I don’t mind having medical procedures done, but I certainly despise going to the dentist. Primarily because it’s always bad news when I go. My teeth are healthy, it’s just that “candy girl” has some issues. Apparently I grind my teeth in my sleep. I don’t get headaches all that often (besides this morning) and I don’t have jaw problems. So what’s with this grinding teeth in sleep? The dentist mentioned I have “shorter” than average teeth, and if I continue to grind I’d eventually have to get some crazy work done on them.
You’d think that after getting braces and wearing my retainer nightly that this wouldn’t happen anymore. But you know what? I actually busted off the metal on my retainer due to grinding. I went back to the orthodontist and was like “this ‘tainer is faulty! Hand over a new one!” Not exactly what I said, but definitely what I was thinking. The part that broke off wasn’t that crucial to keeping my teeth in place. Great to know!!!
I had no idea that I grind my teeth til about 2 years ago when the boyf told me I made some noises that sounded like I was dying and choking in my sleep. He often nudged me pretty hard with his elbow to see if I was alright. I was! And thankfully I’m a person who can get back to sleep immediately after being poked to be woken up.
I’m interested now to see if I did any of this when I was a kid, or research this teeth grinding in children. How do you treat the problem? Do you do anything in your sleep that may bother your teeth or even health?
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I apparently have started grinding my teeth in the last couple of years (since I became a driving instructor actually… hmmm… wonder if there is any connection) and I discovered this because I was getting lots of headaches and having jaw pain. I do not do it very often though, it is in spurts. The dentist told me that I could get a night brace that I can wear to stop me from grinding my teeth. But of course this brace is not covered with any health and dental insurance. :)
Nancy, I also DESPISE the dentist. I would srsly rather go get my ‘gina examined then go to the dentist!!! IDK what it is.. the only thing I can come up with is the smell/sounds. Good luck with the grinding.. that is kinda scary about having to get “heavy” work done if you continue! YIKES!
A friend of mine did not follow his dentist’s advices in a case similar to yours, his teeth have worn and are so small now that he MUST get caps in every tooth/ molar………about 7500$ + the nuisance of visiting the doctor too often.