Trump induced dental problems.
Ok, so it finally happened. I chipped one of my front teeth. I did not even realize that it happened until about an hour later when I ran my tongue over my front teeth and thought that one of them felt very sharp and jagged.
I went to look in a mirror and realized that the bottom of my right front tooth had chipped off leaving one little pointy edge. There is no pain and I was trying to think what might have happened. Then I remembered that I got a package from Amazon and was having a hard time opening the box, so I used my teeth to grab the edge of the tab to pull it open. That must have been it. I can't think of anything else.
Anyway, I have always had very strong, healthy teeth and have always gotten very good checkups, but have fallen off a bit since I have moved back to Boston. However, I have noticed that over the Trump years that I had been constantly clenching my jaw and even my front teeth ALL THE TIME. I would get headaches from the tension and realize that it was from the tightness in my jaw/mouth.
I read an article a while back in the NY Times where dentists were reporting that they were seeing more and more patients with cracked and chipped teeth since Trump became president than ever before. Significantly more. Just wondering if any of you have noticed increased dental issues. Also, how much did it cost to get them repaired?
My BIL is a dentist with his own practice up in southern Maine and he always comps family and friends, but I don't want to take advantage. I have dental insurance which isn't great, but it's something. However, it's really annoying and kind of unsightly (even though I don't go anywhere w/ out a mask). Just looking for some advice since I have never really had to go for anything but a cleaning before since I was a child having my wisdom teeth removed.
Would like to hear your experiences. Thanks! 
= new reply since forum marked as read
I appreciate it. I have been very careful, but I am just worried about them (dental professionals) being exposed to so many people during the day and so close to the face.
I wish that we were closer to getting a widespread vaccination program. I am way down on the list, so I won't be going anywhere unnecessary for a while.
Glad to hear that you are doing much beter these days! Stay healthy!
You're probably grinding them while you sleep. I know from experience. Ask your dentist about a nightguard. The good ones need to be custom to your mouth. Your insurance should pay a portion of the cost and it will be worth it. These last four years have been very hard on all of us.
Good advice! I am sure I am grinding them at night as well, since I don't sleep well either, or at least haven't for the past four years.
I will definitely look into it. When it rains, it pours. I seem to have all of my issues coming to the surface at once. I don't feel old, and I'm not really old, but I suppose this is what it is like to get old. Where things just start falling apart simultaneously. 
Take care and have a good evening! 
Was the first time in three years I slept without a mouth guard. I was a year in the nightmare when my dentist recommended it.
I was having weird jaw pain, my dentist sent me to a specialist when he determined it wasn't a tooth problem.
The specialist diagnosed it as a sprained jaw.
This was about two weeks ago.
Yes, I've been stressed out about Trump.....
Dear, Coventina! That sounds serious! You must be doing some serious stress jaw grinding to throw things that out of whack. What are they recommending to cure you?
The man is a damn wrecking ball. I have no doubt that he has done serious damage to me and many others physically and mentally during the time he was in office. I wish someone would file a class action lawsuit against him and sue him for every last penny.
Take care of yourself and make sure you get the care you need.
I have to ice my jaw 15 minutes out of every hour.
Thanks for the well wishes!!
It's a really embarrassing ailment! Who knew that jaws could be sprained?!?!
Not me!!
I can sleep, thankfully.
I'm already over the worst part, thankfully. Total healing in another 4 weeks or so.
Kind of like spraining your ankle.
I am fortunate in that I do have my spouse. He's been really supportive about getting me soups and other soft food.
Thanks so much for your care and sympathy!
I hope you can get help for your tooth as well!!
I am happy to hear that you will be well soon! Take care of yourself!
to take care of myself, now that the future looks just a little bit brighter.
I dreamed of having the Biden/Harris admin., but the reality is even better!!!
I honestly feel like a huge weight has been lifted. That constant undercurrent of anxiety is gone. I know things won't be completely perfect, but they will be so much better!
but my dentist's making a few $$$ now, back to the office next Friday!
I know it is for me. I never had this problem before him and it seems to be going away now. Anyway, take care of yourself!
$1,000 for a mouth guard! That's insane! I am definitely NOT falling for that line. I will defer to my BIL, as I know he won't steer me wrong. I don't trust anyone these days.
Maybe it was $750. Something i could not afford. You are lucky to have a Dentist in the family.
We've been to the dentist several times during the pandemic began. We are scheduled for another cleaning this March. Our new dentist took over our retired dentist office. Our new dentist has Covid precautions such as waiting in the car until we're called on the phone. They only allow 2 people in their waiting lobby at a time and a mask is required. Everything is sanitized and this includes writing utensils. We sign a form that we're not exhibiting any signs of Covid and that we haven't traveled out of state or the country, that sort of thing. Our new dentist wears the plastic shield besides wearing a mask.
I would hope that all dentist and dental hygienist are tasking Covid precautions seriously at this time. I would call them and ask about their precautions since I've read other DUers comments about not all of them having precautions in place. Obviously, you want an office that is following the correct procedures.
Also, When I was slinging school lunches at a junior high school, I started to have pain in a section of my gum that's right above a canine tooth. Our then dentist looked at it and said that he couldn't find any evidence of nightly teeth grinding but thought that perhaps I was clenching at night. It made sense since I was waking up for work with my fists clench on top of chest on the daily.
I ended up quitting that job in early 2017 and my gum is still messed up but not as bad as when I was working that stressful job. I would like to clarify that it wasn't the students that was stressing me out. My kitchen lead would bad mouth everyone including the Director and other workers who were stationed at other schools and who she didn't know on a personal level. I told her that I needed help at a certain time since I was trying to do 2 different jobs at the same time while her favorite workers were standing around talking and doing nothing. She would then send people to help me after I completed both jobs. This happened every Monday through Friday.
So yes, stress can cause dental issues, especially night or day clenching. Hope this helps.
Very helpful. I absolutely believe that stress of any kind can be harmful on all systems of the body, including your mouth. It's sounds stupid and cliche, but I never thought it would happen to me.
However, enough stress can break down even the healthiest body or destroy the strongest teeth. I grew up with the best dental care and my dentists always remarked on how strong and healthy my teeth were.
Well, today I found out that I was not immune to dental issues, despite all of that. Years of clenching and grinding my teeth have finally taken thier toll. I have noticed that since Trump has left office, I have not been clenching my jaw and have not had my usual chronic tension headaches. It could be a coincidence, but only time will tell.
I am so sorry for your unhappy job experience. Some people can be really awful, but sacrificing your heath isn't worth it. I am glad you quit. You deserve to be treated better than that. I hope things are much better for you now.
I will definitely ask my BIL for advice before I get taken for a ride by a dentist down here in Boston.
I know he will offer to take care of me for free (he's in southern Maine), and I will consider it as long as he gets some reimbursement from my insurance company, however, if I can get it fixed down here for a reasonable price I will probably take that option.
My teeth have been in very good shape until now, but I am interested in the product you are using to make your teeth so white. My teeth aren't bad, but I would like them to be whiter. It sounds like a miracle product!
You are so right about keeping my tongue off it though! I am having a hard time avoiding it though and it is driving me insane. I just want it fixed immediately so that it is not such a distraction!
Thanks for your free, unprofessional advice!
Caveat: This will not whiten your teeth, but it will remove stubborn stains so your teeth are back to their natural color. Good luck!
Too afraid to go, so this seems perfect and not too expensive. Seems like money well spent. My teeth aren't very stained, but I used to get a cleaning twice a year in NYC and just have not been that vigilant here in Boston. I still have $$ left on my Amazon Christmas gift cards so I think I will get this!
Thanks again and hope you are doing well!
