Teeth Talk Exclusive

By June Ramli

Melbourne, Nov 23: In this exclusive interview with Dr Anthony O’Rourke, Lead Dentist, and Dr Dilhan Rajasingham, Associate Dentist from Maven Dental Collins Street, the discussion revolves around the profound impact of sleep habits on oral health.
Dr. Anthony addresses issues such as bruxism, effective treatments for jaw-related concerns, and the repercussions of sleep apnea and mouth breathing.
He provides practical tips for managing these conditions, emphasizing stress reduction and better sleep. Dr. Dilhan explores the rising trend of vaping, dispelling misconceptions and highlighting its adverse effects on oral health, including bad breath, stained teeth, and an increased risk of gum disease.
As vaping gains prevalence, this interview, brought to you exclusively by DailyStraits.com, offers crucial insights to inform and guide individuals toward better oral health choices.
Without further ado, let’s read the entire interview here.

What are the most common dental issues you encounter in your practice, and how can they affect a patient’s overall health?

Dental issues may start small but if left untreated can have a significant impact on a patient’s overall health. Some of the most common dental problems include:
Tooth Decay: Often caused by poor oral hygiene and dietary habits, it can lead to cavities and gum disease if left untreated. This affects a patient’s overall health by causing pain, discomfort, and difficulty in eating, which may result in poor nutrition and digestive issues.
Gum Disease: Gum disease, or periodontal disease, can lead to tooth loss if not managed properly. It has also been linked to systemic health issues, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems, as the inflammation in the gums can spread throughout the body.
Tooth Sensitivity: Tooth sensitivity can affect a patient’s overall well-being by causing discomfort and limiting their ability to enjoy hot or cold foods and beverages.
Bad Breath (Halitosis): Chronic bad breath may indicate an underlying illness such as periodontal disease and impact a person’s self-esteem and social interactions, leading to emotional and psychological stress. 
Oral Cancer: Early detection of oral cancer is crucial for successful treatment. Left unchecked, it can lead to serious health consequences and even be life-threatening.
The oral cavity is the gateway to the rest of the body. Dental issues can have many consequences, affecting not only the ability to eat, speak, and smile comfortably but also many general health problems have indicators that show up in the mouth first. Regular dental check-ups, maintaining good oral hygiene, and addressing dental issues promptly are essential steps in ensuring both a healthy smile and overall well-being. 

Could you explain the impact of stress on dental health and any strategies or treatments you recommend to manage it?

Stress often leads to involuntary behaviours such as teeth grinding and jaw clenching (bruxism) which can have a significant impact on the health of teeth. During times of stress, it may be difficult to maintain usual oral hygiene routines which could lead to gum disease or other dental diseases such as decay.
To manage stress-related dental issues, it’s essential to help patients identify and address the underlying stress triggers. Behavioral therapies, specialized guards to position and protect the jaw and teeth and orthodontic treatment may be suitable in certain cases. In some cases, techniques like relaxation, meditation, and counselling can help. Lifestyle changes like reducing alcohol consumption and avoiding stimulating substances can also be beneficial. 

Many people experience teeth grinding and jaw clenching. How can these habits be addressed, and what are the potential consequences if left untreated?

Teeth grinding, also known as bruxism is the act of unconsciously grinding or clenching the teeth, typically occurring during sleep (nocturnal bruxism) but sometimes also happening during waking hours (diurnal bruxism). Jaw clenching, on the other hand, involves forcefully holding the teeth together, which can lead to sustained muscle tension. The temporomandibular joint, or TMJ is like a hinge that connects the jawbone to the skull. Symptoms of dysfunction include pain and soreness in the jaw and surrounding muscles. The symptoms of bruxism, jaw clenching, and TMJ can vary from person to person, some people do not even realize they are doing it. Common signs include pain or soreness in the jaw, facial pain, cracked or fractured teeth or dental restorations, headaches, tooth sensitivity, tinnitus, and sleep disturbances.
Initial treatment includes coaching patients around stress management, suggesting exercises for the jaw muscles and TMJ to help relax as well and investigating any underlying systemic medical conditions.  For those suffering from bruxism, the main treatment we carry out is the provision of a digitally designed custom-made splint, which is designed to put the jaw into a neutral position. This will relax the muscles involved in bruxism, relieving muscle tension, and the teeth will be physically protected from the grinding forces.

Sleep apnea is a growing concern. How does it impact oral health, and what options are available to manage this condition?

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep, it can lead to dry mouth from mouth breathing, and increase the risk of dental issues like cavities, cracked teeth, and gum disease. Additionally, sleep apnea has been linked to bruxism (teeth grinding), which can result in dental damage. 
There are a range of options available to help manage sleep apnea including making some lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, improving sleep hygiene, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, dental devices, commonly known as a mandibular Advancement Splint, or MAS, seeking specialized medical physicians such as ENT’s and Sleep Specialists and in some cases, surgical interventions. Seeking treatment not only addresses the health risks associated with sleep apnea but also helps preserve oral health.

Vaping has become increasingly popular, especially among young adults. How does vaping affect oral health, and what advice do you have for those looking to quit this habit?

Most e-cigarettes contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and can impede adolescent brain development, which is still in progress into the early to mid-20s.
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, almost one in 10 (9.3 per cent) people aged 18 years and over had used an e-cigarette or vaping device at least once, and 2.2 per cent reported currently using a device. The effects of vaping are still being researched but can include dry mouth, gum inflammation, and increased risk of nicotine addiction, which can contribute to teeth grinding (bruxism) and dental damage. 
For those seeking to quit vaping, it’s important to put a plan in place which could include nicotine replacement therapy, behavioural counselling, or support groups to facilitate the transition away from this habit. Dentists can also play a role in providing guidance and support for those looking to quit vaping while addressing oral health concerns.

Dental technology has advanced significantly. Can you share insights into how digital dentistry and AI are transforming oral health care and what benefits they offer to patients?

Advancements in digital dentistry are allowing dentists to leverage technologies like intraoral scanners, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM systems, which enable precise, efficient, and minimally invasive treatments. Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in patient management, and treatment planning by analyzing data for more accurate and personalized care. It can also aid in early disease detection, improving preventive care, and aiding the Dentist in diagnosing problems earlier.
These innovations are not only supporting clinicians but also enhancing the patient experience through faster and more comfortable procedures, reduced radiation exposure, and better treatment outcomes. 

Cosmetic dentistry is a sought-after field. What are the latest trends or innovations in cosmetic dentistry, and how can they enhance a patient’s smile?

Among the current trends are minimally invasive techniques that preserve natural tooth structure, such as no-prep veneers and tooth contouring, making smile makeovers less invasive. There is also a growing emphasis on digital smile design, where advanced technology allows for precise treatment planning such as alignment and colour shade, and enables the patient to get more involved in designing their ideal smile. Teeth whitening treatments have also evolved, allowing for shorter, more convenient procedures and using newer materials, allowing patients to continue treatments at home. 
When it comes to cosmetic orthodontics, clear aligners, and accelerated orthodontic options have risen in popularity as they can provide more discreet and faster results for straightening teeth. 

Orthodontics plays a crucial role in oral health. What orthodontic treatments or options do you recommend for individuals seeking improved dental alignment and function?

Orthodontics indeed play a vital role in oral health by improving dental alignment, function, and overall well-being. When individuals seek enhanced dental alignment, it is always recommended that various orthodontic treatments are tailored to their specific needs. 
Traditional braces, with their time-tested effectiveness, are a suitable option for more complex alignment issues while clear aligners, such as Invisalign, offer a discreet and convenient alternative, especially for adults and older teens. Lingual braces, placed on the inside of the teeth, provide aesthetic benefits while effectively correcting alignment. The choice of treatment depends on the individual’s orthodontic needs, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences, all of which can significantly impact their oral health and overall quality of life.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. What are some key tips or practices you recommend for preventing dental issues and maintaining a healthy smile?

We usually recommend sticking to the basics as they’re easier to remember which makes them easier to maintain. Regular and thorough brushing with fluoride toothpaste, at least twice a day, helps remove plaque and food particles. Regular flossing and the use of interdental brushes which is essential to cleaning between teeth and preventing gum disease. Most importantly, have routine dental check-ups and professional cleanings, these are vital for early detection and prevention of issues. Habits take time to form but by adhering to these practices, individuals can establish a solid foundation for a lifelong healthy smile.

Collaboration with other dental specialists is vital for comprehensive care. How do you work with other dental professionals to ensure patients receive the best clinical care possible?

In our practice, we work closely with various dental professionals, including oral surgeons, periodontists, orthodontists, and endodontists, among others, to ensure that patients receive the most effective and tailored clinical care. This collaborative approach allows us to establish a coordinated treatment plan and address complex cases comprehensively. Not only does this enhance diagnostic accuracy but it also promotes seamless care transitions, ensuring that our patients benefit from the expertise of each specialist. By working together, we can provide the highest standard of care and achieve optimal oral health outcomes for our patients.