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How many here with MG use a Cpap/Bipap machine plus have dental issues?
I have, so I was told, severe sleep apnea, after visiting a sleep center twice, so medicare pays for all since over three years now. (being a bit cynical here but that’s how they make their constant and guaranteed money)Have to wear a chinstrap to stop me from opening my mouth(hate this as forces the jaw out) and dribbling and taking mestinon causes this extra saliva(hence huge leaks showing on machine and zolpidem doesn’t help either) Im asking this, as wondering how many of you have noticed increased dental issues as in failed implants, weakened gums, plus grinding teeth etc(not to mention air leaks from mask effecting the eyes) as I believe its all connected plus having our MG tiredness, weakened immune system etc makes it all worse. Don’t know if you recall I mentioned Phantasmia issues(strange non-existent smells). Well it turns out this was as dentist hit the sinus, after the implant that failed, so just wondering if anyone else has experienced some of these problems as think its all connected and the bone loss that some of you have mentioned.
Have ordered and paid myself albeit Medicare would cover this, just takes longer to get, an independent sleep study done at home, to see exactly what is going on(how many apneas Im having whilst I’m asleep) as have to make a decision as yes, we have to breath and try and sleep better but also not prepared to lose all my teeth as well, as feel my whole mouth changing.
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2 Replies
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This is a really important question. Studies have found that people with obstructive sleep apnea often have more dry mouth, which raises the risk of cavities and gum disease (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11274061/).
Some research reports other oral symptoms in CPAP users, including tooth wear, grinding, gum inflammation, and changes in dental alignment over time, although these effects vary widely between individuals (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10909513/)& (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11653301/).
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I’ve had MG since 1998. I have used a bipap since 2008. For a long time my MG was well under control and I was able to train myself to hold my tongue up against the roof of my mouth, pressing on my front teeth. This controlled my mouth openg for a very long time. My teeth did move forward and I have wider gaps between my teeth, but I slept very well. A few years ago I started taking Vyvgart, at first infusions and then subcutaneous injections. This worked very well for a couple of years. Then I let a cardiologist talk me into taking rosuvastatin which made many symptoms of MG return. Then in October I started taking zepbound for apnea. After a month or so my mouth started opening causing tremendous leaks with nasal pillows. Extreme dry mouth. Now I am in the process of adapting to a full face mask to resume getting meaningful treatment for my apnea. I’m finally getting some good sleep again. I still mouth breathe. But I have an AHI of less than 1, usually 0.4. Effective treatment, but my mouth gets very dry at times. Fortunately for me I was blessed with great teeth and at 73 years old I have never had a cavity. It does cause a propensity for tartar formation. The chin strap can work, but for me, I have a large head and chin straps don’t fit. I have heard of people taping their mouth closed to prevent leaks. The idea doesn’t appeal to me. If you want to try it Google taping mouth closed for cpap to learn how to do it.
Since I have great teeth, I will put up with the dry mouth.
Good luck. Browse around cpaptalk.com for more information. The forum has some people that can be rude but many are helpful.
Dale
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