developing oral conditions such as tooth decay, oral thrush and low levels of saliva are increased with diabetes. The type of diabetes (Type 1 insulin dependent or Type 2 diet controlled) and how well it is managed will also have an influence on these conditions. Children with Type 1 diabetes are at a much higher risk of developing tooth decay than those without diabetes.

Importantly, diabetics (Type 1 and 2) are also at risk of developing gingivitis and periodontitis (gum disease). These are a group of inflammatory conditions affecting the gums and bones which surround the teeth.  Around one third of people with diabetes have severe gum disease. Research has shown that as well as high blood sugar levels increasing the likelihood of developing gum disease, once this oral disease is present, it can also negatively influence blood sugar levels. Essentially, both diabetes and gum disease are connected and effective management and treatment has a positive effect on both conditions.

Pregnant women are also at risk of developing diabetes. Gestational diabetes has been linked with periodontal disease and an increased risk of developing pre-eclampsia.

 

 

Blood glucose levels and the effect on your mouth

Though diabetics are at a greater risk of developing gum disease, especially when their blood sugar levels are unstable, this risk decreases as glucose levels reach ideal levels. Stable, well managed diabetics have the same risk of developing gum disease as non-diabetics. However, other mouth conditions such as altered taste, slow healing as well as tooth decay are more common in diabetics.

What to do after treatment of Hypoglycaemia

Drink plain water once you are feeling stable, after treating episodes of low blood sugar levels with fast-acting carbohydrates. This will help to rinse sugar and acid from your teeth and reduce the likelihood of decay. Wait an hour before brushing your teeth.

Top 5 dental health tips for diabetics

Taking care of your teeth doesn’t need to be complicated. What’s important is to maintain regular habits that support your oral health by:

1. Seeing your dentist regularly. Gum disease is not always painful, especially in the early stages when diagnosis and treatment can save vulnerable teeth and minimise bone loss. It’s also very important that children diagnosed with diabetes are seen by a dentist on a regular basis.
2. Brushing your teeth twice each day with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Use floss or interdental brushes to clean the spaces your toothbrush can’t reach. Food left in between the gums and teeth can cause inflammation and changes in the way gum tissue attaches to teeth and bone.
3. Eating a diet low in sugar helps to stabilise healthy blood sugar levels. Speak with your healthcare provider about ways to support your body’s diabetic needs.
4. Drinking fluoridated tap water when you can.
5. Avoid smoking. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes have a direct impact on blood flow to all blood vessels, including those in the mouth.

If you have type 1 or type 2 diabetes, there is a lot that you and your dentist can do to maintain your oral health and reduce your risk of complications. Book an appointment to discuss your individual needs.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6189668/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002937806007599

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29611219/

https://periodontics-prosthodontics.imedpub.com/diabetes-and-periodontal-disease–animportant-link-not-to-overlook.php?aid=9977

https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Intense-gum-disease-treatment-may-improve-the-life

https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Media-Releases/Diabetes-Week-Get-Checked-and-Get-Ready-to-Catch

https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/living-with-diabetes/preventing-complications/dental-health

 

Women can often be caught putting others needs before their own. But they deserve to invest the time in their dental health to ensure they have a healthy smile. Because a woman’s mouth, much like her other body systems, has its own unique care.

Female hormonal changes occurring over various life stages and ages can have an impact on oral health. Changes in the levels of oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone amongst others can occur naturally during menstruation, pregnancy and menopause or from medications such as the birth control pill, acne treatments or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) ¹.

Times are changing

Puberty – girls can experience differing effects of hormonal changes in their bodies as they go through puberty. Bleeding or swollen gums can occur as a result of ‘puberty gingivitis’. Puberty often corresponds with having braces or orthodontic treatment in teens, which means more attention should be given to brushing and flossing. A diet low in fizzy drinks and sugar is recommend along with regular check-up visits to your dentist.

Menstruation – heightened mouth sensitivity can be experienced in the week before they start their period. Hormonal influences, including plaque build-up can often lead to changes in the mouth however it is dependent on the individual as to whether women experience menstruation related changes to their oral health.

Pregnancy – pregnancy gingivitis is a time limited condition, often starting in the first trimester but if left untreated can progress to a more chronic long term gum infection. The tissues which hold the teeth in their correct position can become weakened if gum inflammation and bleeding isn’t managed carefully. Red lumpy spots can also form along the gum line and in-between the teeth. These ‘pyogenic granulomas’ are harmless and usually go away once the baby is born. Gum disease in pregnancy may also increase the risk of having a baby born early and with low birth weight. As a result of acidity in the mouth from morning sickness and cravings for food rich in sugar, sensitivity to the teeth and an increased risk of tooth decay can also occur.

Menopause – a burning sensation in the mouth and changes in taste can be felt when a woman is going through menopause. Inflamed gums and a dry mouth are common, as is increased sensitivity to hot and cold food and drinks. Reduction in bone density in menopause can also have a negative impact on the jaw bones and jaw joints. Ensure you have updated your medical history and any medications you are taking (especially if you are taking any medication for osteoporosis) when you visit the dentist.

 

How to avoid dental health problems, no matter what life-stage you’re at

Keep your mouth, teeth, and gums healthy by:

• Brushing your teeth at least twice daily with a soft, small headed toothbrush if your gums are sensitive from hormonal influence, you may need to brush more gently.
• Restricting your intake of sweet foods and eating a nutritious diet. Be especially mindful of food cravings during pregnancy and reach for healthy snacks like yoghurt, (hard) cheese and fruit.
• Flossing every day, paying special attention to the space between teeth. Wrap the floss in a ‘c’ shape around the top of each tooth where it meets the gum and remove any food caught in this space. Speak with your dentist if you notice any blood on the floss. This can be a sign of gingivitis and left untreated, may become a risk factor for early labour.
• To help prevent complications at a later stage of life, taking great care of your teeth can make a difference.

Dentists at nib Dental are experts when it comes to supporting women during different life stages. Book an appointment with your dentist for regular check-ups and to monitor any changes you may experience.

References

1. 1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4247552/
   2. https://www.ada.org.au/Dental-Health-Week-2016/Women-and-Oral-Health/Menstruation
   3. https://www.colgate.com.au/oral-health/life-stages/oral-care-during-pregnancy