Remember a few months back when I challenged myself to drink only one non-water beverage a day? Yeah, I’m bringing that back. I have pretty severe TMJ, which comes from being such high-strung person. I wear a bite plate to sleep in, but I grind my front teeth so hard at night that after several months it stops being effective and I have to get it readjusted. Stress, poor diet, lack of exercise all contribute to clenching and grinding, but so does caffeine intake. I’ve talked about my diet coke habit before, and while I know I will never be able to kick it fully, I do need to learn to survive (aka overcome the withdrawal headache) so my jaw and head won’t hurt.
Thus, I need another Water Week. Starting today I only get one non-water beverage a day. Non-water beverages include soft drinks, coffee, caffeinated teas, alcohol, milk, and juice. I will allow myself to have herbal tea or mix in a crystal light packet to my glass of water just to change it up a little.
Anyone else feeling a little dehydrated or in need of a minor detox? Join in me in a Water Week!
On to the menu…
Sunday: Tortellini in herb butter sauce
Monday: Sausage, mushroom, and spinach baked ziti
Tuesday: Crispy honey-lime tilapia, roasted broccoli
Wednesday: Leftovers
Thursday – Saturday: Off to Vegas with my mom!
What’s on your menu this weekend?
This post is linked to Menu Plan Monday
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Okay, so I clicked on TMJ and I think I totally have that. >< I've had issues with night tooth grinding ever since Simone was a few months old, I think because of more stress and lack of excellent sleep. I use a bite guard, but it has to be replaced every 6 months or so because I bite down on it so hard that you can practically make a mold of my teeth from it. When I try to open my mouth super wide, my jaw makes a violent popping sound, and sometimes I can't open my mouth wide at all. It sucks! Will definitely be researching that more…
Also, I was planning to make a different tilapia recipe tonight, but the crispy honey tilapia looks SO good that I'll be making it instead.
One of the orthodontists at the practice my mom runs is a TMJ specialist. I have a specially made bite plate (some insurances cover TMJ just fyi) and he also gave me some muscle relaxers and prescription-strength anti-inflammatories to help me relax a little and adjust to the mouth guard. It’s ridiculous how much TMJ hurts and how much damage you can do to your teeth. I strongly encourage you to talk to your dentist about it.
Also: please make the tilapia. It’s really good – sweet, but VERY tasty.
I have a dentist appointment in mid-May and will definitely be asking my dentist about TMJ (and about the insurance!) Thankfully it really hasn’t been bothering me much at all lately.
I made the tilapia – yum! We both loved it.
Funny that I read this today! I’m going to the dentist later today for a routine cleaning, but while I’m there, I’m looking into getting fitted for a professional night guard. I currently wear just the disposable ones to bed and I worry about what those are doing to my teeth over time.
I only drink 1 caffeinated beverage a day (usually), and I have no idea what is causing me to grind and clench. I wake up with headaches almost daily. And I HAVE to wear the mouth guard or I’ll grind down my teeth (my canines are already blunt from the wear and tear).
My insurance doesn’t cover any mouth guards, so that sort of sucks. I’m having a hard time swallowing the $400 price tag for the guard!! 🙁
Reese & Cate, this is Elizabeth’s mom. Most Health insurances will cover TMJ and the special appliance you wear. The dental professional should file the cost under a code that applies to Splint appliances. This is not a dental problem but a medical problem; hence the filing under your medical insurance. We have been very successful in getting the medical to pay at least a portion of this cost. Plus if the office visit is filed that will help also.
Hope this helps you out and good luck.