Teeth Grinding/Mouthguard With CPAP?

[Tired567]

Hello,

My dentist told me that I need to wear a mouthguard at night due to teeth grinding. I purchased a custom-made upper mouth guard. I tried wearing it twice with CPAP, and even when awake, my mouth/cheeks puff up with air. I don't have this problem without the mouthguard.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you resolve it, or what mouthguard do you use?

Thanks in advance!

[Conrad]

I also use a custom-made mouth guard. A nighttime occlusal device is the official name, upper teeth only. Been using the same one for nearly ten years.

I still chomp down on this thing when I sleep, and it tends to help me keep my mouth shut.

[Tired567]

I appreciate the reply. Yes, mine is an upper as well.

You don't have issues with chipmunk cheeks or air filling your mouth when you have it in?

[JimmyStewart]

I don’t use a mouth guard, but I have experienced chipmunk cheeks.

It’s never been a huge issue because I had positional apnea from the very beginning and have always used a chin strap or cervical collar. On the very few occasions when I have not worn one of those, it occurs when my jaw relaxes, but my mouth remains shut. It’s a very unpleasant way to wake up!!

There may be other reasons it occurs, but that’s something for you to try. Some CVS pharmacies carry collars now, and both chin straps and collars are available on amazon.

Good luck!!

[Conrad]

I appreciate the reply. Yes, mine is an upper as well.

You don't have issues with chipmunk cheeks or air filling your mouth when you have it in?

None of that.

[ChicagoGranny]

I appreciate the reply. Yes, mine is an upper as well.

You don't have issues with chipmunk cheeks or air filling your mouth when you have it in?

Are you practicing holding the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth? This prevents chipmunk cheeks in many people.

[JimDrowsy]

I also wear a mouthguard with my CPAP. I also wear a standard retainer on my lower teeth. I've never had an issue with air in my cheeks.

[Conrad]

I appreciate the reply. Yes, mine is an upper as well.

You don't have issues with chipmunk cheeks or air filling your mouth when you have it in?

Are you practicing holding the tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth? This prevents chipmunk cheeks in many people.

This is what I do. I guess I've 'trained' my tongue to do this automatically now. The tip of my tongue goes right behind my night guard where it meets the roof of my mouth.