Most people in their forties or fifties feel pretty good about their oral health, since they’ve brushed and flossed throughout their adult years. What could there be to worry about?

As we age, our teeth and gums change, our lifestyles may have impacted our health. There may be new challenges to maintaining that healthy smile.

There are two oral health problems to be aware of:

• Periodontal disease.
• Sleep apnoea.

Periodontal Disease

According to  the Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health, about 20% of Ozzies are diagnosed with gingivitis, which is a precursor to gum disease if left untreated.

The study found that the prevalence of periodontitis in adults grew the older one got:

• 25% of adults aged 35-54
• 44% of adults aged 55-74
• 61% of adults aged 75+

Bacteria that accumulates in dental plaque, which is the sticky film that adheres to teeth, is the underlying cause of both gingivitis and periodontitis. Plaque accumulates usually due to poor dental hygiene such as lack of brushing and flossing, which increases the risk of both conditions.

With modern advances in dental treatment, gingivitis can be treated and fully cured. Once gum disease progresses beyond gingivitis, it can no longer be completely fixed, only treated and managed to prevent it from getting any worse.

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms of gingivitis, be sure to schedule an appointment with Dr. Yap as soon as possible:

• Swollen and/or puffy gums.
• Gums that bleed easily.
• Receding gums.

Sleep Apnoea

Snoring and interrupted sleep can be a major annoyance to yourself and whoever is sleeping next to you. While you may not think of snoring being a dental issue, our highly trained and experienced dental team can help alleviate symptoms of this disorder with a sleep apnoea mouth guard.

Sleep apnoea is a serious medical condition that can interrupt a person’s breathing throughout the night. Some of the usual symptoms include:

• Loud snoring.
• Insomnia.
• Being tired during the day.
• Headaches and sore throat when waking up.

Sleep apnoea is very dangerous as your body is starved of oxygen while you are sleeping. There are a number of factors that increase your risk of having sleep apnoea. Two of the major factors include:

• Over the age of 40.
• Overweight.

If you believe you may be suffering from sleep apnoea, schedule an appointment with Dr. Yap. We’ll have you attend a sleep study, and then create a custom mouth guard for you that will prevent your airway from being obstructed, allowing you to get a good night’s sleep.

Reducing the Risks

Here are a few oral health habits that will help reduce the chances of oral health issues:.

• Come in for a check and clean every six months, which helps to prevent plaque and tartar buildup, protecting against cavities and gum disease.
• Have a periodontal evaluation each year as part of your regular check and clean appointment. If we see any signs of gum disease / gingivitis, we can treat it early before it progresses to periodontitis.

When you call our friendly office, we’ll find an appointment time that is convenient for you. During your appointment, we’ll perform a thorough cleaning of your teeth and a comprehensive examination of your teeth and gums. We look forward to seeing you, and for you to enjoy a healthy wonderful smile for years to come!