Concern, Dental-wise, About Clenching

[FLDRD]

I have one p lip. It was my first above $40 pipe I bought back in the early 2000’s. I don’t want to get rid of it but hate the Plip. I may have to try your method, or just have a new stem made. I like your idea to try first. Do you happen to have a picture?

There are plenty who enjoy a P-lip. If it's not valuable or sentimental, maybe trade it out with someone...

 

[Chasing Embers]

Do you happen to have a picture?

No longer in my possession but all I did was sand the extension down to make it more like a typical button.

 

[kcghost]

No problem whatsoever. Buy the tobacco, clench it you like and enjoy it. Clenching isn't biting through the stem.

 

[Terry Lennox]

If you smoke a lot, pipe smoking can be tough on your mouth period. All that hot smoke for extended periods is harmful to your gums. And yes, if you guys down hard, clenching is bad too. I think most people who smoke quite a bit and clench learn to do so in a relaxed manner over time.

I agree with this. Been piping since 2009. I have experienced teeth shifting over time. I no longer clench and instead hold straight pipes. Full bent pipes distribute the weight differently so I do clench those for very short periods, if I need to do something with my hands for example.

Most important thing is to not over heat the pipe. You want a cool, relaxed smoke. Everything in moderation. And if you get bad tongue bite consider taking a break, or changing tobaccos, or moving the pipe around and not keep it consistently in the same position. Just use common sense and listen to your body.

 

[Terry Lennox]

Also, most good retailers list the weight of pipes for sale. Get a feel for what is good for you. I love small and slim pipes so weight is never an issue for me.

 

[jpmcwjr]

When I was trying out Softie Bits, clenching was awful. As mentioned, you tend to clamp harder, Plus it felt way too large whether clenched or not. And yes, weight is important to me when I buy.

 

[CallMeSangy]

I have experienced teeth shifting over time.

I used to wonder what was going on with my mouth when it felt my teeth were a bit more to one side than usual. Like they were an ill fit suddenly. I clench 90% of the time when smoking, bent pipe or not. Good to hear that.

 

[dcicero]

I experience discomfort even when I just dangle for longer periods. The only pipe I've found I can clench for a long time is a cob.

 

[Coreios]

I think a straight pipe could buck or shift your teeth if you clench it long enough over the years. A bent would be less likely.

 

[krizzose]

If you smoke a lot, pipe smoking can be tough on your mouth period. All that hot smoke for extended periods is harmful to your gums. And yes, if you guys down hard, clenching is bad too. I think most people who smoke quite a bit and clench learn to do so in a relaxed manner over time.

Exactly. If I’m clenching a pipe, 95% of the time I’m not biting at all, I’m just keeping my teeth a small distance apart to hold the pipe in place. When I do bite down, it’s to secure the pipe if I’m moving around a little bit; but the biting force is minimal. Acrylic stems will teach you good technique really quick