My last visit to the dentist a few weeks ago not only consisted of an argument of whether or not I had a cross-bite so severe that it required braces, but also gave rise to the inquiry of whether or not I clench my teeth on a regular basis.

This is because I made a note of some sensitivity to heat and cold in the back of my mouth - the far back molars - and ventured a guess in confidence that they were cavities; mostly because at my last visit I was warned against not getting sealants on them because the plaque gets into places I can't brush. Anyway, the doctor said I didn't so much as flinch when she dug her tool into my molar, so she asks if I clenched my teeth.

I didn't understand what that had to do with it. But she said that people who clench their teeth often can experience similar sensations to cavity discomfort, just not regularly. Well, I can say that it regularly happens when I eat ice cream, or drink really cold water, but I don't get how I didn't react to the jagged metal edge of steel ...

Point being, I've been very aware of my mouth actions lately and I often catch myself clenching! She must be right!

This bodes another more personal question though - why do I clench so much! Am I so intense that I regard everyday activities with a ferver so strong that it borders on agression or even hostility? I think so!

Right now would be a splendid time I think to walk into my home and have a warm, inviting meal awaiting my palette.

However, now is also a splendid time to not have steady, serious lady in my life who could commit to such a cuilnary task.

O! The Tradeoffs!