Extreme dry mouth, possible gum loss?

[LSU_Tiger]

Hi guys.

I've been on Bi-PAP for about 2 months now (using a nasal pillow) and have been having issues with extreme dry mouth when I wake up.

The dry mouth itself isn't really a big deal, because one I wake up and start moving around, everything is back to normal. However, I'm worried about possible gum loss/gum disease.

My wife says I make "motorboat" sounds during the night, so I may be leaking air out of my mouth, leading to the dry-mouth. But I'm not sure.

Is this something I should be concerned with?

I look forward to reading your replies!

[sir_cumference]

Do you use any kind of humidifier? If not, get one as soon as possible!

sir_c

[Puddin]

I get dry mouth when I have my mouth open. Keeping it closed seems to solve the problem.

[krousseau]

You are most likely right about leaking air through your mouth. It causes the motorboat sound and the extreme dry mouth. If this happens often you will need to do more than treat the dry mouth (humidifier, artificial saliva). The cause may be trying to mouth breathe or just dropping your mouth open when you get relaxed. Maybe a chin strap (avoid the flimsy light fabric ones and go for the ones that look more like wetsuit fabric), or you might need a full face mask.

[chdurie2]

extreme dry mouth can lead to gum problems, gingivitis and periodontitis (unfortunately i know,) so you should brush your teeth extra carefully when you wake up and when you go to bed. also rinse with something like listerine, which has alcohol and kills the bacteria. dryness helps bacteria hang out around your gums, so you want to kill them. your dentist could better tell you how much risk there is from dryness from cpap/bipap for you specifically. not a good thing if you have gum problems to start with, but it may be inevitable.