How do you keep from biting your cheeks?

I am learning how to nose breathe with the help of Nasonex and the Pap-Cap chinstrap, even have managed to go to sleep a few nights without Benadryl so am feeling positive about things, but when trying to keep my mouth closed, my tongue on the roof of my mouth, during the night I end up chomping on the insides of both cheeks while trying to keep my teeth closed. I've got a nice couple of ridges on both sides. I do have a misaligned jaw from bad orthodontia and a rather small mouth full of teeth, so maybe it's just an abnormality of mine I'll have to live with, but if anyone has tips to avoid cheek biting, I'd appreciate it.

Thank you!

Peggy

The first thing that comes to mind for me is to try some of those dental appliances that go over your teeth. I don't know if this might help or not...

I would think the chin strap would make it worse. with taping the blowfish effect should make it more dificult to bite them. Jim

I wear a full face mask as I tend to sleep with my mouth slightly open (helps prevent drool backup!) which causes my cheeks flare out slightly. No chance of biting here!

@Goofproof: "the blowfish effect" - lol!

myself I have to wear a chin strap to keep from biting my cheeks as I fall asleep. I will just get to dozing off to sleep and for some odd reason snap my jaws shut if I try to sleep without a chin strap.

I Just have to make sure the strap is snug enough to keep my jaws shut and make sure my tounge is out of the way.

I'ts annoying since after 13+ years of CPAP use I had trained myself NOT to mouth breathe and havent needed to use a chin strap but 6 months or so ago I started this biting thing as I fall asleep
it got real annoying having the ridge of swollen chewed raw flesh in my cheeks. But it went away pretty fast once I got myself a chin strap.

I would think a teeth guard from the sporting goods section would work. The ones you gotta boil water to fit to your top teeth as long as it covers the back teeth also. Or try different chin straps till you find one that works best for you.

Peggy, I just happen to have an UNUSED boil & bite mouthguard here that I decided I was never going to use. Could I send it to you? I was wondering whether to put it up for grabs.

I do worry this one, being a Medium, might be too big. You might want a Small. I got it at Walgreens, in the toothpaste aisle. It's made for sleeping - it's not a sports guard - and it comes with full package and instructions. I picked it up last year, then never fiddled with it.

Cheers,
Barbara

I'd love that, Babs! And I'd say that would call us even on the chinstrap, wouldn't you say? Which, BTW, I haven't gotten mailed yet 'cause I haven't left the ding-danged house in days. I know. I'm pathetic! Anyway, yes, please send me the mouthguard after I get the chinstrap to you in the mail, and we will call it even. No need to reimburse me for postage obviously or anything else since now you'll also be incurring postage. Deal?

Thank you all for your suggestions! I never would have thought of the mouth guard, and that seems like a perfect solution!!

Peggy

GOOD TRADE!!!

PM me your mailing addy. I probably have it on file somewhere, but I'm sleepy and too lazy to look.

No worries on getting that chinstrap in the mail in any hurry. I just spied an opportunity and jumped on it.

LOL,
Babs

Is there a risk of the guard coming loose and trying to swallow it in the night? I'm a certified chomper but haven't tried the guard because of this concern.

Peggy,

Let us know how that works for you. I, too bite my lips or cheeks or anything that is in the way when my teeth clamp shut. I always have an ongoing sore in my mouth. I tape and use a tight chinstrap, but it still happens. I tried polident strips but woke up eating them. I've also woken up trying to stuff my Activa in my mouth. If I could clamp my teeth together, I maybe, could avoid this?

It keeps getting sexier and sexier.

Bev

Yeah, you've got that right about the sexy part, Bev! I am amazed my husband hasn't left me, considering the fright he has to face every night in bed, every couple weeks something new and ever more horrifying to have to look at. I wonder if the men go through the same emotions as we do, at least regarding the blow all this crap hammers down on us about our attractiveness, our worth as bed partners now that CPAP has invaded the bed. I certainly can see why people chuck this treatment for so many reasons, but I'll admit I've become addicted to breathing easier.

For those of you "fellow chompers", I will let you know how it goes once I get a few days under my belt with the mouth guard. I have a messed-up jaw, as I said, so wil report on what it does to that also for any TMJ sufferers out there wondering.

Thanks again to everybody for your guidance!

Peggy