Mouth guard and CPAP usage.

I’d be interested in knowing of possible solutions for a person who can benefit from using a mouth guard at night, on the recommendation of their dentist, for grinding and clenching, while also benefiting from the use of a CPAP machine. The priority piece of medical equipment is the CPAP, although I’d be interested in what solutions, if any, folks have had regarding a mouth guard.

Grinding and clenching one’s teeth can be caused by stress and other things, although I’d be curious if the CPAP machine usage itself could be a contributor, as a dentist suggested. Thanks.

Chuck Connors wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:57 pm

I’d be interested in knowing of possible solutions for a person who can benefit from using a mouth guard at night, on the recommendation of their dentist, for grinding and clenching, while also benefiting from the use of a CPAP machine. The priority piece of medical equipment is the CPAP, although I’d be interested in what solutions, if any, folks have had regarding a mouth guard.

Grinding and clenching one’s teeth can be caused by stress and other things, although I’d be curious if the CPAP machine usage itself could be a contributor, as a dentist suggested. Thanks.

I use a nighttime occlusal device, the official name for a mouthguard that helps prevent tooth grinding, custom made by my dentist. I've been using it for about a year longer than my cpap, 12 or 13 years or so now.

I've read your post a couple of times now and I don't really see a question.

What is it, exactly, that you'd like to know?

Both can be used together, if necessary.
Neither can be used in place of the other, as they function differently.

chunkyfrog wrote: ↑

Tue Aug 29, 2023 7:25 am

Both can be used together, if necessary.
Neither can be used in place of the other, as they function differently.

You think?

Well, there are some who suggest using a mouthguard instead of cpap.
Go figure.

Chuck Connors wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:57 pm

using a mouth guard at night, on the recommendation of their dentist, for grinding and clenching, while also benefiting from the use of a CPAP machine.

I used a mandibular advancement device for years while using PAP. That MAD helped me keep my mouth shut while using nasal pillows. Using those two together was helpful to me.

My understanding is that for some, PAP helps lessen teeth grinding and clenching, for others it doesn't.

Either way, there should be no problem using the two together, and they may be mutually beneficial when used in combination.

Chuck Connors wrote: ↑

Mon Aug 28, 2023 9:57 pm

I’d be curious if the CPAP machine usage itself could be a contributor, as a dentist suggested

CPAP is not considered to be either a cause of, or a contributer to, teeth grinding or jaw clenching. The mild pressure of PAP merely keeps the airway open, thus relieving the stress on the body that can come from an unstable airway and obstructions. Any seeming statistical relation is explained away by the fact that CPAP is used to treat sleep problems, not cause them.

But I find dentists often suggest weird things when they are not educated as sleep docs. On the other hand, dentists fully educated on sleep do a better job of educating patients on the gold-standard treatment that PAP provides.

I have severe TMJ and have worn a dental appliance similar to a mouth guard 24/7 since 1987. I was diagnosed with sleep apnea about 3 years ago. I have had no difficulty wearing my dental appliance while using my CPAP. I use a nasal pillow with mouth tape. I was advised by both my dentist and my physical therapist not to use a full face mask because it could put pressure on my lower jaw when tightened.

Once I got my CPAP dialed in and got comfortable with the whole CPAP thing, my dentist told me that I was grinding my teeth LESS than before. He can tell by the wear marks on my appliance when I go in for adjustments.

If your dentist feels you need an appliance, there should be no issue with using it with your CPAP if the appliance is adjusted properly.

If you think you are grinding your teeth more since you started CPAP, then I would check into whether your mask and CPAP settings are optimal for you.