grinding teeth after starting CPAP

xavia · Post by **xavia** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 3:22 pm

Has anyone noticed themselves grinding their teeth worse after starting on a CPAP? I have been using one for 6 weeks now. When I wake up, my jaws are very sore. I assume I am grinding my teeth a lot because my mouth is closed more with my CPAP. Any suggestions or comments would be helpful.

WAFlowers · Post by **WAFlowers** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 3:50 pm

If you look up bruxism in the CPAPopedia (a link to it should appear below now that I've used the term in this post) you'll get a little more info.

I wish I could add more, but thankfully it isn't a problem I've had.

LynfromOz · Post by **LynfromOz** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 3:57 pm

Hi Xavia

My answer is yes. I have been grinding my teeth for the first time in my life, that I am aware of. I cracked a molar in fact. At least the pain made me aware of what I was doing and I have stopped now (for good I hope).

Good luck
Lyn

Swordz · Post by **Swordz** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 4:32 pm

I know bruxism is a very common problem with dental devices, but this is the 1st time I've heard of it related to CPAP usage. I would contact your sleep doc ASAP so that you don't cause physical or cosmetic damage to your teeth.

I would also make an apt with a dentist, but a sleep medicine dentist may help more. You're probably looking at getting some type of mouth guard to wear at night. To some it might be a big deal, but its really easy to get accustom to.

snork1 · Post by **snork1** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 7:01 pm

You can go to your local sports store and get a $3 boil and bite mouthguard.

Trim it down to a minimum for daily use.

It can also be formed into a tongue guide to stop mouth leaks.

I do recommend having your dentist look at its fit during your regular checkup if you make one at home.

My teeth wouldn't last even before CPAP if it weren't for the mouthguard due to teeth grinding. I used the boil and bite homegrown setup under my dentist's supervision long before I started on CPAP.

Jere · Post by **Jere** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:38 pm

I have been wearing a night guard for years to stop the grinding. I started with one that looks like retainer with an extra plate to keep the upper teeth from the lower. A few years ago, my dentist talked my into a little guy that just snaps onto my 2 top front teeth. It keeps my teeth farther apart and my jaw more relaxed. The whole thing is smaller than a penny. If anyone cares, here is the older style:

and my new friend:

Hope that does not gross anyone out.

.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 9:55 pm

Hi, I'm also a Bruxer, have been all my life. It makes me wonder seeing all these posts if there is any connection between Bruxism and Sleep Apnea, probably not but worth a thought. I'm now 72 yrs old and my own teeth have long gone, I take my falsies out at night so I don't have a problem.
Ken

GoodKnight · Post by **GoodKnight** » Tue Dec 06, 2005 11:29 pm

There is definitely a relationship between bruxism and sleep apnea. There is not a proven causal relationship, but bruxism appears quite often in people with sleep apnea.

In fact, my sleep apnea was diagnosed because I complained to my doctor about my bruxism and he sent me to a sleep doctor because he knew of the relationship. All the problems I had that I thought were caused by the bruxism turned out to be caused by the apnea and went away with CPAP treatment.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Dec 07, 2005 12:54 am

A lot of food for thought here - I wonder if there is any way one could find out the percentage of Bruxers who have sleep apnea?
Ken

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