huge dental bill recently due to cpap caused "dry mouth

[smithwmg1]

I have been using a resperonics nose-covering cpap machine for almost 2 years. I has always left me an unpleasant exterme dryness in my mouth the following morning.

Now I've realized it's more than just unpleasant. Saliva contains a # of enzymes etc. the fight bacteria that cause tooth decay. A dry mouth is a much more conducive area for these bacteria to thrive than a normally moist mouth.

I called Resperonics and they told me I should be using a machine with a distilled water well. I told them I was but I still woke up w/ a very dry mouth. They didn't have anything to say beyond that. I sought out this forum for help since I can't afford another 12k dental bill. OTC sprays that promise to keep your mouth from being dry don't last. Not sure what to do now. Any help appreciated.

[CollegeGirl]

smith, are you mouth breathing, or leaking air out of your mouth? That's what it sounds like. If you're doing that, not only is it drying out your mouth, but you're negating all the positive effects of therapy as well. You need to get a handle on that in any way you can. You can use a full face mask (covers mouth and nose), you can try a chin strap (though those don't work for many, they work for some), or you can keep your mouth shut with medical tape or poligrip strips. It's important - if you're mouth breathing, your machine can't prevent apneas. Good luck.

[smithwmg1]

I thin it may be that I am "mouth-breathing". When I got the machine I was never told about not doing that. I have allergies that affect my sinuses so that makes it seem even more credible.

I guess you were serious about taping your mouth shut. With adhesive tape? just like the murder mysteries? You also mentioned a chin strap. Is that something you need to jury rig or do they sell them on this (or another ) site?

wgs

[CollegeGirl]

They do indeed sell chin straps on this site ( https://www.cpap.com/simple-find-cpap-p ... -chinstrap ), or any other cpap site (and you can get them at the same place you got your machine, too, usually).

And yes, I was serious about taping. Here's a good thread on it: viewtopic.php?t=9653

If you have sinus issues year-round, though, you will probably want to either look at getting those issues worked out (if you can't currently breathe solely through your nose with CPAP), or look into a full face mask instead. I started using Nasonex, and that worked for me, but obviously everyone is different in what they need.

Good luck!

[CollegeGirl]

You know, smith, I had to add just one more post to say that it just makes me so angry at how little patients are told when they first start this therapy. (I know, I was told virtually nothing as well). If the people who set you up with your machine had bothered to tell you to look out for mouth-breathing, not only would you have not had a 12k(!) dental bill, but you wouldn't have been sacrificing your therapy for almost two years. If you have still been having symptoms of OSA (nighttime visits to the bathroom, daytime tiredness, needing to take naps in the afternoon, high blood pressure,waking with pounding heartbeat, etc), this is most likely why. And the sad thing is, those people that sent you on your way with little more than a mask and a machine are not the exception - they're the rule. This industry needs serious revamping. If it weren't for forums like this, users would have nowhere else to turn.

Okay, stepping off my soapbox now.

[DivinMercy]

CollegeGirl wrote:
those people that sent you on your way with little more than a mask and a machine are not the exception - they're the rule. This industry needs serious revamping. If it weren't for forums like this, users would have nowhere else to turn.

And what are the odds of finding this forum? What about all those people who are not even aware that forums like this exist and/or wouldn't have a clue about researching OSA on the computer?

The only reason I found y'all (right after my first PSG, no less!!) was because of a sweetie pie RT who discussed many things with me in detail and recommended checking prices and buying equipment off the internet as opposed to DMEs. He is not only an RT, but also has sold equipment, done in-home care, and is a papper himself. Thanks, Dave, wherever you are

This forum has been more lifechanging for me than going on the therapy itself...can't begin to imagine where I'd be without it

Thanks and God Bless to everyone here.

smith...read and read and read and ask, and ask, and read and read and ask....it's all here. Good luck.

-Mary

[roster]

Specifically, what was the dental problem? Was it cavities? Or, was it cracked, chipped or damaged teeth and crowns?

[Snoredog]

people always like to blame their dental problems on cpap.

But the fact remains there can be many reasons for dental problems, smoking is probably the worst thing you can possibly do for dental health. It is the leading cause of Periodontal disease. Once you get that you develop pockets they measure with a probe, those pockets are bone being eaten away supporting the tissue that holds the tooth in place. If you don't remove the disease it attacks the supporting tissue and your teeth simply die or fall out. First thing you notice is your gums hurt and teeth become loose. Once the disease starts you can no longer clean those areas yourself. In Perio surgery, they cut your gums pull back the tissue and grind away the diseased bone, pull the flap back and sew it back. Even the surgery does nothing to prevent the disease it only stops its progression.

Some people can keep their teeth into their 80's others they are completely edentulous by the time they are age 50.

George Washington had wooden teeth, he didn't use CPAP.

[snoregirl]

While I somewhat agree with you Snoredog, Dry mouth caused by a variety of reasons is a big cause of tooth decay.

I personally experienced it right after taking some prescription meds that cause dry mouth. I have excellent teeth 6 fillings when I started this med and not 1 had been in 25 years (last one was in my teens).

Then, I take this and get dry mouth. 3 fillings in one trip to the dentist (same dentist I have been going to for years so no chance of that being a factor).

I stopped the medication for other reasons, and haven't had a filling since and that was 10 years ago.

My mother in law had the same issue with some similar meds she was taking.

So while I agree that there are may reasons for tooth decay and those include aging which may SEEM like something else. I believe due to personal experience that dry mouth can be a major factor.

[Snoredog]

[quote="snoregirl"]While I somewhat agree with you Snoredog, Dry mouth caused by a variety of reasons is a big cause of tooth decay.

I personally experienced it right after taking some prescription meds that cause dry mouth. I have excellent teeth 6 fillings when I started this med and not 1 had been in 25 years (last one was in my teens).

Then, I take this and get dry mouth. 3 fillings in one trip to the dentist (same dentist I have been going to for years so no chance of that being a factor).

I stopped the medication for other reasons, and haven't had a filling since and that was 10 years ago.

My mother in law had the same issue with some similar meds she was taking.

So while I agree that there are may reasons for tooth decay and those include aging which may SEEM like something else. I believe due to personal experience that dry mouth can be a major factor.

[WearyOne]

Many things can cause dental problems with gums and teeth including but not limited to not brushing and flossing enough, not brushing properly, accidents, age, genetics, and even dry mouth.

Years ago I had an unusal number of cavities in a short period of time. My dentist ask me if I was taking any medications that caused my mouth to be dry, and it turned out I was. He said that dry mouth CAN cause more dental problems and recommended some things I could do to counteract the dry mouth until I was finished with the medication.

Straight scoop from a dentist!

Pam

[roster]

I have dry mouth all night long from mouth breathing with my FF mask. I have asked two dentists in two different practices about it. They both wanted to know if my mouth was normal during the day and if I always brushed and flossed before bed. The answer to both of these questions is yes, so both dentists said I should have no problems with gum disease or tooth decay.

Hmmm? I wonder what is right?

[WearyOne]

In my case, my mouth was dry all day long. (This was WAY before I started using CPAP.) Probably should have made that clearer in my post!

Just pointing out that dry mouth can be an issue in dental problems. It definitely was a concern for my dentist in my situation. I would think that might be more so if you have other problems and you add this to it. And there are OTC products to use if dry mouth is particularly bothersome or if your dentist feels it might be contributing to dental worries. This might also be one of those medical things that some dentists have one opinion, and some have another.

I have only been on CPAP for about 5 weeks and there was one week in there where I had awful dry mouth. And now, for some reason, it's not that bad, although it's there. Can't bump the humidity up any more (although I'd like to) because I have rainout in the nasal pillows of my Hybrid that wake my about after a few hours. Tried a hose cover and that didn't help, so I order that Aussie heated hose!

I agree, without this forum, I'd be COMPLETELY lost.

Pam

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[nightingale]

I use a FF mask, and my mouth is extremely dry if I awaken during the night, and when I awaken in the morning--I do floss and brush before I go to bed. What other suggestions have any of you heard?

Nightingale

[Goofproof]

Many things can cause dental problems with gums and teeth including but not limited to not brushing and flossing enough, not brushing properly, accidents, age, genetics, and even dry mouth.

Years ago I had an unusal number of cavities in a short period of time. My dentist ask me if I was taking any medications that caused my mouth to be dry, and it turned out I was. He said that dry mouth CAN cause more dental problems and recommended some things I could do to counteract the dry mouth until I was finished with the medication.

Straight scoop from a dentist!

Pam

Don't forget Diabetes. Jim