Teeth
March 1st, 2011
Well, I am nothing if not consistent, if by consistent, you mean absent, but the sickopalypse continued, plus I had two work deadlines, and that meant lack of sleep and lack of many things, but sleep! I missed sleep a lot.
What’s crazy is that I cannot figure out WHY I am so pathetically tired on a level I wasn’t before I had Sam. What the EFF, right? I mean, I used to work until well past midnight and then get up for work at 6, but now when I try ANYTHING close to that — getting up at 7 or later, even! — I am DEAD. DEAD. FOR DAYS. WEEKS, EVEN. (And before you mention it, I’m already medicated for my thyroid and other stuff, so it’s not medical, it’s that I’m a wimp. Either that, or my job is much more, um, physical, I guess.)
It’s like the Pussification of Jonna, up close and in the flesh. Just now I whined in Adam’s general direction that he had to set an alarm for 7:15 tomorrow morning because it’ll wake us all up earlier than I’d like. Bear in mind, please, that my preshus offspring usually sleeps until 8, and here I am, most spoiled mother in America. And yet I am exhausted.
I went to the dentist today, and as it turns out, I do NOT have a failed root canal, and Deb was totally right, in that it was referred pain because the tooth is RIGHT under my sinuses, and it was (OMFG) SINUS PAIN. And also, I grind my teeth like a mo’ fo’, and which reminds me, GET THIS: So the dentist is all up in my shit because I’m wearing my teeth down to nubs and then — THEN! — he’s pointing out that my teeth should never touch, which is something I did not know, honestly. Do your teeth touch when you’re just sitting there? Please check and report back. I’ll wait.
Obviously mine do, AND I grind them horribly, but what killed me is that he stared at me as I was doing this and very gravely announced, “Relaxed people do not do this. It’s a stress thing. You really need to relax.”
And I’m like, hey dude, for starters, my day job involves running around after a small person who yells at me constantly, and when she’s not yelling at me, she’s clinging to me like an extra appendage. I never, ever sit by myself. I sit down for five whole seconds, and Sam’s all up in my grill and then Sunny! Sunny has to sit on me, too! I DO NOT SIT ALONE. EVER. I don’t even pee alone. I haven’t peed alone since 2005, because Sunny hasn’t let me pee alone, and now Sam and … oh, man, I forgot what going to the bathroom unwitnessed was even like, because there are FOUR EYEBALLS on me when I pee, OK?
Both of those people need my assistance in some way to poop (shut up, Sunny is people). I wipe someone else’s butt multiple times a day. Then, when I get a reprieve from the small person, I get to go outside and fish dog poopsicles out of the back yard and fold laundry and then when Sam goes to sleep? Then I get to do my other job, and we haven’t even TALKED about the last few months involving death, pregnancy loss and divorce of some of my closest friends, and I’m ALL WHY DON’T YOU RELAX AND HAVE YOUR TEETH NOT TOUCH, BUDDY. WALK A MILE, KNOW WHAT I’M SAYING?
I didn’t say any of that. I laughed awkwardly and agreed, but I just wanted to say it! I wanted to! And I never get all martyrous (kind of not a word), but I do not KNOW, I just think this is what happens when you don’t get enough rest and you find yourself spiraling towards burnout.
(For the record, I have nothing due in the immediate future, so I will recover nicely. PLUS, we are really and truly scheduling a child-free vacation AND this mini-breakdown made me realize I was definitely right in turning down a big project recently, because although I would have secured more regular child care for it, I just … well, I am fried, clearly, can you tell? If not, I can rant more about how HAAARD my privileged little life is, if you want to. I’d want to smack me, if I were you, so if you tell me I’m a spoiled brat, I don’t blame you one whit. First-world whining, FTW!)
Separately, I have five cavities and apparently need TWO cleanings with the hygienist to get shit done in there, and when I defensively mewled, “But I brush! I FLOSS!” he simply responded, “Yes, everyone says they brush, but …” and then he just trailed off.
Do you guys … is he implying that I DO NOT BRUSH MY TEETH?
Oh man.
(I do. I swear I do.)
Back later with less teeth and a lot less whining.
Happy Wednesday!
*Gaga, natch.
Entry Filed under: General jackassery,Things that suck,What the fuck?
53 Comments Add your own
1. Mama Bub | March 1st, 2011 at 10:42 pm
So, I brush regularly. I floss only during the week before a dentist appointment, and a few other times when it strikes my fancy. I’ve had two cavities in my life and one was post pregnancy, which I’m totally blaming on the baby. My husband brushes with a fancy toothbrush and flosses without fail and EVERY SINGLE TIME he goes to the dentist he has to have something fancy done. We have the same insurance. I have not spent a penny at the dentist and he can’t even go for a cleaning without it costing $100. They’re like you need to floss, FLOSS DUMBASS. And he does. For nothing, apparently.
2. Becky | March 1st, 2011 at 11:06 pm
I am 100% sure that teeth health has as much or more to do with genetics than anything else. Not that we should all stop brushing our teeth, but I don’t think people should feel bad if they take care of their teeth and still get cavities.
Also, I get that same sinus pain whenever I have a cold, and EVERY TIME I think my teeth are going to fall out. It’s awful!
I’m glad you are going to get some time to relax. My baby is only one, but I’m looking forward to the day when I’m done nursing so that I can have an entirely baby free night (with alcohol) with no pumping/engorgement/guilt feelings. It gets exhausting to be in contact with another person almost constantly.
3. Carla Hinkle | March 1st, 2011 at 11:17 pm
1. I don’t grind my teeth and though I never noticed until right this second, my teeth do not touch when at rest. Huh.
2. I am starting to lose patience with high and mighty dentists. I took my girls (4 & 7) last week and the hygienist gave them the Clean Teeth Talk which, fine. But she then proceeded to tell them that it was better to have ICE CREAM than RAISINS because raisins stuck between the teeth and cause cavities. I’m sorry, but I’m not subbing ice cream for raisins for my kids. That’s INSANE.
3. Child-free vacation: YEEESSSSS.
4. Court | March 1st, 2011 at 11:40 pm
Great post—stress is at the center of it all, it seems. I do not grind my teeth (I don’t think) AND my teeth do not touch (which is interesting, thanks for letting me know that I may be a tiny bit normal) AND I NEED to go to the dentist. I haven’t made it in for my cleaning because, ummm…I work too freaking much!!! Take a breath—I wish you one pee without eyes
5. Megan | March 1st, 2011 at 11:56 pm
I went to the doctor for a UTI last year and they were all WOW! Your blood pressure is high! Are you under an unusual amount of stress? AND the stress WAS epic at that point of time…I honestly think that there was not one part of life that hadn’t gone batshit crazy during the 6 months prior. Good times
I am also a teeth grinder, as is my oldest son. I can hear him doing it in his sleep. Nice.
6. Dr. Maureen | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:01 am
My teeth don’t touch when I’m relaxed. I have experienced stress-induced TMJ, however. So I can relate. Side note: The dentist gave me a mouth guard so I’d stop grinding my teeth while I slept, but I wore it once and dreamed all night long that I had a mouth stuffed full of gum and I couldn’t get it out. Not a great night’s sleep.
ANYHOO. I have no idea why you are complaining. You HAVE the fancy dog poop bags. WHAT MORE DO YOU WANT?
7. Elsha | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:04 am
I brush twice a day but I’m prone to cavities anyway. Some people are more likely to get them apparently. Has to do with whether the plaque on your teeth hardens? Not really sure.
Also, my teeth totally touch when I’m at rest. For what it’s worth, I have a small mouth and big teeth. (Like, my orthodontist told me the only way they’ll ever be all the way straight is if I get a couple of them pulled and have braces because there isn’t enough room in there.) And I’m not a teeth grinder, but I do sometimes clench my jaw when I’m stressed. Makes for some awesome headaches.
8. Jessica | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:05 am
I clench my teeth, and it gets worse when I’m stressed. I do notice that I have lots of jaw pain when I am stressed and it’s due to the insane pressure from clenching all the time. The last time I went to the dentist, he kept telling me about it and I just kept telling him I had a lot of stress. I don’t think he cared. So I try really hard to unclench my teeth when I’m not particularly stressed but I’m pretty sure I’ve formed a habit by now. I only floss a couple of days before an appointment, because I hate them telling me to floss and that gets them off my back!
9. white bright teeth&hellip | March 2nd, 2011 at 1:23 am
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10. barnwood | March 2nd, 2011 at 8:32 am
I have had terrible headaches and allergies my entire life. About a year ago, someone told me that my teeth were not supposed to touch when I was relaxed, and I too was completely baffled. Why had no one told me this before?
Long story short, my TMJ issues (mostly headaches and poor sleep) led me to a dentist that specializes in OSB (oral systemic balance). Basically, my tongue is too large at the back of my mouth and as a result I clench my teeth to keep my airway open. This is why I am always involuntarily grinding and clenching my teeth. When I would get into the fourth stage of sleep, my muscles would relax so that I was no longer clenching and my airway would be blocked, causing a form of sleep apnea – so I would never get restful sleep, and my face/head/neck muscles were always sore from clenching.
They created a mouthpiece that fits over my bottom front teeth (looks like a clear retainer) and raises my tongue so that I don’t have to clench my teeth to keep the airway open. IT HAS CHANGED MY LIFE. I hate when people say things like that, but it is true. I am sleeping well and waking without a headache for the first time in my life.
This might help explain better than I can:
http://www.montgomerydentalmedicine.com/osbdefine.html
11. Swistle | March 2nd, 2011 at 8:50 am
This reminds me of when Paul’s unmarried childless sister was visiting us, and she said he should “GEEZ, just SIT DOWN for a second!”—when we were managing newborn twins, two other young children, and houseguests. YES INDEED WE WOULD ALL ENJOY SITTING ON THE COUCH READING A BOOK LIKE YOU ARE.
Also, my teeth are cavity-prone, and so I always feel like I’m lying when I explain my diligent brushing and flossing, but I nearly lost my mind when a hygienist used verbal air quotes on it to the dentist: “She has ‘excellent home care’.” They are EXPERTS IN TEETH, so SURELY they know that teeth VARY TREMENDOUSLY? I mean, Paul and my dad, NEITHER of them EVER FLOSSES and yet they’ve had fewer cavities in their WHOLE LIVES than I have at ONE APPOINTMENT.
*pant pant* I guess I should RELAX.
12. Kate | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:14 am
OMG. I have had so many tooth-related tragedies lately. We are like twins disconnected by states. Or something. Also, I’m seeing a naturopath (covered by insurance in Vermont!), and her recommendations have significantly improved my quality of life.
I will write more in an email soon. SOON.
(May I just tempt you with this morsel, though. I took J for his first dental visit. The 23 year old (I don’t really know her age, but she struck me as 23-ish.) lectured me about not letting him have juice all the time. He never has juice. So, I said, he never has juice. Her response? He really shouldn’t be allowed access to juice all day long. Seriously? Give me a call when you have an 18 month old, and let me know how your no juice, no crackers, twice a day tooth brushing goes. And, also, instead of crackers, feed your toddler nuts and raw vegetables for snacks. SERIOUSLY???)
This may be why my teeth are touching all the time.
13. Jenna | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:24 am
My stress-related jaw clenching got so bad last year, I cracked two fillings (two of the MANY I have even though I floss every day, brush at least 2 times a day with an expensive electric toothbrush and STILL I get lectured about my “home care”). My dentist suggested I take up yoga. AHEM.
When I explained all that had happened to me in the past year (two family deaths, a cross country move, a second child, and my dad’s cancer battle), she just patted my leg and said ‘Yep, that would do it.”
All this is to say: I hear ya. Hope you get some much needed rest ASAP.
14. Emily | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:25 am
My favorite part is when they stab your gums with those pointy scraper things, making your gums bleed, and then they get all patronizing. “Oooohhhhh, looks like you don’t floss, huh? See, I can tell that you don’t floss because your gums are bleeding.” Really? REALLY? It’s not because you’re repeatedly stabbing my gums with something sharp?!? Honestly.
15. Kerry | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:25 am
So what you’re saying is that you didn’t actually kill him when he told you you need to relax?
Because that right there makes you a hero who totally deserves free dental care for life.
When I am queen, it will be totally legal to assault people who say that. Obligatory, even.
16. Christine | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:30 am
I really fucking hate the dentist. Not for the pain, I can handle it. Not for the obnoxious hygienist who will make me bleed. But for for the damn condescension. Seriously, my gums are always puffy. Always have been. Have never gone down, so perhaps dear doc, they are just puffy? BUT no every time I go in it’s a spiel about how to brush and floss, and seriously I floss every goddamned night AND sometimes during the day if things feel stuck, and I brush regularly. I do. My teeth suck. It’s okay to say, “dude your teeth blow, we can try x, y and z.” It isn’t okay to treat me like a moron because my damned gums are puffier than you would prefer.
BAH.
Apparently I have previously unrealized rage issues towards the dentist. Huh.
(OH and my teeth touch too! And I’m a grinder, but only when I’m really stressed, and I can tell because I wake up with a sore jaw and a headache. I used to wear one of those mouth guards that you can mold yourself, I’m sure Modell’s has one. It will stop the damage and I think it got me more or less out of the habit.)
Hope you get some rest soon. Maybe get a babysitter or someone to watch Sam and then go get a massage and a nap.
17. Icky Teeth | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:55 am
I’m completely convinced dental hygiene is genetic.
Deep dark secret I’ve only ever admitted to my husband: I have horrible dental habits. I’ll usually get a brushing in once every other day. DISGUSTING, I know. However, I’ve never had a cavity in my 27 years, my dentist thinks my teeth look fabulous, and I always have very minimal plaque build-up at my appointments. I do chew gum or rinse with water quite a bit to avoid coffee breath and the like(I’m super paranoid about having bad breath, so I ask my husband all the time), but looking at me, you’d have no idea I’m a dental heathen.
My husband has had a skrillion cavities, 4 crowns, two root canals, and will probably need another root canal in the next year. He brushes twice a day and flosses at least once a day.
GENETICS. End. of. story.
18. Diane | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:58 am
Ah, dental rage issues. I’ve always had plaque build-up super quickly on my bottom two front teeth. I don’t know WHY, but it just happens. I brush there extra even, but there you go. Violet, at at ONE, was already getting build-up there. This is a child who ate drank nothing but water because it was all she liked. And we brushed her teeth every day, twice a day, AND we floss her teeth. How many people floss their toddler’s teeth daily? But we may as well NOT brush for how much the hygienist believes us. (Now, the dentist? HE will say it’s totally normal for some kids to get more build-up than others. But not the hygienist. No no, THEY KNOW ALL.) Now, seriously, wouldn’t you think they could tell we must brush because there is NO BUILD-UP ON ANY OF THE OTHER EIGHTEEN TEETH IN HER MOUTH? Seriously, I have rage issues.
Oh, and my teeth do not touch at rest (or when I chew). Which I always thought was a bad thing, for some reason. Glad to hear it’s not!
19. KT | March 2nd, 2011 at 9:58 am
I don’t mean to be Debbie Downer, but if you are grinding your teeth you should look into getting a night guard. I brushed off my dentist’s warnings and went w/o a guard through all of law school. Now my teeth have moved and I will probably have to get braces to fix them. Ugh. So if they are recommending a night guard, I would listen.
20. Amy | March 2nd, 2011 at 10:02 am
Your “Pussification of Jonna” comment is the funniest thing I’ve read in months. Thank you!
21. kakaty | March 2nd, 2011 at 10:05 am
My teeth don’t touch. That was an interesting little observation. But! back in December I got horrible pain in my molars and thought for sure I had a cavity – turns out I was grinding my teeth at night. Holiday stress? who knows… my dentist ground down a few spots and it stopped. But that pain was awful, I can’t imagine dealing with it all the time.
And, my 4 ½ year old has a god damn cavity. I was mortified! We’ve brushed her teeth twice a day since she got her first tooth! And we floss her teeth at least 5x a week! She barely drinks juice! And she has a freaking cavity! Her dentist said it’s because her teeth are so close together and also, that propensity to cavities is kind of hereditary. It didn’t stop me from going to buy her a Sonicare for kids and fluoride rinse. I’m a freaking tooth-brushing drill sergeant now. Because, gah! I felt like such a failure.
And I totally hear you on the sleep thing. I did the math last week and it’s been ALMOST THIRTEEN MONTHS since the last time I had 6 or more consecutive hours of sleep (the last 3 months of pregnancy had me up 2-3x a night to pee). And for 10 of those months I wasn’t drinking any caffeine. Lord help me I’m tired. If this damn baby would get off his little opinionated horse and drink some damn formula everyone would be much happier up in here. I nursed M until she was 17 months but I am COUNTING THE DAYS until MAD’s 1st birthday so we can be done with this and I can sleep.
22. Gaby | March 2nd, 2011 at 10:14 am
Dr. Maureen’s comment about the fancy poop bags made me laugh out loud. You truly are living the life, Jonna.
I had no idea so many dentists and hygienists were so condescending. Ick. I think that genetics probably have a huge amount to do with whether or not your teeth get cavities or require extra work. My hope for my son is that he gets my husband’s straight-without-the-need-for-braces teeth and my never-had-a-cavity teeth. That would be ideal.
As for teeth touching, mine definitely do when I’m stressed. Clench, even. And I know I grind my teeth like crazy in my sleep. My sister, with whom I used to share a bedroom, describes the sound by saying “It sounds like you’re chewing aspirin.” Ew. The grinding has caused jaw pain, headaches, even dizziness. It’s no fun, but what can I do about subconscious stress relief?! Did your dentist write you a prescription for an on-call nanny, housekeeper, and deliverer of margaritas? Because otherwise advising you to relax is just rude.
23. hawkeyegirl | March 2nd, 2011 at 10:16 am
I also grind my teeth, I have ever since I was kid. I actually chipped one of my front teeth from grinding so much.
Also hate the stupid, mean dentist who gives me so much crap- I brush and floss and have shitty teeth, just like my Mom. I avoid going just because I can’t stand the way they talk to me.
Sending peaceful thoughts your way!
24. Anyabeth | March 2nd, 2011 at 10:46 am
Clenching and grinding your teeth can also cause muscle spasms in your jaw that make your teeth hurt and feel loose. I have to do a series of painful massage things to my mouth to stop that feeling. Totally makes you think that all of your teeth on one side will fall out at once! AWESOME.
Oh and I have left dentists of hygenists like that. I have way better dental hygeine than most people but also a disease that ate the enamel off my teeth. So you can speak to me like I am your patient and customer and respectfully or you can do without my money. Of which I spend a lot at the dentist.
25. Katie Mae | March 2nd, 2011 at 10:48 am
So, my teeth don’t touch at rest. But according to my dentist, I grind my teeth. I don’t know. But! Here is something interesting! I have a cousin who CANNOT touch her teeth together in front. WHAT? I have seen it. They come within a few millimeters, but DO NOT TOUCH. How?
26. Kristabella | March 2nd, 2011 at 11:22 am
I could write a whole book on the dentist and my hate for them!
1) I grind my teeth too. I even wear a nightguard at night, every night, and have for 15 years. I have had all my molars crowned because I ground them all down to a nub. I don’t think it is always stress. I just think, some people do this. Because I don’t even know I’m doing it and I don’t ever wake up with a sore jaw, like I’ve been grinding all night, although the grooves on my nightguard tell me differently. I mean, what the hell could I have been stressed about when I was 15??
2) Do you use an electric toothbrush? Even like the $5 Crest ones? Because, I went to the dentist when I didn’t use one and they told me I needed 3-4 cleanings a year. Then I switched to electric and all of a sudden I was a model brusher! Only 2 cleanings! Teeth in good shape!
It’s worth the $5.
27. Josefina | March 2nd, 2011 at 11:23 am
(1) The dentist gave me that bs about my kids’ teeth. Whatever. They brush all the time and floss, too. Also, I would brush and floss them at least once a day in addition to that. Every single day. The hygienist said to use tartar control toothpaste, rather than…um…non-, I guess.
(2) I don’t know what other people’s experiences are like, but as for your stress situation, YES AND AMEN. I’m not even wiping butts anymore. The low point was when I got referred to an allergist for some breathing issues I had, he tested me for hours, took me in the office, and told me I had a stress problem. I burst into the angry tears that embarrass me so and keep me from making any snappy comebacks. Then I never saw or spoke to him again. DUH. I know I’m stressed. What do I do, walk out on my life? Give me a break. (ps the breathing issues resolved themselves with home care and were, it seems, completely unrelated to stress). Or no, wait…maybe the low point was when my optometrist basically told me I probably wasn’t ALWAYS a bitch, but having kids will do that to a lady. (the real issue was that he had given me a prescription for the wrong kind of contacts then told me I had to make a new appointment to get the prescription I had asked for specifically. I had two toddlers and a husband that was working 14 hours a day, but SURE! I’ll get on that right away.)
(3) My teeth don’t touch. Sorry. I thought they prescribed mouthguards for that, not scoldings? Mouthguards are more effective, I’d think.
28. Liz | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:14 pm
My brush my teeth morning and night. I floss. I just spent $800 at the dentist repairing multiple cavities and gum disease.
My husband? MAYBE remembers to brush his teeth before he goes to bed. MAYBE. He has never had a cavity in his life.
Oh, and here’s something that scares me silly: My mom’s teeth are in such bad shape that she has spent OVER $10,000 THIS YEAR on fixing them. We’re talking removal of eye teeth, infections in sockets, failed root canals (plural) – she is at the point where she is non-nonchalant about root canals. Like, we were making plans for lunch and she was like “oh, Wednesday would work; I have a root canal in the morning but should be done by 11, so no problem”
One should NEVER get to a place where you’re all “Eh, root canal, whatevs.” That is just NOT good.
Oh, and re teeth not touching: my tongue didn’t work right when I was a kid and I had to go to speech therapy for it and blah blah blah but one thing they had to train my tongue to do was to rest at the top of my mouth. Say what? But yeah, normal (“normal”) tongues rest at the top of ones mouth, with the teeth slightly ajar. Totally weird, and I felt very unfairly persecuted against because mine didn’t (I remember my 6 year old self being all “But that makes no SENSE! Resting at the bottom on the mouth makes SENSE and I’ve got that COVERED!”
Anyway. To quote Sam Seaborn: Your teeth are the best friend’s you’ve got.
29. G. | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:34 pm
Ugh, dental stuff sucks. I truly believe you cannot win with dentists. There is simply nothing you can do to make them happy… if it’s not X, it’s Y, and Y is always YOUR FAULT no matter how much you brush/floss/use mouthwash/sacrifice to the dentist gods/whatever the hell.
My teeth do not touch when I’m sitting, but I am still scolded every time I go to the dentist for sleeping with my mouth open and “creating too dry a climate in my mouth, causing bacteria to breed and enamel to weaken” and therefore being responsible for the 8 million cavities I have, despite exceedingly diligent tooth care.
His suggestion for how to fix this problem:
Dentist: “Learn to sleep with your mouth closed.”
Me: “How can I learn that?”
Dentist: “Train yourself to do it.”
Me: “Is there some kind of… thing you can use to train yourself to do that? Like a brace or a clamp?”
Dentist: “No.”
Me: “Then how?”
Dentist: “Just… don’t sleep with your mouth open.”
Thanks, dude. Very helpful. Lesson learned… you cannot win with dentists.
30. kath | March 2nd, 2011 at 12:47 pm
Mean girls in high school grow up to be dental hygienists.
31. Corinne | March 2nd, 2011 at 1:27 pm
I have to consciously keep my teeth apart, as I am not a grinder but a clencher. You should see the gouges at the bottom of my teeth that represent the pressure I’ve put on them. I’ve been catching myself in the kitchen with my jaw clamped shut every morning for a week and I don’t even HAVE kids.
I feel your pain.
32. H | March 2nd, 2011 at 1:34 pm
I have (had) gum issues, not so much teeth issues (even though I grind them like crazy) and my previous dentist, along with his hygienist, kept scolding me and reteaching me to brush and floss. I felt stupid even though I was doing everything they said, and then it progressed to me feeling super pissed off. At my last appointment there, the hygienist tortured me (not kidding) for 2 hours with such a painful cleaning that I was stiff as a board with tension during it. Afterward, she said to expect that every 3 months. I never went back. I found a dentist who “specializes in cowards” and found out that my previous dentist should have (LONG AGO) done planing and scaling because no matter how much I flossed or brushed, the pockets were so deep in some places that I couldn’t reach the bacteria. I was planed, I was scaled, and now I have a thorough cleaning routine that involves tiny brushes that go between my teeth. Lo and behold, my gum tissue is AWESOME. Sometimes you have to change dentists if you feel you’re doing what they say and nothing is helping.
However, I’m also 100% in agreement with those who say most of your dental health is related to genetics. I know someone who practices normal basic dental care and goes to the dentist every 5 years or so and has no issues. But, when you’re challenged with bad dental genes, it pays to find a dentist who actually helps instead of just preaches.
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35. Nerida | March 2nd, 2011 at 5:00 pm
I grind my teeth too. I do it when I’m stressed, but then I think it’s a habit that I have developed so that I do it even when I’m not stressed. My dentist referred me to a prosthodontist, who moulded a splint I wear in my mouth at night to prevent damage to my teeth.
I good technique for preventing your teeth from touching when sitting is to put your tip of your tongue on the roof of your mouth. It helps relax your jaw muscles.
36. Veronica | March 2nd, 2011 at 6:13 pm
My teeth touch. But then, I grind them too and actually only noticed I was grinding when you mentioned it in the post.
Stress. HA, hahaahaa. Relaxed people don’t grind teeth? Well GOODY FOR THEM.
I might need a holiday. Or something. Sounds like you could use one too.
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38. Megan | March 2nd, 2011 at 11:59 pm
For some reason that Sam Seaborn quote made me laugh. You don’t get enough Sam Seaborn these days.
39. M | March 3rd, 2011 at 1:16 am
My teeth don’t touch when I’m resting. And, like the previous commenter said about her cousin, I can’t get my teeth to touch in the front even it I try. It’s called an open bite, and even 2 rounds of braces couldn’t fix it.
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[...] Teeth | Jonniker. [...]
46. Olivia | March 3rd, 2011 at 10:12 am
I never thought about it before, but my teeth don’t touch when my jaw is relaxed. As for the cavities, I get them even though I brush and floss regularly. My last dentist even said it looks like a do a good job, but… I think genetics has a lot to do with it because my mother had a hard time her teeth, too.
47. Christine | March 3rd, 2011 at 12:17 pm
So I have to tell you that for a full 24 hours I have obsessed over whether my teeth are touching and the position of my tongue, and really I should probably just make a damned dentist appointment already
48. alimartell | March 3rd, 2011 at 12:54 pm
Who does your dentist think you are…Jessica Simpson?
49. Joe | March 3rd, 2011 at 1:09 pm
You’re not alone. I grind my teeth when I’m awake and asleep; it’s like I’m chewing my cud. I’ve had about a thousand root canals. Dentist made me buy a $500 plastic mouthguard thing but I’ve worn it for about 1.5 seconds. You’d have to knock my ass out with a baseball bat to get me to wear that stupid thing. And my teeth are never not touching. I just tried to keep them apart and some drool began to slide down the side of my face.
50. Renee from GA | March 3rd, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Wait, teeth *aren’t* supposed to touch? I… had no idea. I clench and grind and have worn down my teeth to nubs and my custom night guard looks like it’s been through several wars. I hate the lectures too!
51. Natalie | March 3rd, 2011 at 5:39 pm
I didn’t start grinding until about a year ago, and I blame a particularly AWFUL parent who was giving me a hard time at school. I sleep with a night guard. My teeth don’t touch during the day. My mom said (fellow night grinder) said that she’s supposed to imagine her teeth never touching all throughout the day.
I’m sorry you are so stressed! Just think the good weather is around the corner and that’ll cheer you up. If not come to TX and we’ll put you up to enjoy some 70-80 weather!
52. Christina | March 5th, 2011 at 4:47 pm
The teeth clenching I can’t help you with (I do it too) but Sonicare changed my life. Dental checkups are so much better now, like by a milion.
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