Tooth decay (cavities) forms when acids and bacteria set on your teeth for an extended period of time. One of the reasons why our dentists stress brushing and flossing before bed is because your mouth tends to be drier when you’re sleeping. A dry mouth can significantly raise your chances of getting more cavities compared to people who have healthy saliva flow.
When you add sleep apnea and CPAP use into the equation, there’s an even higher risk of battling dry mouth. Since CPAP forces air through your nose and mouth and into your lungs, there’s more of a chance that you’ll be mouth breathing and drying out your oral tissues.
Over time, the consistent mouth breathing and dry mouth that CPAP users experience can multiply their risk of getting cavities. The best solution is to work with our dentist to reduce xerostomia, supplement with appropriate dental products (such as fluoride) and possibly consider a CPAP alternative, such as a mandibular advancement sleep appliance. With a sleep mouthguard, you can breathe through your nose instead of drying out your mouth.