#Bruxism At Night

[figofswords]

i want a new jaw

[vonehospital]

Custom Night Guards vs. Store-Bought: What’s the Best Option for You?

If you grind your teeth at night, also known as bruxism, one of the most effective solutions is wearing a night guard. However, when it comes to choosing a night guard, many people are faced with the decision: should I go for a custom-made night guard or grab an over-the-counter one from the store? Let’s dive into the differences, pros, and cons of custom-fitted night guards and store-bought night guards so you can make an informed decision.

What Are Night Guards, and Why Do You Need Them?

Night guards are protective devices worn while sleeping to prevent the damage caused by teeth grinding and clenching. Bruxism can lead to a range of problems like tooth damage, jaw pain, headaches, and even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Night guards work by creating a barrier between your upper and lower teeth, preventing them from grinding against each other during sleep.

The real question is: should you invest in a custom-made night guard crafted by your dentist, or is a cheaper, store-bought version good enough?

Custom Night Guards

Custom-fitted night guards are specially designed and created by a dentist to fit the unique contours of your mouth. Here’s what makes them stand out:

1. Precision Fit

The biggest advantage of a custom night guard is the fit. Since it’s designed specifically for your teeth, it provides a snug, comfortable fit that won’t slip or feel bulky in your mouth. A precise fit means fewer issues with discomfort or shifting while you sleep.

2. Durability and Material Quality

Custom night guards are typically made from high-quality, durable materials that last longer than their store-bought counterparts. This means you’ll get a product that stands up to the daily wear and tear of teeth grinding, offering long-term protection.

3. Better Protection

Because of the precise fit and higher quality materials, custom night guards provide better protection for your teeth. They are designed to absorb the force of teeth grinding, reducing the risk of cracked teeth, enamel erosion, and jaw pain.

4. Tailored to Your Needs

Custom night guards can be tailored to your specific dental needs. Whether you suffer from severe bruxism, TMJ disorder, or just occasional teeth grinding, your dentist can make adjustments to the design to suit your unique situation.

5. Comfort

Since they are crafted to fit your mouth, custom night guards are generally more comfortable to wear. They are thinner than most store-bought guards, making it easier to sleep without feeling like you have a foreign object in your mouth.

Cons of Custom Night Guards:

Cost: Custom night guards are more expensive than store-bought options, often ranging from $300 to $800 or more, depending on the dentist and location.

Time: You’ll need to visit your dentist to get impressions made of your teeth, and it may take a couple of weeks for the night guard to be made.

Store-Bought Night Guards

Store-bought night guards, also known as "boil-and-bite" or one-size-fits-all guards, are available at most pharmacies. These are generally a cheaper and more accessible option for those who need immediate relief from teeth grinding.

1. Affordability

One of the biggest selling points of store-bought night guards is their affordability. Most cost between $20 and $50, making them a budget-friendly option for those who don’t want to spend a lot.

2. Convenience

You can pick up a store-bought night guard almost instantly. No need to wait for an appointment or a custom-fitted device to be made. This is helpful if you’re looking for immediate protection.

3. Boil-and-Bite Option

Some store-bought night guards come in a "boil-and-bite" format. You boil the guard to soften it, bite into it, and it molds somewhat to the shape of your teeth. While this provides a better fit than a one-size-fits-all option, it’s still not as precise as a custom-fitted night guard.

Cons of Store-Bought Night Guards:

Poor Fit: Store-bought night guards are designed to fit a wide range of people, but that means they’re not perfect for anyone. They may feel bulky, uncomfortable, or even fall out while you sleep.

Durability: These guards are often made from lower-quality materials, which means they wear out faster and need to be replaced more frequently.

Less Protection: Because of the generic fit and material, store-bought night guards don’t offer the same level of protection as custom-made ones. They might not absorb grinding forces as effectively, leaving your teeth vulnerable to damage.

Which One Is Right for You?

The decision between a custom night guard and a store-bought night guard comes down to your individual needs, budget, and comfort level.

Consider a Custom Night Guard If:

You have severe bruxism or TMJ disorder.

You want long-term protection and a more comfortable, precise fit.

You’re willing to invest in higher quality for better durability and protection.

Consider a Store-Bought Night Guard If:

You’re on a tight budget and need immediate relief.

You only grind your teeth occasionally or lightly.

You’re looking for a temporary solution while you consider getting a custom-fitted guard.

Final Thoughts

Teeth grinding can have serious consequences if left unaddressed, so it’s important to choose the right night guard for your needs. While store-bought night guards are more affordable and convenient, custom night guards provide superior protection, comfort, and durability.

If you’re serious about protecting your teeth in the long run, investing in a custom night guard may be the best choice. Be sure to consult with your dentist to determine which option will best suit your situation and protect your teeth from the damaging effects of bruxism.

Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Protect Your Smile

Your smile is worth protecting, and with the right night guard, you can prevent the harmful effects of teeth grinding. Whether you go for a custom-made or store-bought option, the key is to take action and safeguard your teeth, jaw, and overall oral health.

[deervalley]

https://www.tumblr.com/deervalley/759081133793230848/deer-valley-provides-family-dentistry-in?source=share

Deer Valley provides Emergency dental services Leduc

At Deer Valley Dental, located in Leduc, we are pleased to offer a caring, friendly, dedicated staff of professionals with extensive dental training and experience. Our dental practitioners strive to keep up to date on the latest in dental technology and procedures, offering you the most progressive treatment protocols for creating and maintaining your best smile. Deer Valley provides Emergency dental services Leduc

[dentalartistryirving]

Say Goodbye to Teeth Grinding: Expert Bruxism Treatment in Irving, TX!

Stop grinding, start smiling! Our expert bruxism treatment in Irving, TX can help you reclaim your dental health and peace of mind. Schedule your appointment now and say hello to a pain-free smile!

[anappleadaydentist]

Bruxism, commonly known as teeth grinding, can cause enamel damage, tooth wear, and discomfort in the jaw. Night guards provide a practical solution to address this issue. Custom-fitted and similar to mouthguards used by athletes, night guards act as a protective barrier between the upper and lower teeth during sleep. By wearing a night guard, individuals can effectively prevent dental damage, ensuring a restful night's sleep without the disruptive effects of teeth grinding. Additionally, incorporating relaxation techniques and avoiding habits like gum chewing can further aid in reducing teeth grinding tendencies. Choose night guards for dental protection and a peaceful sleep.

Apple A Day Dental, individuals can trust in the expertise of their dental professionals to prevent further dental damage and enjoy a peaceful night's sleep, free from the disruptive effects of teeth grinding.

[lexiputellas]

Pillow Talk

It’s your first day back at work.

You stretched your maternity leave as far as humanly possible, used every single vacation day, and worked from home until you ran out of excuses—but today, there was no escaping it. You had to go back. At least your office has a daycare. If it didn’t, you’re pretty sure you would’ve quit on the spot.

Now, finally home, you don’t think you’ve ever been happier to see Alexia. Not only did she get back before you, but she also brought dinner. You could’ve kissed her right then and there—actually, you did. You love her, truly, but if she had waited for you to cook—or, God forbid, asked you to help—you might have had a breakdown.

Dinner was great, dishes were ignored, Alice fell asleep peacefully, and now you’re both getting ready for bed. It’s your favorite part of the night—when everything slows down, and you can just be. Alexia already talked about her day, and now it’s your turn. Normally, this would be when you two discuss important things, but Nicole unloaded so much gossip at work today that you have to let it out before your brain explodes.

You’re fluffing the pillows as you talk, and Alexia, already lying on her side under the covers, is nodding along like a very patient woman.

“Nicole told me Amanda from Compliance is literally faking a relationship online.”

Alexia blinks, lifting her head slightly. “How?”

“I don’t know yet! I’m getting more details tomorrow,” you say, putting in your bruxism mouth guard. “I don’t even get why she’d lie, she doesn’t need to.”

Alexia hums, settling back in and you keep going.

“And you won’t believe this—the sitter at daycare said Alice was the easiest baby to deal with. She barely even cried! Which, like, I knew our baby was perfect, but now it’s confirmed by an expert.”

Alexia hums again. This time, it sounds more like sleepy agreement than actual interest, but you’re on a roll now.

“And remember that guy from the party last year? The one who told you he was a Real Madrid fan?”

Alexia makes a vague noise of acknowledgment.

“Not that he was special or anything,” you continue, “but he invited Nicole out.”

That gets a reaction. Alexia forces one eye open. “That guy?”

“That guy.”

“She said yes?”

“She said yes. And if she’d asked me first, I would’ve told her absolutely not.”

Alexia exhales, long and slow, adjusting the blanket. “Baby, I love you so much, and I want to hear all of this… tomorrow. We have to wake up early.”

Which you think is fair. She was the one running around after a ball, going to the gym, lifting weights—you mostly just fought with spreadsheets, tried not to cry when Alice waved goodbye way too enthusiastically at daycare, and dodged an email from HR that felt suspiciously passive-aggressive.

“I know,” you say, climbing under the covers. “I love you too. But can I just finish really quick? I swear, I’m almost done.”

She hums again. That’s permission.

“So, turns out the guy? He was dating someone else the whole time. Poor Nicole, bless her heart, but maybe a little stalking would’ve helped her.”

Silence.

You glance over. Alexia’s eyes are closed, her face relaxed, her breathing slow and even.

“Oh,” you whisper. “You’re already asleep.”

You sigh, amused, and watch her for a moment. The way her eyelashes rest against her cheeks, the way her hair falls across the pillow, the faintest hint of a smile still lingering on her lips—it makes your chest ache in the best way.

She looks warm, soft, safe. Like home.

Carefully, you scoot closer, pressing a gentle kiss to her shoulder.

“Good night, baby,” you murmur, even though she’s already lost in dreams.

Then, finally, you close your eyes.

[aeth-eris]

★ sleep | planets in 12th house ★

★ sun in the 12th house influences sleep quality by making it restless, with difficulty relaxing due to an active subconscious mind. dreams for this placement often focus on identity and self-awareness, sometimes becoming intense or dramatic. people with this placement may show restless movements and emotional reactions while sleeping. they are prone to sleep disorders like insomnia, due to overthinking personal identity and purpose, or sleep phase disorder, where the sleep-wake cycle may shift irregularly.

★ moon in the 12th house creates a highly sensitive sleep quality, easily influenced by the surrounding environment and emotional state. dreams tend to be emotionally vivid, tied to family, memory, or past experiences. during sleep, people with this placement may sleepwalk or murmur as they process emotions. potential sleep disorders include nightmares related to unresolved emotions, sleepwalking, or rem sleep behavior disorder, where emotional dreams cause physical reactions.

★ mercury in the 12th house often leads to difficulty falling asleep due to an overactive mind. dreams are fast-paced, frequently involving mental puzzles or social situations. behavior during sleep may include talking, shifting positions, or fragmented sleep. people with this placement are at risk for sleep-related bruxism (teeth grinding) due to mental tension, insomnia from racing thoughts, or sleep-talking.

★ venus in the 12th house generally supports good sleep quality, though it’s highly dependent on a peaceful sleep environment. dreams are typically romantic, peaceful, or aesthetically beautiful, often centered around love, relationships, or serene settings like gardens or oceans. people with this placement tend to sleep calmly and gracefully, often lying still. they may experience hypersomnia, where they oversleep or struggle to wake, sometimes using sleep as a form of comfort or escape.

★ mars in the 12th house creates a restless sleep quality, often leaving people feeling as if they’re "on edge" even while resting. dreams are intense or conflict-heavy, with themes of action and survival. behavior during sleep might include kicking, thrashing, or loud talking as they react physically to their dreams. they are at risk for sleep disorders like restless leg syndrome due to pent-up energy, sleep apnea, or night terrors, as mars energy can make sleep feel like an internal struggle.

★ jupiter in the 12th house tends to support deep sleep, though people with this placement may oversleep or struggle to establish boundaries. dreams are expansive, often philosophical or spiritual, with themes of exploration. behavior during sleep may include sprawling, taking up space, and moving freely. potential sleep disorders include hypersomnia, where sleep is prolonged or excessive, and sleep inertia, where waking up feels particularly difficult.

★ saturn in the 12th house often brings light and challenging sleep, as worries may surface at night. dreams tend to be serious or anxiety-laden, with themes of duty, fear, or restriction. people with this placement often sleep rigidly and tensely, as if they can’t fully relax. potential sleep disorders include insomnia from overthinking responsibilities and sleep paralysis, due to feeling restrained or unable to escape.

★ uranus in the 12th house creates an erratic sleep pattern, with phases of insomnia followed by long periods of heavy sleep. dreams are often unusual, futuristic, or chaotic, involving themes of change, rebellion, or technology. behavior during sleep may include sudden movements, sleep-talking, or sleeping in unconventional positions. potential sleep disorders include delayed sleep phase disorder, where sleep and wake times shift irregularly, sleep fragmentation due to frequent waking, or exploding head syndrome, where loud noises are heard upon falling asleep.

★ neptune in the 12th house encourages heavy, dream-like sleep, though people with this placement may wake feeling unrefreshed. dreams are highly vivid, mystical, and emotionally charged, often with symbolic or prophetic elements. sleep behavior tends to be fluid and calm, almost like floating, though they may wake feeling emotionally impacted by the dream world. potential sleep disorders include narcolepsy, due to difficulty distinguishing dream states from reality, sleep paralysis from blurred lines between dreams and waking, or night terrors from intense dreams.

★ pluto in the 12th house often results in deep, trance-like sleep that may be troubled by intense subconscious activity. dreams are dark, intense, and transformative, with themes of power, rebirth, and the underworld. people with this placement tend to sleep very still, almost trance-like, though they may wake suddenly from intense dreams. they are prone to sleep disorders like sleep apnea from holding on to subconscious fears, night terrors from intense dream content, or sleep-related hallucinations during transitions between sleep and wake.

★ chiron in the 12th house often brings troubled sleep, with disturbances linked to unresolved wounds or past traumas. dreams tend to be healing but emotionally challenging, frequently revisiting past pain or feelings of inadequacy. people with this placement may talk in their sleep, experience nightmares, or wake up feeling emotionally impacted. potential sleep disorders include nightmares or sleep-related ptsd, as dreams may surface unprocessed trauma, as well as insomnia caused by anxiety from unresolved emotional wounds.

★ lilith (black moon) in the 12th house intensifies sleep, often bringing up hidden fears or taboo thoughts. dreams are dark, primal, or erotic, frequently exploring power dynamics, repressed desires, or themes that challenge social norms. people with lilith in this placement may experience night sweats or wake up feeling emotionally charged by their dreams. potential sleep disorders include nightmares involving taboo subjects, sleep paralysis with a sense of fear or helplessness, or night terrors from unprocessed, intense emotions.

[occasionalsnippets]

Ngl i can imagine FD MC dumping an iced coffee on bruce while he's working on cases bc he hasn't slept for days and just going

"Your coffee, Bruce."

"...thank you."

(I love this au sm omg)

A/n: set during the early Tim Robin days

Taglist: @dragondevinity, @lonely-star2044, @sheep-from-rad, @ilxandra, @thethingwiththefeathers, @star-wars-lycanwing-bat, @sackofsadstuff, @zonked-times, @paastaboi, @venfia, @fantasy-angelo, @linaisadream, @shirp-collector-of-fixations, @roseapov, @alittletiredcry

—

The ever present fluttering of bats greet you as you descend into the batcave, two small bags in one hand and a hot mug in the other. Your sweater does little to protect you from the frostiness. There still aren’t any railings, you note as you head deeper in.

Mr. Wayne- Bruce Wayne- Batman- sits by the batcomputer, laser focussed on the recent case, some drug that’s been hitting Crime Alley, that has taken over him. You’ve counted the hours, the case first popped up beginning of the week and he hasn’t left the cave in three days.

You set the mug down on the table. There are two thermoses and four cups resting there already. The scent of coffee lingers. Mr. Wayne turns his head ever so slightly to look at you. Illuminated by the bright screen, his dark circles look deeper than they’ve ever been.

"Hot chocolate from Mr. Pennyworth,” you tell him.

He blinks slowly. “Not coffee?”

World’s greatest detective, everyone.

“Obviously not. You haven’t slept in three days.”

“There was a case.”

“And you, what, couldn’t leave the cave and go upstairs for three days to deal with it?” You raise an eyebrow.

“It’s urgent.”

“You’re using it as an excuse to destroy yourself.”

His jaw tightens and he turns to stare back at the data displayed on screen and begins typing. Rude but you didn’t expect this to be easy.

“Mr. Wayne. Here is what is going to happen.” Your finger curl around the handle of the mug. “Either I pour this hot chocolate directly onto the keyboard and your costume or you go wash up, I send the info to Oracle and we can both go upstairs to drink hot chocolate and sleep.”

You hope he does not make you have to do things the hard way.

“Choose.”

He does not waver beneath the weight of your heavy stare but he does stop typing. He still does not answer.

“Mr. Wayne,” you sigh and start lifting up the mug.

“15 more minutes,” he bargains.

“5.”

“10.”

“5 or I pour this over you and tell Mr. Pennyworth not to replace what you’ve wasted.”

“Fine. 5 minutes.”

“And then you’ll go wash up.”

“And then I’ll go wash up,” he agrees.

“Also, unclench your jaw,” you tap the side of his cheek and order, “unless you want to develop bruxism.”

His face shifts and settles. “… Thank you.”

“Mhm.”

The five minutes pass in silence. He does not solve the case, obviously, but an agreement is an agreement and you push him off to the showers when time is up. The bag you brought down with a change of clothes is left by the showers while you go clean up the batcomputer.

First, email to Oracle with the case information. Second, gather up the thermoses and mugs into your second bag to bring upstairs so Alfred can finally clean them. Third, wipe down the table.

By the time you are finished, Mr. Wayne has exited, fully dried off and dressed in the pyjamas you picked out instead of the batsuit. He remembered to dry his hair today. Better than two months ago when you struggled to even make sure he wouldn’t drown in a bathtub, accidentally or not.

“Hold onto the hot chocolate, we’ll warm it up again upstairs.” You motion towards the only mug left on the table. “C’mon.”

And so the two of you ascend, back to the warmth of Wayne manor where Mr. Pennyworth and Tim are resting soundly in the night. And as you lead the way, Mr. Wayne reaches forward and grasps your hand, slowly, uncertainly, like a child seeking comfort in the dark.

[underneaththatblackblanket]

"The 200+ Symptoms of Fibromyalgia"

(Note: Some symptoms may overlap)

GENERAL

1. Activity level decreased to less than 50% of pre-illness activity level

2. Cold hands and feet (extremities)

3. Cough

4. Craving carbohydrates

5. Delayed reaction to physical activity or stressful events

6. Dryness of eyes and/or mouth

7. Edema (Oedema)

8. Family member(s) with Fibromyalgia

9. Fatigue, made worse by physical exertion or stress

10. Feeling cold often

11. Feeling hot often

12. Frequent sighing

13. Heart palpitations

14. Hoarseness

15. Hypoglycemia (blood sugar falls or low)

16. Increased thirst

17. Low blood pressure (below 110/70)

18. Low body temperature (below 97.6)

19. Low-grade fevers

20. Night sweats

21. Noisy joints – with or without pain

22. Poor circulation in hands/feet

23. Profuse sweating

24. Recurrent flu-like illness

25. Shortness of breath with little or no exertion

26. Severe nasal allergies (new or worsening allergies)

27. Sore throat

28. Subjective swelling of extremities – (feels swollen Bu can’t find anything)

29. Sweats

30. Symptoms worsened by air travel

31. Symptoms worsened by stress

32. Symptoms worsened by temperature changes

33. Tender or swollen lymph nodes, especially in neck and underarms

34. Tremor or trembling

35. Unexplained weight gain or loss

PAIN

36. Abdominal wall pain

37. Bad hip pain

38. Burning Nerve Pain

39. Chest pain

40. Collarbone pain

41. Diffuse swelling

42. Elbow pain

43. Exacerbated Plantar arch or heel pain

44. “Growing” pains that don’t go away once you are done growing

45. Headache – tension or migraine

46. Inflamed Rib Cartilage

47. Joint pain

48. Lumpy, tender breasts

49. Morning stiffness

50. Muscle pain - widespread

51. Muscle spasms

52. Muscle twitching

53. Muscle weakness

54. Pain that ranges from moderate to severe

55. Pain that moves around the body

56. Paralysis or severe weakness of an arm or leg

57. Restless Leg Syndrome

58. Rib Pain

59. Scalp Pain (like hair being pulled out)

60. Sciatica-like pain

61. Tender points or trigger points

62. TMJ syndrome

63. “Voodoo Doll” Poking Sensation in random places

NEUROLOGICAL

64. Blackouts

65. Brain fog

66. Carpal Tunnel

67. Feeling spaced out

68. Hallucinating smells

69. Inability to think clearly

70. Lightheadedness

71. Noise intolerance

72. Numbness or tingling sensations

73. Photophobia (sensitivity to light)

74. Seizures

75. Seizure-like episodes

76. Sensation that you might faint

77. Syncope (fainting)

78. Tinnitus (ringing in one or both ears)

79. Vertigo or dizziness

EQUILIBRIUM/PERCEPTION

80. Bumping into things

81. Clumsy Walking

82. Difficulty balancing

83. Difficulty judging distances (when driving, etc.)

84. Directional disorientation

85. Dropping things frequently

86. Feeling spatially disoriented

87. Frequent tripping or stumbling

88. Not seeing what you’re looking at

89. Poor balance and coordination

90. Staggering gait

SLEEP

91. Alertness/energy best late at night

92. Altered sleep/wake schedule

93. Awakening frequently

94. Difficulty falling asleep

95. Difficulty staying asleep

96. Excessive sleeping

97. Extreme alertness or energy levels late at night

98. Falling asleep at random and sometimes dangerous moments

99. Fatigue

100. Light or broken sleep pattern

101. Muscle spasms/twitches at night

102. Narcolepsy

103. Sleep disturbances

104. Sleep starts or falling sensations

105. Teeth grinding - "Bruxism"

106. Tossing and turning

107. Un-refreshing or non-restorative sleep

108. Vivid or disturbing dreams/nightmares

EYES/VISION

109. Blind spots in vision

110. Eye pain

111. Difficulty switching focus from one thing to another

112. Frequent changes in ability to see well

113. Night driving difficulty

114. Occasional Blurry vision

115. Poor night vision

116. Rapidly worsening vision

117. Vision changes

COGNITIVE

118. Becoming lost in familiar locations when driving

119. Confusion

120. Difficulty expressing ideas in words

121. Difficulty following conversation (especially if background noise present)

122. Difficulty following directions while driving

123. Difficulty following oral instructions

124. Difficulty following written instructions

125. Difficulty making decisions

126. Difficulty moving your mouth to speak

127. Difficulty paying attention

128. Difficulty putting ideas together to form a complete picture

129. Difficulty putting tasks or things in proper sequence

130. Difficulty recognizing faces

131. Difficulty speaking known words

132. Difficulty remembering names of objects

133. Difficulty remembering names of people

134. Difficulty understanding what you read

135. Difficulty with long-term memory

136. Difficulty with simple calculations

137. Difficulty with short-term memory

138. Easily distracted during a task

139. Dyslexia-type symptoms occasionally

140. Feeling too disoriented to drive

141. Forgetting how to do routine things

142. Impaired ability to concentrate

143. Inability to recognize familiar surroundings

144. Losing track in the middle of a task (remembering what to do next)

145. Losing your train of thought in the middle of a sentence

146. Loss of ability to distinguish some colors

147. Poor judgment

148. Short term memory impairment

149. Slowed speech

150. Staring into space trying to think

151. Stuttering; stammering

152. Switching left and right

153. Transposition (reversal) of numbers, words and/or letters when you speak

154. Transposition (reversal) of numbers, words and/or letters when you write

155. Trouble concentrating

156. Using the wrong word

157. Word-finding difficulty

EMOTIONAL

158. Abrupt and/or unpredictable mood swings

159. Anger outbursts

160. Anxiety or fear when there is no obvious cause

161. Attacks of uncontrollable rage

162. Decreased appetite

163. Depressed mood

164. Feeling helpless and/or hopeless

165. Fear of someone knocking on the door

166. Fear of telephone ringing

167. Feeling worthless

168. Frequent crying

169. Heightened awareness – of symptoms

170. Inability to enjoy previously enjoyed activities

171. Irrational fears

172. Irritability

173. Overreaction

174. Panic attacks

175. Personality changes –usually a worsening of pervious condition

176. Phobias

177. Suicide attempts

178. Suicidal thoughts

179. Tendency to cry easily

GASTROINTESTINAL

180. Abdominal cramps

181. Bloating

182. Decreased appetite

183. Food cravings

184. Frequent constipation

185. Frequent diarrhea

186. Gerd-like Symptoms

187. Heartburn

188. Increased appetite

189. Intestinal gas

190. Irritable bladder - "Angry Bladder Syndrome"

191. Irritable bowel syndrome - IBS-C, IBS-D

192. Nausea

193. Regurgitation

194. Stomachache

195. Vomiting

196. Weight gain - unexplained

197. Weight loss - unexplained

UROGENITAL

198. Decreased libido (sex drive)

199. Endometriosis

200. Frequent urination

201. Impotence

202. Menstrual problems

203. Painful urination or bladder pain - "Interstitial Cystitis"

204. Pelvic pain

205. Prostate pain

206. Worsening of (or severe) premenstrual syndrome (PMS or PMDD)

SENSITIVITIES

207. Alcohol intolerance

208. Allodynia (hypersensitive to touch)

209. Alteration of taste, smell, and/or hearing

210. Sensitivity to chemicals in cleaning products, perfumes, etc.

211. Sensitivities to foods

212. Sensitivity to light

213. Sensitivity to mold

214. Sensitivity to noise

215. Sensitivity to odors

216. Sensitivity to yeast (getting yeast infections frequently on skin, etc.)

217. Sensory overload

218. Sensitivity to pressure & humidity changes

219. Sensitivity to extreme temperature changes

220. Vulvodynia

SKIN

221. Able to “write” on skin with finger

222. Bruising easily

223. Bumps and lumps

224. Eczema or psoriasis

225. Hot/dry skin

226. Ingrown hairs

227. Itchy/Irritable skin

228. Mottled skin

229. Rashes or sores

230. Scarring easily

231. Sensitivity to the sun

232. Skin suddenly turns bright red

CARDIOVASCULAR (Heart)

233. “Click-murmur” sounds through stethoscope

234. Fluttery heartbeat

235. Heart palpitations

236. Irregular heartbeat

237. Loud pulse in ear

238. Pain that mimics heart attack - "Costochondritis"

239. Rapid heartbeat

HAIR/NAILS

240. Dull, listless hair

241. Heavy and splitting cuticles

242. Irritated nail beds

243. Nails that curve under

244. Pronounced nail ridges

245. Temporary hair loss

OTHER

246. Canker sores

247. Dental problems

248. Disk Degeneration

​249. Hemorrhoids

250. Nose bleeds

251. Periodontal (gum) disease

252. Need for early hysterectomy

[probuccalfat]

hi I am rlly sorry to hear abt ur struggles with ur teeth. I don’t have bruxism but my sister did and hers was rlly bad until she got masseter Botox! It’s definitely worth looking into, but make sure you go to a good doctor who won’t just inject you for the money. Sending love, hope u feel better

thank you for your message, it’s so nice. i really appreciate it ; u ; i’m keeping masseter botox in my back pocket, but it’s good to hear that it’s effective! before i do anything else, i need to see my dentist and get a night guard. i’m starting to feel better. between people telling me they’ve had a similar spiral and telling me that while i have bruxism it’s probably not so bad that i have nerve damage and stopping myself from researching, the loop feels like it’s breaking.

[llyfrenfys]

Plîs help me not lose my teeth

I never thought I'd have to make one of these, but I'm genuinely really struggling financially right now and will swallow my pride about asking for help.

As some of you may know, the NHS has been slowly gutted by the Tories, meaning that medical interventions which were formerly free/low cost and readily available are no longer available. As a result I'm having to pay £250 out of pocket for a mouth guard to protect my teeth from tooth grinding. I fell out of the NHS system a while ago when I became estranged, so have to go private.

I suffer from a tight tempomandibular joint (the muscles in my jaw) which causes teeth grinding (bruxism) at night. Stress and anxiety also worsen this. It's gotten to the point where it can hurt to talk or eat and the tooth grinding triggers my migraines due to the pressure caused by my jaw. My gums are also very sensitive and thin due to another medical condition and the grinding is making my teeth loose and gums bleed. I have no other option other than getting a mouth guard fitted - the cheapest option of which is £250.

So I'm creating a $1 Patreon tier for anyone who can spare it to help me cover the cost of my mouth guard. If you do donate, I really, really cannot thank you enough - losing my teeth is one of my biggest fears and I need to prevent that from happening, so thank you again if you can spare anything! If you would prefer, I also have tumblr tips enabled. If you cannot donate, please consider reblogging!

Diolch mawr for reading and thank you so much to everyone who has supported me - now or in the past.

[maladjust3d]

doctor babygirl what's your favorite dentistry story

Oh, boy.

Favorite dentistry story, huh? Where would I even start?

I remember this one guy who came into my office. He had a real serious case of bruxism.

His teeth were practically all flat. Can you believe it?!

I didn’t even hafta do anything to him before he started screamin’, the poor bastard had some exposed nerves. I ended up having to rip them all out one by one.

The best part of it all was that it all coulda been avoided if he just wore his damn night guard.

[asofspades]

This is a bit out of pocket but I want to rant.

So, I've had a dental splint for like almost 2 years now, I should have got it sooner (like, around 14-15 yo) but honestly I hadn't been to a dentist in like 6 years at that point and the last one had been extremely incompetent.

Anyways, the splint is, for course, to avoid causing damage to my teeth due to jaw clenching and teeth grinding and as such should be used every night (I'm working on being consistent with that) and whenever I'm doing something that requires focus and generates stress, which is basically the description of college assignment and related stuff.

The problem here is that means I should wear it at the library (or whatever space is available for working) when I do college stuff but first of it's definitely not normalised to wear it in public settings (and I have very bad social anxiety), it's also noticeable even with my mouth closed, it's bright green and it gives me a very noticeable lisp when I have to speak while wearing it. Technically I could count on no one speaking to me in the library and some college libraries even have space separators at the desks so I could avoid being seen.

But then I'd have to carry around my toothbrush and toothpaste and the special brush for the splint and I'd have to brush my teeth before using it and then go wash the splint afterwards, which would also be awkward as fuck.

What I mean to say is, if we've normalised wearing retainers and Invisalign (which you have to take off before eating in public spaces as well and brush your teeth before putting it back in) can we please normalise wearing splints at public working spaces because bruxism is a real problem and struggle for a lot of people but I feel like everyone finds the splint too bulky and noticeable and people look at you weirdly for wearing it.

[kelthoumrambles]

Anxiety has been a bit through the roof lately especially at night but I guess it's just a side effect of all the changes I'm going through... (same for my weight gain?). when it happens my heart gets so very cold and tight and my mouth gets dry and my breath becomes so short I have to sit up. At the same time, I feel like I am about to die or that something very bad is going to happen. Not a nice feeling hmmm. I'm not even mentioning my constant bruxism that is clearly a pain in the ass to live with. Buuut I'm going through it. Without alcohol. Without drugs. I'm just literally going through it HAHA like wow

On a side note, it'd be very nice if I could just go outside to the world, to mix and mingle, see people... I'm not ready yet though but it'd be very nice. Or is it that necessary... maybe so... Step by step. 🧿🧿🧿

[paperboy-pb]

"Willful Ignorance" [Life Story]

[Written in August, 2023]

A parent reminded me why I make PB the other night.

For those of you who don't know, I'm a very young creator. 20 in October. And I had one of my co-writers for a different comic ("Weirder Than Usual") over at my place for the weekend. And being the youngest of a hispanic family, my parents have no plans to let me move out anytime soon. When I do leave, it will likely be without their blessing.

I let one parent drive my co-writer back home for the night. I knew I wouldn't be much fun to have in the car that late (I fall asleep pretty early,) and that we wouldn't be free to discuss creative affairs with that parent there, anyway.

I don't like to be myself with this parent around. We are distant. And I keep that distance for a reason.

And despite my absence, this parent reminded me why. Because guess what my cowriter texted me not too long after!

Some hours later, I can't help but think to myself... it's so funny how she stresses my late speech so much. Because now that it's here, it's as if my words don't matter at all.

I will admit my family doesn't know everything that our Special Ed program put me & other children through. But I will ALSO say that that's their own fault. Because as I grew up, I used to tell them every awful thing that I found important. And it was their lack of response that made me stop.

The driver of that car is clueless. She's "forgotten" about the violence that surrounded me in there. Desks crashing to the ground after an adult's angriest shove. Sweaters stretched out and destroyed from middle school fights that nobody broke up.

She's "forgotten" about every time I told her that we weren't learning what we needed to know, insisting that every class must've been doing 3rd grade worksheets in 7th if we were.

She's "forgotten" her 11-year-old asking if he was on the spectrum; how she put on the confused performance of a lifetime as she told me no. But miraculously, she remembers sitting somewhere in the spring of 2005, being told so by professionals.

And she "doesn't remember" us yelling on the phone in 2022. How I spent 80 dollars on an Uber just so we wouldn't share state grounds. And how I screamed for the millionth time, in no uncertain terms, "I AM NOT MAD AT YOU FOR PUTTING ME IN A PROGRAM THAT PROMISED US HELP. You believed them! I know you believed them, they promised you I'd be okay! The problem is that THEY BROKE THAT PROMISE! And every time they did, you just looked the other way!"

Whether she is or isn't being truthful doesn't matter. It's bad on her either way.

Because I know she remembers my dentist reporting bruxism to her when I still had loose teeth. How they would ask her about my environment, or if she knew whether or not anything was stressing me out. And that she chose to question nothing as it continued nightly into my teens. Damaging my adult teeth and concerning all who would sleep in the same room as me. They could hear me all the time. Sometimes my sister would even wake me up.

I know she remembers marking her little one's height against the wall, and seeing the space under his eyes grow darker and darker across the 6th grade.

I know she remembers making leave Autism themed group chats, because to her, my name & that word should never be in the same sentence.

I know she remembers going through his journals and sketchbooks, finding concept art for our Matthew B. And how just one look was enough to make her enroll me to therapy when I was 13.

And she knows that I remember how she hates that boy. Matthew Boston, I mean. And at least one part of her hates everything that he is; disabled, creative, expressive, and headstrong.

I know because she hates those traits in me as well.

Since I spend a lot of time in disability spaces, I try not to assume somebody isn't trying to understand. Comprehension doesn't come easy to everyone. And I especially suspect that she's neurodivergent as well.

But I've tried everything with this one, and I'm truly at the end of my rope. I've tried visuals. I've tried keeping it short and sweet and simple. I've tried having complex and mature conversations where I don't skip a single detail.

I've even tried therapy with her in the room.

Nothing works. And unless this is the convenient work of an undiagnosed memory condition, there's no reason for that.

My Autistic voice matters so little to her that she insists on prying information out of my friends when I'm not in the room; asking the allistic all these questions I've answered myself one thousand times.

She doesn't want to understand. She doesn't want to question her own ableism. Or work past it. And that's why I don't show her "PAPERBOY" at all, and likely won't until years and years from now.

Because PAPERBOY is for the people who do understand. For people who do understand, and everyone who wants to.