Gnashing of the Teeth...

[vtgaryw]

While turning, that is. Not in the biblical sense. Anyone else find themselves clenching their teeth too hard? I find I do it when I'm trying to apply pressure sometimes while sanding or applying finish.

It can't be good...

-gary

 

[leehljp]

I don't usually do that (teeth) but I know the feeling. I concentrate so hard on what I am doing in building, making, or repairing that I become oblivious to the outside world, and I catch myself and realize how tense I have become. I just have to back off and try to relax. Trouble is: I enjoy the intense focusing of creating and problem solving, but realize it is not always healthy.

I usually come away energized from the creativity or problem solving BUT worn out from the process. Not unlike a lineman in a hard fought football game after the game is over and they won by a few points - physically worn out but savoring the victory.

 

[monophoto]

Several years ago, my dentist noted that my teeth were showing signs of wear that suggested grinding during sleep, or some other tension-related response.

Yesterday, I had an emergency visit to my dentist - my symptoms was pain when chewing. After an extensive series of x-rays and tests, the dentist concluded that my problem was not a tooth/dental problem, but rather TMJ - a problem that can be caused by a number of factors including grinding of the teeth and tension. His suggestion was to shift to a diet of softer foods for a week, combined with ibuprophen.

So the point is that this is a real concern, and intense focus creates stress that can have painful consequences.

Intellectually, I know that my best turning results from being relaxed about what I'm doing. But like many others, I often find myself focusing very hard to what I'm doing, and tensing up in a way that I know doesn't produce the best results. And my dentist would add that it's not healthy. And my credit card says that the cost of treatment isn't cheap.

 

[JimB]

I do that occasionally when turning. It usually happens when I am turning large out of balance bowl blanks and am very focused on what I'm doing. I try to be aware of it and not do it.

 

[wolf creek knives]

I've had that problem in the past. Hard to break, the habit that is, but it can be done. Another problem I had was not blinking my eyes enough. I would get bloodshot eyes and couldn't figure out why. Went to an eye surgeon, had a few tests and he told me I wasn't blinking enough while doing things that require a lot of mental attention, like turning. Again, another hard habit to break but I worked at it and it seems to have gone away.

 

[magpens]

I use a "bite-down-on" sports mouth guard during the tension-causing processes of pen turning in order to avoid tooth damage.

 

[leehljp]

While it is only 6 total posts before this post, I am surprised that this may be somewhat more common than I would have thought.

This is also a thread that I don't remember seeing before.

We might need a forum therapist! :biggrin:

 

[jcm71]

I thought this was supposed to be a relaxing pastime. Grinding teeth = stress. Stress leads to mistakes, which leads to more stress if you are unable to step back and enjoy the process. Mistakes will happen. Let them roll off and learn from them. Walk away when you find yourself grinding. This is supposed to be fun.

 

[magpens]

HaHa !!

Nothing is stress free !!

 

[sbwertz]

Several years ago, my dentist noted that my teeth were showing signs of wear that suggested grinding during sleep, or some other tension-related response.

Yesterday, I had an emergency visit to my dentist - my symptoms was pain when chewing. After an extensive series of x-rays and tests, the dentist concluded that my problem was not a tooth/dental problem, but rather TMJ - a problem that can be caused by a number of factors including grinding of the teeth and tension. His suggestion was to shift to a diet of softer foods for a week, combined with ibuprophen.

So the point is that this is a real concern, and intense focus creates stress that can have painful consequences.

Intellectually, I know that my best turning results from being relaxed about what I'm doing. But like many others, I often find myself focusing very hard to what I'm doing, and tensing up in a way that I know doesn't produce the best results. And my dentist would add that it's not healthy. And my credit card says that the cost of treatment isn't cheap.

I know it sounds weird, but try chewing gum. It keeps you from clenching your jaw. Sugar free gum, of course LOL.

 

[vtgaryw]

I actually do have a splint I'm supposed to wear at night, but it's not very comfortable to use during the day. I'll have to find something soft.

Not a gum chewer, but I can see how that would help. I *do* have a backlog of M&M's (thanks, Ed!) but I'm not sure that would be a good long-term solution...

-gary