Quote from: Detroit117 on September 25, 2012, 06:53:04 PM
I have always clenched my jaw while concentrating. Because of this idiosyncrasy, my jaw muscles would be sore after focusing on some thing for an extended period of time. Long days at my shop, working out, tests, etc..... riding to

Simple solution, that has really helped me: A Toothpick

Put one between your upper an lower sets of teeth to the side of you mouth. The toothpick adsorbs some of the pressure when you bite down. Hope this helps. Really works for me.  

Thanks, I'll try it ..

I do it too.  When I first started diving I bit clear through the mouth piece of my regulator...that was my first clue in that I needed to relax 

wear a light mouth guard and clench to your hearts content.

If I were to crash, I would definitely rather have a mouth guard than a toothpick in my mouth.

Quote from: somegirl on September 27, 2012, 11:43:42 AM
If I were to crash, I would definitely rather have a mouth guard than a toothpick in my mouth.

Decent point.

I had a toothpick in my mouth last time I stuffed mt track bike. Didn't go anywhere since I had my jaw clenched through the whole crash. 

Quote from: Detroit117 on September 28, 2012, 09:09:32 PM
Decent point.

I had a toothpick in my mouth last time I stuffed mt track bike. Didn't go anywhere since I had my jaw clenched through the whole crash. 

it didnt snap?!?! 

Are you asking about the toothpick or my jaw. 

I used to do this a lot. Once I noticed I was doing it, I noticed the rest of my body was tense as well. I also noticed I was probably riding a little more dangerously then I realized. I dont do it anymore, and if I do, I relax and smooth it out a bit. I find I ride better when I'm more relaxed and not trying to go fast

I wear a Shock Doctor mouthguard when riding at the track. It's only $20 and you fit it to your mouth.  I started wearing it because as I was concentrating more I would have my mouth open and my tongue between my teeth.  I'm afraid that if I crash I'll bite my tongue off.  I just spoke about this with a friend who is a CCS racer (and champion) on the east coast.  I found out he wears one as well, and when I told him my fears, he told me I was right to wear it, as he has bitten his tongue before, and almost bit it off.
Now I find myself to focus more and be more relaxed when riding with it.  After I started wearing mine, my boyfriend now wears one, because he clenches his teeth so hard you can see it in his face in his track photos.



https://www.shockdoctor.com/gravity2-lower-mouthguard

Mouth guard or relaxing a bit are better ideas than a toothpick.

I use a toothpick because I clench my jaw any time I focus, not just while riding. Would kinda look like an idiot with a mouth guard. 

A few of the guys I race with wear mouthguards.

Far from a bad idea as a protective measure.

Still think you need to relax if you're so stressed your grind your teeth though 

I have earphones on and listen to music while I vocally jam with it.
Really calm down the nerves

Just a minor point there - having music type headphones in may be illegal. I know in my state (VA) you're not even legally allowed ear plugs in both ears... which I ignore and plug up. But the laws say you can't block both ears.

Quote from: Slide Panda on October 22, 2012, 06:02:32 AM
Just a minor point there - having music type headphones in may be illegal. I know in my state (VA) you're not even legally allowed ear plugs in both ears... which I ignore and plug up. But the laws say you can't block both ears.

Yeah I've actually been pulled over with a warning by an Arlington PO in a traffic stop. She kindly reminded me its illegal to operate a motorized vehicle while wearing headsets in the commonwealth of va.