Clenching

[Terry Lennox]

I don't clench. I hold my pipe. Not everyone's teeth line up in a way that provides a natural position for the pipe to be stable. Also, clenching a pipe will, over time, shift your teeth. You may notice a feeling in the gums later that signals some roots are moving around. That's not something I want. But everyone is different. Just know there is nothing wrong with holding your pipe.

 

[warren]

Also, clenching a pipe will, over time, shift your teeth.

Correct clenching, no pressure, shouldn't cauae such a problem. Can you support such a claim with data. Are you speaking from personal experience? Have you practiced impeccable hygiene? Or, do you have less than healthy gums? I'm latter 70's of age and clenching since the latter 1960's and my dentists(s) have never made even a hint that such damage is/has occurred. I'm unwilling to believe such a statement unsupported.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

If someone can't clench or just find that it isn't comfortable for them, then clearly, just don't do it.
But, for me, having a pipe in clench is just my preferred way of walking around. I mean, I do take the pipe out of my mouth occasionally, just not for very long.

 

[bullet08]

Teeth shift depends on a person. I noticed my teeth has shifted since I was younger. Not due to pipe smoking, but too cheap to put in implants or crown after extractions. My wife on the other hand didn't have any extraction, but teeth were shifting. So she is having those orthodontist thing done.

 

[mateusbrown]

95% of the time, I'm either smoking a full-bent Peterson p-lip or Savinelli Oom Paul. Both just kind of hang, so not a lot of clenching involved. I can shift the pipe from one side of the mouth to the other hands-free if needed. The Peterson is the easiest since it has the p-lip button.