CPAP & the Dentist

General Discussion on any topic relating to CPAP and/or Sleep Apnea.
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Zeecat
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CPAP & the Dentist

Post by Zeecat » Fri Aug 22, 2014 8:57 am

I'm sure this has been discussed but it was new information to me yesterday. I had my teeth cleaned after picking up a new APAP yesterday, so I asked my dentist some questions while it was on my mind.

Dry mouth can cause an increase in bacteria, so he suggested the usual brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a rinse that is alcohol free and has fluoride. He also suggested Biotene Gel, which stimulates saliva. It is applied to the inner cheeks and bottom lip, I believe.

He also indicated that mouth pieces should be fitted or molded to your teeth as not to create extra wear and tear on the jaw joints.

I was appreciative of the suggestions and wanted to share.

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archangle
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Re: CPAP & the Dentist

Post by archangle » Fri Aug 22, 2014 2:46 pm

Zeecat wrote:I'm sure this has been discussed but it was new information to me yesterday. I had my teeth cleaned after picking up a new APAP yesterday, so I asked my dentist some questions while it was on my mind.

Dry mouth can cause an increase in bacteria, so he suggested the usual brushing, flossing, and rinsing with a rinse that is alcohol free and has fluoride. He also suggested Biotene Gel, which stimulates saliva. It is applied to the inner cheeks and bottom lip, I believe.

He also indicated that mouth pieces should be fitted or molded to your teeth as not to create extra wear and tear on the jaw joints.

I was appreciative of the suggestions and wanted to share.
I'm not sure what he means about the mouthpiece. You're using a nasal mask. You don't usually custom fit nasal masks, but you want to get the right size, and find a model that fits you better. Your nasal mask shouldn't affect the jaw at all. If you had a full face mask or oral mask, that might be more of a problem, but you don't do custom masks there, either, just different mask styles and sizes.

Some people use oral mouthpiece devices instead of CPAP, but they are usually expensive and much less effective than CPAP.

You need to prevent dry mouth. With a nasal mask, if you have bad problems with dry mouth, you're probably leaking air out of your mouth, which you need to fix even without the dental concerns.

It probably wouldn't be a bad idea to do some extra dental hygiene before and after CPAP. Whatever combination of brushing, flossing, fluoride, etc. you can motivate yourself to do. My dentist suggested that Listerine is actually a pretty good idea a time or two per day. If you can't motivate yourself into a full brushing, flossing, rinse session just before or after CPAP, maybe a good Listerine rinse would be a good idea. I need to do that myself.

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jencat824
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Re: CPAP & the Dentist

Post by jencat824 » Fri Aug 22, 2014 5:53 pm

I know EXACTLY what he means & you have a wonderful dentist. I wish mine had given me such great advice. I'm assuming the mouthpieces you are referring to are retainers. They will keep your teeth from moving. He may be jumping ahead too quickly. You won't know if your teeth will move as a result of CPAP until they actually begin to move, at the first sign of movement then you will need to pursue retainers.

My teeth moved as a result of CPAP a lot! It took several years for the kind of movement mine did. I found out on this forum shortly after becoming a member that I needed a retainer. Went to the dentist & he said I was wayyy past retainer, that I needed an orthodontist & braces. I switched dentist & went to three orthodontist's to get quotes & find out how they wanted to proceed. I choose the one I liked best & I'm over 1/2 way through my $4,800 orthodontic project.

If I had gotten a retainer when my teeth began to move, I could have avoided this mess. Now I'm not advocating that you get one at the start of CPAP therapy, just watch for any signs of movement & IF it happens, then pursue a retainer (mouthpiece).

As far as the warnings about dry mouth, your dentist is correct, CPAP can cause dry mouth. Again, watch & see. Follow his hygiene advice & use Biotene if needed. In this regard, most of us CPAPers have some level of dry mouth, so I would expect this.

I wish my dentist had been as knowledgeable as yours. Please note your dentist is a little ahead of things suggesting a 'mouthpiece' or retainer at the start of therapy. Thousands of people use CPAP & have no trouble with movement of teeth. It pays to be aware, but I wouldn't suggest any action yet, not until you know if you need it.

If you want more info on teeth moving, just do a search of this site, you will find some informative threads. If you want info on dry mouth, you can search here, but the search results are going to be massive. Better to read this forum daily, because dry mouth is a topic that comes up several times a week around here.

Jen

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Physician
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Re: CPAP & the Dentist

Post by Physician » Fri Aug 22, 2014 6:03 pm

Irrespective of CPAP or other inhalation devices, many people clench their jaws and/or grind their teeth at night. Dentek, Plackers, and Doctor's Night Guard make moldable guards, and they are under $30 each.

Jaw clenching can fracture teeth ----> caries, need for root canal therapy, etc.

TommyGunne

Re: CPAP & the Dentist

Post by TommyGunne » Thu Aug 28, 2014 9:19 am

My story:

New CPAP user, using a full face mask. Having problems with what my doctor described as a "bacterial" infection on the top of my nose after CPAP began. The system was completely cleaned before use, so I was at a lost to understand. I expected some discomfort, so nose soreness, but not the skin infection that appeared as a bunch of tiny "whiteheads" all over my nose, but otherwise, where the mask seal touched my face, no signs of redness. However, now that I think about this, I do wear a retainer, could this be the source of the bacteria??? Has anyone ever heard of this as being a problem? I would appreciate your thoughts. Thank you.

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sc0ttt
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Re: CPAP & the Dentist

Post by sc0ttt » Thu Aug 28, 2014 11:28 am

Went to the dentist this week and told her about CPAP and dry mouth - she was very familiar with it and gave me a script for toothpaste with extra fluoride. Doesn't help with dry mouth but helps prevent decay from dry mouth... tastes good!

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