How Your Dentist Can Help
“A dentist can play an important role in the ongoing care of a patient who uses CPAP, because we may be the first to recognize some of its oral side effects,” says Abbassi.
Here’s how, she says.
Early Detection At routine exams, dentists can spot dry mouth, a higher risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and changes in your tooth position or bite, and can help figure out what’s behind the dryness.
“Medications and other medical conditions can also contribute to dry mouth, so we don’t want to automatically assume CPAP is the only cause,” she says.
Preventive Treatment If you’re at higher risk for cavities, your dentist may recommend extra fluoride, such as a prescription-strength fluoride toothpaste or rinse.
Bite Monitoring and Custom Night Guards Dentists can keep an eye on how your teeth fit together and whether they’ve shifted. “If a change is detected, it doesn’t mean the patient should stop CPAP,” says Abbassi.
Work With Your Sleep Team “The dentist identifies and manages the oral consequences, while the sleep team helps optimize CPAP therapy so the patient can continue receiving effective treatment with fewer side effects,” Abbassi says.
CPAP alone doesn’t necessarily mean you need more frequent dental visits, says Abbassi. If your oral health is good and you don’t have significant dry mouth, you may be fine with the schedule your dentist recommends, often every six months, she says.
Persistent dry mouth, recurrent cavities, or gum disease may call for visits every three to four months, depending on your risk, says Abbassi.
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