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Permalink Reply by Michael Smith on February 1, 2012 at 6:26pm

I agree..I've had similar experiences..never had a problem w TMJ..been useing CPAP since 2001..over the past couple years jaw popping when eating..and was not sure if it was just aging (Dentist suggested) or CPAP 

Henning said:

In my opinion there also is a strong link between CPAP use and Bruxism / TMJ.

I personally never had problems in that direction before I went to CPAP treatment. Then I got big problems with TMJ. I think I unconsciously have closed my mouth in order not to have problems with leaks.

In fact I bite my teeth hard together. This gave me also other serious problems.

Henning

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Permalink Reply by Steven on February 1, 2012 at 6:45pm

Todd,

Somehow I missed your post before I put up mine below).  Do you know if there are any studies or journal articles to support this? (The relation between clenching and nasal resistance).  Thanks.

Steven

Oxygen Pillow

Todd Morgan, DMD said:

There is strong evidence to support the notion that clenching/brux events are associated with the arousal process due to OSA. A bruxing event is triggered by a peak sub-glottic pressure around -30cm H2o. in those subjects studied, which stiffens pharyngeal tissues and opens airway. Although you're awake, you can try this yourself by breathing gently in thru the nose and then clench for the next breath in. You'll sense better flow/uptake while clenching. This may be why studies have shown decrease in bruxism and not necessarily othe limb movements (that are independent of respiratort arousal) to go away with treatment (airway supported). By themselves, upper night guards aggravated OSA while lower ones did not.

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Permalink Reply by Beverly Carter on February 1, 2012 at 7:49pm

Wow this is an interesting top!  I wore a mouth guard for 30 years for teeth grinding. Since I have been using my CPAP I do not wear one nor do I have the headaches or the wear on my teeth. I admit I was worried about the CPAP and not wearing a mouth guard but the CPAP seems to have helped with the stress. No more mouth guard. Thanks for bringing this up. Bet it IS related. 

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Permalink Reply by K. S. on February 1, 2012 at 8:06pm

Wow, I wished I would have had such a dedicated music teacher like Bradley!

Many people have to use a sleeping aid with CPAP, particularly initially. Take Gordon's suggestion about Ambien, or something longer-lasting like Lunesta. A friend would get to sleep with half an Ambien, then take the other half when he woke up in the early morning hours. But if you're waking up at 3:30, a second dose would lead to drowsiness at your 06:20 alarm. There are other pills, I would call your doctor. Nothings worse than fretting about getting back to sleep when you know you have so much to do.

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Permalink Reply by Kim Angevine on February 1, 2012 at 8:27pm

I find the connection between sleep apnea and bruxism to be very enlightening. I was diagnosed with mild to moderate sleep apnea two years ago.

I've also have to wear a night guard every night. I got my first one over 25 years ago. Cracked the first one because of the heavy grinding. I'm now using one that my dentist also says is cracked. Since they are so expensive, I'll wait for it to actually crack before replacing it. By the way, both my mom and aunt had bruxism and I suspect my mother also had sleep apnea but was never diagnosed.

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Permalink Reply by Beverly Carter on February 2, 2012 at 6:31pm

why not go get one of those night guards called THE DOCTORS NIGHTGUARD?  I have been buying those for a couple years and I fit it myself and it is not like the sports night guards but more like the one your doctor fits for you. The price is about $35.00 and it is a quality nightguard. It says "One Size Fits All" and you soften in hot water and bite down and shape it to your mouth. Just make sure you have a mirror to be looking into so that you are putting it in your mouth correctly. It is guaranteed to fit. I have used one for a year and it did not wear through. I just got another. Comes in a nice holding container to store in. I found mine in Rite Aid. Bet you can type it in online for a location.  Hope this helps you.

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Permalink Reply by Karen M Laass on February 3, 2012 at 2:16am

Wow - I have just found another link / condition I experienced also linked to sleep apnea.  The list keeps growing!!!  I had been grinding my teeth for some time, I believed due to stress.  It got to the point I would wake with a headache (not realizing from what) and at times my jaw would simply "lock" and I would have to wait in pain for my facial muscles to relax and the jaw would "pop back" into proper position.  I ultimately had a mouth guard made by my dentist which reduced the griding and clenching significantly.  I dont know the effect on my sleep apnea as I was still undiagnosed.

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Permalink Reply by John on February 3, 2012 at 10:07pm

I have just had an upper molar extracted because  it was split from top tto bottom.   This was a reuslt of bruxism.   The tooth was otherwise healthty and the first tooth I have lost in 55 years.

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Permalink Reply by K. S. on February 4, 2012 at 3:06pm

Thanks Todd for the explanation about bruxism and apnea. Luckily, I have a Bottom night guard made 7 years ago. Now I can trace back that is likely to be the onset of severe OSA. Even though, on CPAP the last 5 months, I might not need to wear the guard, I'm reluctant to discontinue fearing chipped teeth (never had TMJ pain) again. Is there a downside to continuing the guard? 

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