January 20, 2010

Jaws of Steel

I went to the dentist on the 11th for my biannual cleaning and checkup. My teeth are sensitive and sometimes cleanings can be painful. This time, I took four generic acetominophens before hand. Add a new hygienist with the magic touch. The cleaning wasn't so bad.

I told her that my jaw has been clicking lately, so she told me to wait and talk to the dentist. The clicking, it turns out, is related to my clenching. I clench my teeth when I sleep.

The dentist informed me that I am the Arnold Schwarzenegger of jaw clenchers because of my pronounced jaw muscles which he pointed out gave me a masculine appearance. He suggested I get a bite protector. And to reduce the size of my jaw, he suggested Botox. For this, I would have to pay $1000 because he would have to use one vile vial.

The insurance will most likely pay for the bite protector. Using that, my muscles will shrink in time.

Can you imagine? Botox?

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

3 comments:

Hawk said...

I just had eight (8) teeth, all my remaining upper-jaw teeth pulled and have spent two weeks in hell.

Anonymous said...

I am a fellow sleep-clencher, and my jaw crunches away when I am eating chewy foods, but I don't really see it as a problem. It makes it easy to bite pencils in half, which is fun.

Sandra said...

How interesting....My latest dentist visit revealed that I might be grinding my teeth, possibly causing some TMJ. Long story short, I now have a night guard to wear. No botox required. Wonder if this is another genetically shared "thing"...