Sore Gums and Teeth

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by gina on January 18, 2012 at 15:58

Thanks Mary 

i am trying not be down on my self i am staying postive but with a stuggle last night after having probs with my gums i cleaned my teeth like ive neaver cleaned before and used mouth wash as you said because i thoguht about it if mouth dry more likely for bactria growth bactria causes inflamation and my gums and teeth seemed a little better .i had increessed my hummidifier to 5 from 3 may be ive done tat to quick  . ive not heard of biotene so id best go and have a look any thing that helps. i will keep posting as here has been a great help kath has been brill but even with all this help i am still struggleing just hope to get there some time , if it doesnt get to me first thanksx

Ginax 
 
Mary Zimlich said:

gina, oh, please don't be down on yourself.  You felt real discomfort and dealt with it as best you could.  It takes time- your teeth and gums need to get used to the pressure from the mask.  I don't want to get ahead of myself, but you may need to try a new mask if this continues- the gums swelling- it's not normal.  I also with different masks have felt pressure on my teeth which was uncomfortable.

As to the dry mouth, it's a very common problem and can be hard to resolve.  I would deal with it on several fronts.  First I would slowly increase my humidification level.   Second, in the dental section of the drugstore there is a line of products called Biotene for dry mouth.  One of our US members uses the gel- he takes a small dab and with his tongue puts it right behind his front teeth.  He is very careful not to dislodge it, or play with it, but lets it dissolve slowly over the night.  I would use all of the products(mouthwash, toothpaste, and gel) for the best chance of success. The first thing I would do though is slowly increase the humdidity- too much and you will get water in your hose and mask which is not comfortable! This is called rainout and they make hose covers to keep the hose warmer and help prevent the water building up at higher humidity.

Most of all hang in here, keep posting.  We'll work through each problem as best we can.  It is a big adjustment.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Elianna Halsey on January 18, 2012 at 20:09

Gina,

 

I am also new to sleep therapy and having been noticing my gums and two front teeth are uncomfortable, particularly by the morning.  I did loosen my mask a little and it seems to have helped.  I agree with Mary that you may need a new mask if the problem does not resolve.  I read a post by a sleep tech and he stated that the mask should only be snug enough to stop leaks and that it should never hurt.  If it hurts then it's either too tight or it's the wrong mask for you.  Hope that is at least somewhat helpful.  Best wishes!  Keep at it!!!

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Terry Vella on January 19, 2012 at 4:01

Gina, I agree with Elianna, my front bottom teeth used to get sore and the back of my neck. I had the bottom strap too tight. Try just loosen it a little at a time. I hate to say it but it is trial and error until you get it right. The other thing I do which may or may not help you is I have my mask unhooked from the hose, put it on, then attach the hose then turn the machine on. If I have to go to the toilet I turn it off and pull the hose and leave the mask on.

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gina on January 19, 2012 at 20:34

Thanks for you hints and tips i can only keep trying but slowly getting past trying x

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by Isla Deuchar on January 20, 2012 at 20:01

Hi Gina,

I am pretty new to CPAP as well, well new using it that is :) but the only time I felt my gums and teeth really painful was the time I discovered that the bottom of the mask was too far up and was pressing against my bottom teeth.  I sorted it the night after and it has been fine since.  It is still trail and error for myself also but I must admit the huggie and the hose lift has helped a lot.

Isla x

• ▶ Reply

Permalink Reply by gina on January 20, 2012 at 20:23

Hi Isla

  ive now had to change my mask again will be my first night to night using the mirage liberty so i will see how my gums are,the main reason for changeing was the leaks from the mask and hence it woke me up or i could not get to sleep one day i will get used to this  treatment . i do use the hose lift which is brill but i seem not to have a prob with rainout think thats what you call it .

ginax

• ▶ Reply

▶ Reply to Discussion