Nov
16
Posted (Amy) in Grace, Freakin Idiot! on November-16-2007

I went to the dentist today for my regular 6 month checkup. I was anxious to get in because of the teeth sensitivity problem I’ve been having. Unfortunately, neither the dental hygienist nor the dentist saw much of anything that could be the cause. One thing the hygienist noticed was my teeth being flat. She asked if I was a tooth grinder or clencher.

Now, I didn’t say anything to her because I was kind of embarrassed, but I’ll tell the Internet. Makes sense, no?

I have this thing that I do when I pet and love on any animals, and sometimes even my kids. I clench my mouth shut and grind my teeth together the whole time I’m petting these little loved ones of mine. I thought that everyone did this, like it was just a thing all humans did… but when I mentioned it to Aric, he looked at me like I was kind of crazy. What say you? Do you grind your teeth down when you’re petting animals? I can’t figure out why I do it, but I apparently pet Grace all.the.freaking time because I am constantly catching myself grinding these days - and it hurts! I’ve got to find a way to stop. Help!


Comments:
Erica on November 16th, 2007 at 9:25 pm #

I thought I was the only one on the planet who did that! It’s like I get all excited and I can’t help myself so I bite down and grind my teeth. lol So, no! You’re definitely not alone in that.

Jammie on November 16th, 2007 at 9:36 pm #

I do that too, but when I’m excited and/or finding the kid/pet/whatever utterly irrisistible - which isn’t ALL the time. LOL!! I get the urge to do that when I see cute babies that I want to squish and hug and kiss!

If I know you, you’ll put a stop to it, Amy. I figure you can pretty much do anything you set your mind to - I don’t have any doubts you’ll find a way to stop!

Charlotte on November 17th, 2007 at 8:33 am #

I’m a grinder and clencher too. I grind my teeth when I sleep but I always catch myself during the day with my jaws clenched tight!

Cass on November 17th, 2007 at 1:11 pm #

Only when sleeping, never when petting. I used to grind my teeth a lot at night, but I don’t even do that so much anymore.

Brad on November 19th, 2007 at 10:47 pm #

I am a grinder also - mostly just when I am sleeping but I have found that I clench and grind when I am trying to concentrate on stuff. It is so bad at times I give myself a headache sigh. You mentioned sensitive teeth, I have started to develope a few areas too and they cant tell me why either. Anyway, best of luck on stopping your grinding especially since it is causing you pain.

Jill Y. on November 20th, 2007 at 5:40 pm #

i clench my teeth when i am ‘relaxing’-crazy, huh? i do it mostly when i am watching tv or reading a book. i had to make myself hyper-aware of it because i developed tmj disorder and it’s pretty painful.

i think if you are aware that you are doing something, it is easier to put an end to it.

Forrest on November 20th, 2007 at 9:57 pm #

A few dentists have told me about this, too … they say it’s usually stress related, and that you don’t even notice when you do it. Which seems true in my experience…

Deb on November 27th, 2007 at 2:39 pm #

I used to a lot at night, but mostly clenching/grinding out of stress