Anybody Get Teeth Problems from CPAP?

I'm trying to decide if my teeth problems are from cpap use or just older age. Some of the problems I can identify as micro-fractures and they require crowns and are completely unrelated, but I do seem to have a lot more other on/off pain issues that I didn't have that may simply be coincidental. I have absolutely no gum issues that the dentist can see. I presume dry mouth is the primary culprit. If so, what do you do about that? I do use humidity (currently low - but it goes higher towards the end of September). I just saw my dentist and forgot to ask him about that (he started using cpap only a couple of months after me!).

Dry mouth encourages growth of bacteria, saliva kills them.
Some people find that the pressure of the mask moves their teeth.

If you have a dry mouth with a nasal mask you are mouth breathing and losing therapy pressure. If you are having a dry mouth with a full face mask, try an extra chin strap or use some thing called Bioteen.

Are you grinding your teeth? Bruxism.

Check with your dentist

metalclay wrote:Check with your dentist

+1

Dry mouth with your nasal mask is an indicator of:

1) Mouth breathing at night and loss of therapy air - try a soft cervical collar and / or a chin strap to see if that helps.
2) Drug related issues - check with your pharmacist for dry mouth side effects for any medications you are using.
3) Just because - try Biotene or similar product - your dentist can make a recommendation for you.

Dry mouth does not necessarily equate to mouth breathing. Assuming one has a data capable machine, it is important to check the leak data to see exactly what is going on. I would just hate for someone who was doing well otherwise with a nasal mask to prematurely switch to a full face mask or use a chin strap when it might not be necessary.

In addition to the suggestion of biotene, orajel for dry mouth and XyliMelts are worth exploring.

49er

I noticed that I had some tooth pain after starting cpap. Went to the dentist, and they didn't see anything going on. Turned out I was clenching my teeth in an unconscious effort to keep from opening my mouth at night with the cpap. So I concentrated on keeping my teeth apart during the day for a while, which translated well into keeping them apart at night. And using the right tongue position at night and not opening my mouth (or at least air isn't escaping through it *smile*) are working well for me.

Just a thought that came up when bruxism was mentioned.

RogerSC wrote:I noticed that I had some tooth pain after starting cpap. Went to the dentist, and they didn't see anything going on. Turned out I was clenching my teeth in an unconscious effort to keep from opening my mouth at night with the cpap. So I concentrated on keeping my teeth apart during the day for a while, which translated well into keeping them apart at night. And using the right tongue position at night and not opening my mouth (or at least air isn't escaping through it *smile*) are working well for me.

Just a thought that came up when bruxism was mentioned.

I've been using an FFM for a couple of months and just noticed TMJ pain and some tooth pain this week. I think it's that same problem. I noticed during the last couple of nights that I was clenching my teeth to avoid leaks around the mouth. I'm hoping that using a larger mask might help.

I developed hot/cold sensitivity to my front teeth after using the CPAP. I wear a full face mask and noticed it upon drinking coffee one morning right after I started using the full face mask. I changed my toothpaste and it's been a bit better.

I don't know if it's the warm air hitting my teeth/mouth if it's open?

Hi..Only been on CPap since 6/7/16..went for my teeth cleaning last wk. I go every 6 mths. They said I have developed hard tarter on my gum lines & need to brush my gums & floss every night due to the lack of saliva (mouth breathing during theraphy). So I now tape my mouth with Micropore tape, & put a tiny speck of ointment on the front of my lips..so when I pull the tape off & belive me it does stick, it is easier to get off my sensitive lips. It also takes a little gettng used to.

I use Doctor's Night Guard every night and it works great for sore jaw relief from teeth grinding and it also helps position your jaw in the proper alignment which can help prevent your jaw from falling back (ie. reduce leaks of that type). They are meant to be molded to the upper teeth. I do it a little different and mold it to my lower teeth... I cut off about 3/16" from each end with a sharp razor knife and then mold it to my lower teeth which I like best, however, upper or lower jaw, you should make it fit your needs. You can remold it three times and after that you're finished with that mouthpiece. Buy two so you can experiment.

https://www.amazon.com/Doctors-NightGua ... ight+guard

do you use a chin strap? That helped my leaks and dry mouth.

I agree with others on consulting a dentist. My dentist observed some cracks on my teeth and mentioned that they could be due to stress or other reasons so she said she would just keep an eye on them. This was 3 years or so ago, she has not mentioned them since.