cpap and dental decay

I went to the a new CPAP machine in June and doubled the pressure with the new machine. I began complaining to my doctor about dry mouth. Over the past three months I've had $15,000 worth of dental work to repair decay under caps and bridges. Prior to that I had no tooth decay for at least five years.

I think you need to ask it with your dentist. By that, he could prescribed some meditation and he could explain the reasons of your situation.

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"The beginning of knowledge is the discovery of something we do not understand. - Frank Herbert
Orange Dentist | Dentist Orange Ca

I have seen incressed dental decay,but I have only been using my cpap for only three months.

Having a dry mouth does NOT mean you are POSITIVELY a mouth breather. My mouth becomes dry as the desert while I'm laying there trying to go to sleep--BEFORE I ever go to sleep. I am still awake, conscious, and know for sure that my mouth is closed.

I think in alot of cases the open mouth breathing is true, but not 100% of the time.

I've had my full face-cpap for about a year, my teeth were not in great shape a few cavities, 4 of my teeth within the last 3 months have cracked,and I mean I'm eating a soft sandwich and a piece of my tooth breaks off? I would never stop using my machine,because it has made all the difference.I've always been a mouth breather and the dry mouth even with the humidifier, I think is the culprit.Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.Thanks

I don't know if this is useful for you. I had a cavities each visit at the dentist when I started CPAP. I decided I was going to do something to stop it, then I started just before going bed brushing my teeth and rinsing my mouth with Listerine with Fluor. I try not to swallow the Listerine or rinse it, I put my tape and that's it. The result is than the last visit to the dentist I didn't have any cavity at all. I think it helps.

I have been using mouth wash for people with dry mouth, after brushing my teeth, right before going to bed. I still have some dry mouth in the middle of the night but not as much. My teeth feel clean when I run my tongue over them, the same way they do after a cleaning. Worth a try.

catmac50 wrote:I've had my full face-cpap for about a year, my teeth were not in great shape a few cavities, 4 of my teeth within the last 3 months have cracked,and I mean I'm eating a soft sandwich and a piece of my tooth breaks off? I would never stop using my machine,because it has made all the difference.I've always been a mouth breather and the dry mouth even with the humidifier, I think is the culprit.Any suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.Thanks

Catmac
Your teeth are breaking because you are clenching and grinding your teeth when your asleep. My dentist told me if I didn't stop I would have to wear a boil and bite. Boil & Bite is a teeth guard worn by sports people ...especially kids playing football, etc..............Very cheap at wally world.

I read several pages of this topic. I clench my teeth, rather than grind, and broke a crown and some old fillings on one side. My dentist really worked hard to fix my bite.... about 6 visits, grnding a little each time. Now my teeth actually touch on both sides when I bite. I've worn a Walmart dollar mouth guard for a couple years and teeth are much better. I replace them every 4-5 weeks, and soak in listerine during the day. I used to have dreams about my teeth falling out. Gee, was there some connection?! When I went for my sleep study I commented to the "nurse" that I used a guard, and she said... oh lots of people do who come in. Guess it's a common problem that is inter-related. Interesting about the GERD. I think my mother had apnea and she definitely had GERD. She slept alone for 25 years, so she never knew she snored, etc.

Made a positive change in night habits and have been flossing daily for about 18 months, and use ACT rinse before bed. Since using CPAP (6 weeks) I'm not as thirsty at night. Have had 2 nights on FFM, 1st OK, last night I had to go back to the pillows to get some sleep.

There's also the theory that if you mouth breathe, the xPAP machines are blowing air through your mouth for 8 hours a night. That means dry mouth, which means more cavities.

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

To be honest about the issue, I tend to think that each individual has different reactions to his/her mouth drying out and it is possible that CPAP may cause additional dryness.

That said, I am thankful that I was born with pretty good teeth and have not had any problems over the past 11 years using CPAP. To take it one step further, I don't even use a humidifier...

...but I have used an electric toothbrush for 20 years and have felt that helps in keeping my teeth clean. And I brush along the gum line. I have also started flossing every night a few years ago.

I can identify with those who don't see a dentist very often as I went 15 years at one point between visits to the dentist. I do go to the dentist regularly now.

My only suggestion is to take mouthwash, water or whatever if dry mouth is an issue.

I do empathize with those who have dental problems, but I doubt that anyone can bring a lawsuit against one of the CPAP companies.

John

I've been on cpap for 7 years and my dental problems haven't increased, but I have a nasal mask and don't seem to mouth breathe. My dentist just recommended I stop clenching my teeth, so I bought a "plakers" night guard from e-***. Very light and unobtrusive and about 2.00.

I had additional dental problems until I got my diabetes under control.
Nearly all dental decay is totally preventable by good oral hygiene,
and sole causality by cpap use would be extremely difficult to prove in court.
However; never underestimate the resourcefulness of a sufficiently motivated dirtbag ambulance chaser.

cHARLES f. Caccavale wrote:I have sever tooth decay after this equipment for about 2 months
Are there any active law suits a

Lawsuit, schmawsuit.

Brush and floss well before going to bed and no cavities will form. Cavity-causing bacteria will not multiply without a source of food period!

Are you using a nasal mask or a full face mask?