Stim that has started to a bit of a problem.

[MildredHubble]

If there are grooves in your teeth, it isn't from lip and cheek biting. It is from teeth-grinding

The groove in my tooth is caused by the way I bite my lip...

Sorry, I should explain. I kinda bite on my lip, and kinda slide my lip forward until it escapes and my front teeth impact eachother. It's affecting one tooth in particular as, although my teeth look straight they are very slightly out of line. So one tooth is still in contact with my lip somewhat and the right front teeth grind together a bit.

Gum chewing isn't something I like unfortunately. It might seem odd, but chewing gum gives me headaches. I'm not sure why, I think maybe the opportunity to chew constantly is a factor.

I am keeping a constant watch at the moment. When I notice I'm doing it I stop and purse my lips together for a little while until the urge passes. But I'm a bit self conscious that others will notice. I used to have a similar habit, perhaps it was also a stim, when I was in my mid teens.

I got a lot of flack for that one from my mother. It also caused an irritated patch of skin to develop around my lip. That was a difficult one to stop too, despite the fact it was making me look like Ronald McDonald.

I wonder if I am also biting my lip in my sleep? It might explain why my tooth is sore in the morning? I hope not as that might make my efforts to stop a little difficult. Although maybe diverting it during the day could still help.

 

[Rodafina]

I wonder if I am also biting my lip in my sleep? It might explain why my tooth is sore in the morning? I hope not as that might make my efforts to stop a little difficult. Although maybe diverting it during the day could still help.

I think grinding teeth during sleep is quite a common thing. I used to have lots of trouble with that. I still do, but much less so. I think you are right that trying to divert it during the day could help and trying to reduce any anxiety before nighttime can also help (that's a tough one, I know… Please let me know if you figure out how to do that because I could use that advice too!).

 

[MildredHubble]

I think grinding teeth during sleep is quite a common thing. I used to have lots of trouble with that. I still do, but much less so. I think you are right that trying to divert it during the day could help and trying to reduce any anxiety before nighttime can also help (that's a tough one, I know… Please let me know if you figure out how to do that because I could use that advice too!).

I know that I tend to clamp my teeth together quite hard when I'm falling asleep and feeling anxious, so I guess it's quite likely I'm grinding my teeth. I wonder if the lip biting is stopping me from doing this during waking hours?

If I figure anything out that might help prevent teeth grinding during sleep I will certainly let you know @Rodafina