Help Please? My Teeth hurt!

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 7:26 am

I've been using the CPAP with great results for a week now. However, the last few nights I wake up with my lower jaw so far forward that the lower teeth are pressing really hard against my upper teeth. Has anyone else had this happen? My teeth are a little sore, and I'm afraid that eventually my two front teeth will move outward. I'd appreciate any ideas, Thanks.

Cathy

Hurricane · Post by **Hurricane** » Thu Mar 15, 2007 6:42 pm

Cathy, I have that mask and it doesn't touch your teeth, it touches just below the nose, and above your lips, is that where yours is fitting, can't see how that could cause you pain with your teeth, if its not pressing on them, did you try loosening the bottom straps, or as they tell you how to custom fit the mask in the directions that came with the mask. Are you sure its the right size mask for you?
Hoping you can find your answer.
Ed

JZ · Post by JZ » Thu Mar 15, 2007 9:05 pm

Cathy,

When I started CPAP, I did a lot of jaw clenching and got very sore jaw and face muscles. I believe I had two problems. One was anxiety over the CPAP and I held the stress in my jaw. The other was that I placed my head in uncomfortable positions to try to keep from dislodging my mask. I changed masks, which helped for me, but I don't know if that is your problem.

If this does not resolve quickly, you may want to consult a dentist (preferably one who is familiar with sleep apnea) to see if you have a tooth clenching/grinding issue. You may need a dental appliance often called a biteguard or nightguard to wear at night. That helps protect your teeth and gums. You can actually get a nightguard off the shelf at the drugstore that you mold to the shape of your teeth. Or the dentist can give you a custom made one. Obviously the one from the dentist is far more expensive, but may have advantages that make it worth it. For example, a custom made appliance can help keep your lower jaw from sliding forward (or back if that is needed).

I'm not a healthcare professional, so the above are only my opinions and they may not apply to your situation.

Good luck to you.

tangents · Post by **tangents** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 6:41 am

Thanks for your suggestions, Ed and JZ. Last night I tried to concentrate on what was happening, and what my mouth was doing with a mind of its own. I think it has to do with sealing off the air path from my nose to my mouth. I've never been a mouth breather, but I've awakened a couple of times this past week with a really dry mouth, like my mouth was open. So last night I tried falling asleep with my mouth clenched (figuring that at least then the teeth are aligned). I don't think my lower jaw went forward as much, so I'll try this approach, and if it doesn't work, I'll call my dentist. I just finished with 3 kids' braces - I don't want to be the 4th in the family!

Thanks again for your advice!

Cathy

arteecat · Post by **arteecat** » Fri Mar 16, 2007 9:54 am

once you start cpap therapy you will sleep deeper than the lab and anything you can remember.

When you get into this new deep sleep the muscles relax more than you are use to including the jaw.

your mouth is probabbly opening at night which is a huge concern. Once your mouth opens when using a nasal interface the therapy is ineffective.

Try a chinstrap which may work but most likely you will need a full face mask. Besure to try a few type for comfort if you go that route.