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Q: Why do I engage in this behavior? ( No Answer,   6 Comments )
Question  
Subject: Why do I engage in this behavior?
Category: Relationships and Society > Cultures
Asked by: mnitzani-ga
List Price: $3.45
Posted: 20 Nov 2004 23:45 PST
Expires: 20 Dec 2004 23:45 PST
Question ID: 431749
Why do I often stick toenails and fingernails and pick at my gums in
addition to sticking dental floss with knots through my gums?

Also, I have dreams of losing my teeth?  Whats going on?
Answer  
There is no answer at this time.

Comments  
Subject: Re: Why do I engage in this behavior?
From: probonopublico-ga on 21 Nov 2004 00:16 PST
 
You have an obsession.

Stop doing all these things ... NOW!

THIS is an order that MUST BE OBEYED!
Subject: Re: Why do I engage in this behavior?
From: johnfrommelbourne-ga on 21 Nov 2004 03:50 PST
 
YOU MUST OBEY BRYAN
Subject: Re: Why do I engage in this behavior?
From: biophysicist-ga on 21 Nov 2004 06:55 PST
 
If you haven't seen a dentist recently for a checkup and tooth
cleaning, I recommend doing so.  Perhaps your obsession with your gums
arises from your body trying to tell you that there's something wrong
with them (gingivitis, periodontitis, or some such).  You should rule
out medical problems before diagnosing yourself with some kind of
psychological disorder.
Subject: Re: Why do I engage in this behavior?
From: hubnub-ga on 22 Nov 2004 23:18 PST
 
I believe you suffer from a form of obsessive-compulsive behavior. 
You may have great fear of having all of your teeth at one moment, and
then being without any or all of your teeth at another.

I believe that your teeth are a highlight of your personal appearance
and that you receive compliments about them often.  Early in
childhood, however, there was most likely an issue with loss of your
baby teeth and replacement by permanent adult teeth.  This suggests to
me a difficult transition into adulthood.  This would mostly likelely
not be an open issue that you have sought counseling for.  You are
probably not surprised by what I say, however.  These issues tend to
be repressed until a negative behavior that can be harmful, either
physically or emotionally, manifests from repressed emotions.

I suggest you see a therapist.  Shop around for someone you feel
comfortable with.  Look for a specialist in Obsessive-Compulsive
disorders and repressed issues resurfacing in an negative manner.  A
competent counselor will understand what you speak of.  I suggest that
you go beyond speaking with a receptionist about this issue.

Finally, I must congratulate you on taking this step.  It is difficult
to admit parts of life that may seem shameful, whether you have done
so anonymously or not.

I hope you find this helpful.  I have much more to add, but I don't
know that I am allowed to give you my e-mail for further discussion. 
Can anyone help on this google rule issue?  I don't want to stretch
the limits.  Thanks!

I hope things work out well for you.
Subject: Re: Why do I engage in this behavior?
From: hubnub-ga on 22 Nov 2004 23:24 PST
 
I must add one more comment.  This is a behavior that cannot merely be
"stopped."  To do so would be to repress any issues or problems for
longer yet, which could increase the damaging behavior when (and it
will) this problem once again resurfaces.  Just as a person cannot
stop blinking, those (and they are many!) who suffer due to delayed
reactions to feelings cannot just stop the manifested response.
Subject: Re: Why do I engage in this behavior?
From: mast-ga on 23 Nov 2004 15:17 PST
 
Many of these types of behaviours, also including restless movement,
scratching, grimaces, and so on, have an underlying cause in allergies
and vitamin deficiancies. Buy yourself a good multivitamin (not from
the supermarket) and see how you feel after two weeks. If there is no
improvement, consider seeing having yourself checked for allergies.
Because the teeth are so close to the sinuses, it may also be possible
that this is even related to hayfever, or anything that irritates your
sinuses.

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