Dentist: "Has anything changed in your medical history?"

Me:  "Nope."

Dentist:  "Anything bothering you I should know about?"

Me:  "Wellllllll... I'm constantly gnawing at my lip & the inside of my cheek, which I'm aware of because I do it while I'm awake.  Kind of a bad habit.  But lately my face has been hurting."

(As he's looking at my jaw and bite) Dentist:  "Does this hurt?"

Me:  "YEEEOW Yes!"

(Upon further inspection.) Dentist: "You've been grinding your teeth."

*****

This makes SO much sense.  Obviously if I'm gnawing and chewing while I'm awake, I'm assaulting my teeth while I'm sleeping.  Doctor S. then asked me what I do to relax, (is he implying that I don't??!)  and I wish I wasn't stumped by this question. 

"Pilates!" (LIE LIE LIE!  I only just started pilates.)  Mental note:  Find new ways to relax. 

In any case, in 10-14 days, I'll be picking up a night guard/bite plate that I was fitted for.  I hope this helps!  I also hope it's not weird to fall asleep with... does anyone have any experience with this? 

When I posted on Facebook I was surprised to find out how common this problem is - I'm sorry to hear that there are so many of us grinders out there, but it's nice to not feel alone!  ;)