"Oh yeah. Lots."
"When you sleep? Throughout the day? When you're stressed?"
"Yes, yes, and yes. I'm pretty sure I do it even when I'm not stressed. It's just a thing with me, I guess."
"Well, do you have any pain that you feel may be associated with the teeth grinding? Headaches? Jaw aches? Ear aches?"
"I did come in because of the lower left jaw pain, which I thought was because of a toothache. Remember?"
He lays my chair back and pulls a television screen over my head. "Take a look at this video about 'Bruxism'. This should answer some of your questions."
I didn't know I had any questions about 'Bruxism'.
[**I tried hard to find this exact video pearl on youtube, but no luck. There are others that address the general idea, but they didn't have the same lady with the weird hair in it. I'll do my best to do it justice in words.**]
So, the video is only about 5 minutes long. Aesthetically speaking, it was not unlike something you'd see in 9th grade health class. And it involved poorly 3D-animated teeth that were grinding so hard and fast that the teeth actually crumbled by the end of the video. (It was like the recurring dreams I have where I eat my teeth like after dinner mints!)
But the best part was when the narrator introduced the "Various Treatments for 'Bruxism'". (Obviously, I can't remember what they said verbatim, but this was pretty much it.)
1. Yoga and stretch exercises.
"Some people find that stretching and other forms of stress-relieving activity will reduce their tendency to grind their teeth. Deep breaths and mediation may help as well."
2. Behavior Management.
"Teeth grinding can be classified as a 'bad habit' by many behavior therapists. Through a series of positioning strategies (how to close your mouth properly, how to chew properly, and various tongue exercises), you could forget your teeth grinding habits in no time!"
3. Night Guards.
"Many dentists prescribe protective devices to patients who suffer from 'Bruxism' as a way to absorb the pressure. Some guards may be found over-the-counter but are not recommended. Over-the-counter devices are not fitted properly and may get lodged in the patient's throat while they are sleeping."
4. Medication.
"'Bruxism' is often simply a symptom of another condition, such as depression, anxiety, and other psychological disorders. In seeking the counsel of a psychological professional, you may find that an anti-anxiety medication is right for you."
End.
"Mrs. White, do you have any questions?"
I laugh nervously and say, "I never thought my dentist would have to address my neurosis. Meds? Really?"
Unamused he asks, "Have you ever considered taking a Valium before you go to bed?"
"Of course I've considered taking a Valium before bed. And before waking up. But I don't."
"Okay", as he quietly jots this down in my file. "Aaaaand, Mrs. White?", he looks up at me. "Are your teeth touching as we speak?"
So bizarre. Of course my teeth are touching! I used to get in trouble for sitting in church with my mouth open. I beat that!
"Yes. Don't you?"
"No, ma'am. When your mouth is in a resting position, the jaw should be slightly separated."
"Wanna see how clenched things are right now? In a resting position?", as I draw attention to my Val Kilmer's-jaw-in-Top-Gun profile.
"So then, are you interested in a dental guard?"
"That's probably a good idea. Yes, a guard."
2 comments:
dood. i so need one of those. constant jaw pain from clenching all day. ALL DAY.
chiropractor!
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