September 17, 2011

Grinder

I think I know why I've been in a mood lately. I have not been sleeping well.


I recently went to the dentist to get a broken tooth fixed. Ms. Dentist said I grind my teeth while I sleep. A custom fitted mouth guard was ordered for me and should arrive next week. Yes... I am a grinder!

So the last couple of weeks I have been trying to get used to a cheap one that you get in the drug stores. It doesn't fit right and just feels weird. I'm not used to having something in my mouth all night. I have also woken up during the night and had to turn on the light to find the guard that's fallen out. I don't like that something that is supposed to help me is interrupting my sleep patterns, which is weird anyway. I already have chronic insomnia and take sleep meds. UGH!

I figure I'll eventually get used to it. But no wonder I am in a MEH mood.

Does anyone use a mouth guard? Is there some trick to getting used to it? Will the custom made one work better?

9 comments:

anne marie in philly said...

I don't wear one...but I would like to see what's under the covers! (wink wink nudge nudge)

Cubby said...

If anyone wants to show you their dental dam, just say no.

Erik Rubright said...

The one from your dentist should be snug and form fitting to your teeth, almost like one of the new clear retainers, and stay on "automagically".

Buddy Bear said...

I was expecting some exciting post where you tell us about a Grindr hookup.... darn!

I have no experience with mouthguards, but I must say, you look very sweet there in bed.... but there are too many blankets covering you up.

Will said...

I confess, I am an occasional grinder and have a night mouthguard. Unfortunately, I can't offer a comparison to over the counter models because I can't use those. Mr. Rubright is correct. The custom one should not be annoying. It does take a bit of getting used to having something in your mouth all night (get your minds out of the gutter --right now!). If it works correctly, you should be able to reduce future tooth damage and gum problems. You are wise to address this as soon as possible.

cb said...

I know a guy who got one... and he started having migranes and other health issues.

Turns out it got traced back to a poor fit for the mouth guard. Just something to keep in mind if you start to notice odd changes.

Ur-spo said...

Yes I wear one - or should. Often I don't as I am just damn lazy. Like everything you get used to it. I suspect getting one custom made is easier to use.

Anonymous said...

You are wise to address this.

Your dentist will probably tell you that you must be scrupulous about cleaning the mouth guard -- perhaps with an ultrasonic appliance. As you can imagine, they can be breeding grounds.

Have you ever been tested for sleep apnea? Certain custom dental appliances can offer relief from sleep apnea in SOME cases.

Jim said...

Yes, I had a sleep study done years ago and I don't have sleep apnea or RLS. Only chronic insomnia. :-/