cpap and dental decay

[BlackSpinner]

I have sever tooth decay after this equipment for about 2 months
Are there any active law suits a

This wasn't caused in 2 months - it was caused by years of OSA. Just stop using it and have a stroke then you won't care.

[Marketsu]

Well, I have to say, thank you for all your caring and support for anyone who has a genuine concern for their health issues.
I came on here for some advice and support, needless to say, I will not return. Maybe your moderates need to get their act together.
I cannot believe, people can be so callous regarding other peoples fears especially regarding such a life threatening problam.
Shame on you all.

[lunarmagpie]

This is my first post. I'm on my second round of treatment for sleep apnea, this time using a bi-pap machine with a full face mask. I had very little luck getting used to the cpap with nasal pillows mask and gave it up a couple of years ago but my doctor is really browbeating me this time to get used to it, so I am working on it.

I had a slow start after my second sleep study because shortly after I got my new machine I had a series of events that made it difficult for me to use it, starting out with having a major molar pulled that made it impossible to use the face mask without pain. I then ended up getting a head cold and sinusitis, and am finally getting to the point where I am ready to give it a go.

My problem: so far I have only used the machine for maybe a week, intermittently. Because of my sinus problems I have had to use decongestants, Mucinex, and dry mouth spray prior to going to bed to help me sleep with the mask on. My machine does have a heated humidifier, and it was all set up by the supplier according to the sleep lab's recommendations. Last night I managed to get about four good hours of sleep, but when I woke up, my mouth was so dry I could barely open it. I felt like something was really wrong, but it took a minute or two for me to figure out what it was. It turned out that a crown on one of my back teeth had been completely pulled out. I can only assume that it was a combination of the really dry mouth and the suction from the machine. (At that point I was really thankful that I didn't try to use it after the most recent extraction, since a dry socket can be very painful.) So now I have an appointment to go in and have the crown replaced tomorrow. I'm not blaming my bi-pap machine -- obviously a lot of things in my life have contributed to my dental problems. But they are problems, and they don't make it any easier to get in the habit of using the machine. As I've never just awakened in the morning with my mouth completely dried shut and a crown rolling around loose in my mouth, I can only assume that the machine had something to do with it. One thing that has probably contributed to the crown coming off is that there are no opposing teeth above it to help hold it in. I usually breathe through my mouth, so that may not necessarily be the reason it popped out. I just don't know for sure.

After reading through the comments in this thread, I'm kind of saddened that there wasn't more support offered for the last person who responded. I have to say that, while I am fully aware of the consequences of not using cpap/bipap therapy when it's warranted, it's been hard for me in more ways than one. And I understand from two different doctors that most people do not stick with their cpap therapy because it is really hard to establish the habit. I'm thrilled for, and somewhat envious of, those who are able to just jump right in and start using the therapy without issues -- my sister-in-law is one of them, and she has been very encouraging to me to keep trying because it has helped her so much. But it's just been hard, and with this most recent problem, it's been downright discouraging at times. Some of us are plagued with dental issues no matter how diligent we are about dental care, and that can really cause problems in many areas of our lives. It doesn't help to have others criticize us and imply that we're just not trying (or that we'd rather have a stroke!) to work out using the therapy. If we weren't having problems in making this work, I don't think we'd come to these message boards hoping to find some support from others who may have gone through the same thing.

If there is anybody on here at this point who has had, or heard of, crowns being pulled loose while using bi-pap therapy and a full face mask, I'd sure appreciate knowing more about it. I'd like to be able to try to figure out how to work this out, and am not sure how much experience my dentist has with this kind of thing. Any help or suggestions in this regard would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you... Jewel in Arizona

[jaybeem]

Just back from my dentist. My front upper and lower teeth are sore and a little loose and have been for weeks. I have new fracture lines on the backs of my top canine teeth. Because it is only my front teeth and there is no evidence of grinding on my back teeth, he thinks I am clenching or thrusting vs. grinding. Maybe I am trying to keep my mask in place or worried about opening my mouth? He said I could use a sports guard, but it would be bulky. I had a full mouth guard years ago and woke up every morning having flung it to the far corner of the room. He recommended a light-weight guard for my top 6-8 teeth for about $350. I am going to get it despite not having dental insurance.

[ChicagoGranny]

I'm kind of saddened that there wasn't more support offered for the last person who responded

- Jewel in Arizona

It's a two way street. You need to fill out your equipment profile. It can make a big difference for the quality of replies you get.

my mouth was so dry

Nine of ten times this is caused by mouthbreathing while using a nasal interface. There are solutions. But it is best that we know more - the equipment profile, pressure settings for starters.

[Kitatonic]

Jewel,
First of all, welcome to the forum. PAP is such a struggle, please use this forum to help you. Although I don't post much, I learn so much from the advise and support here.

If your crowns were pulled loose, then I suspect you are grinding your teeth at night. Before PAP, I loosened crowns, pulled off veneers, and chipped mulitple front teeth. Needless to say, the dental bills were astronomical. Finally, I paid $600 for a custom dental night guard. Lorena posted a good economical suggested night guard:
http://www.amazon.com/SleepRight-NO-BOI ... N3CEGCQUMT
But others like the usual boil and bite guards or maybe consider the TapPap mask with the dental guard to stabilize the pillows.

Ask your dentist if a night guard would prevent further dental problems.

Perhaps, your dental grinding will lessen over time with the BiPap machine. So many of us have experienced grinding because we are gasping for air and stressed during the night. In addition, most of us mouth breathe creating the dry mouth which aides the caries. Mouth breathing is another habit that will lessen with PAP use.

[Pugsy]

CPAP and BiPap machines blow..they don't suck. It's positive pressure..not negative pressure.
I am trying to think of any remote situation where a cpap/bipap pressure could blow off a crown...to me it would be impossible to blow off a properly cemented crown.
Even more impossible to suck off a crown since the machines don't suck anyway.

Dry mouth is a common complaint even with full face mask users. Extremely common. The humidifiers can't add enough moisture for some people even at max setting. If we breathe through out mouths they will dry out and for some people it takes very little mouth breathing.

[Moore]

The forum seem to have a common theme, people are experiencing dental decay specifically while using CPAP therapy. I would also pose that the problem is not a collective or normal occurrence, but only affects certain individuals. I started using a CPAP machine in 2006 a few years later I started experiencing dental problems with decay forming under crowns and fillings. In the past 3 years, I have received treatment for 2 decayed teeth that could not be saved and resulted in root canals (one yesterday). I have never heard about CPAP causing accelerated tooth decay but what I can tell you is the thought came to me this morning to research the hypothesis and I came across this form. I have never had a dentist share with me about CPAP in which he or she probably does not realize I use the treatment. Between 2006 and 2014, I have spent more time and resources in the dental office than my entire 20 years of military service.

Yes, it could be age but less face it, 2 root canals, 3 crowns, numerous fillings removed cleaned and refilled, all in this period raises the question of what is really going on with CPAP and dental decay. The CPAP machine does cause dry mouth with me even with the humidifier on; and if I turn the humidifier setting too high condensation forms in the tube and during the night I am awaken by water going up my nose causing a strangling effect (like when you drink something and it does not go down, as it should).

[ChicagoGranny]

what is really going on with CPAP and dental decay

You have answered your own question -

The CPAP machine does cause dry mouth

As to why dry mouth leads to dental problems -

saliva cleanses our mouths and prevents infection by controlling cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth. Dry the saliva out and harmful bacteria has a free range.

BTW, CPAP humidifiers are for moistening dry nasal passages. They do a poor job at even the highest settings with moistening the mouth.

[ChicagoGranny]

The CPAP machine does cause dry mouth

I should ask, are you using a nasal mask or a full face mask?

[ChicagoGranny]

If you are using a FFM, this discussion may be of interest - viewtopic.php?f=1&t=98048&st=0&sk=t&sd=a

[chunkyfrog]

The best way to prevent cavities is adult prophylaxis--with fluoride!
It is an individual choice--one we each have to live with.

[Uncle Sigh]

The best way to prevent cavities is adult prophylaxis--with fluoride!
It is an individual choice--one we each have to live with.

Fluoride?

In what form? Tablet, in the water supply, in toothpaste, in a rinse, in a gel?

[ChicagoGranny]

I find a Sonicare brush with fluoride toothpaste just before bedtime does a great job. Take care to use the Sonicare brush per the instructions and clean thoroughly under the gum line. This is a critical step for any CPAP user who has dry mouth at night.

[chunkyfrog]

The best way to prevent cavities is adult prophylaxis--with fluoride!
It is an individual choice--one we each have to live with.

Fluoride?

In what form? Tablet, in the water supply, in toothpaste, in a rinse, in a gel?

My dentist applies it with the final polishing. Voila, no cavities!