Teeth hurt after playing.

[ThomasP]

I could only guess that it would be too much pressure. But you said it wasn't. Continue to relax when you play. My mouthpieces actually rest on the gums in my mouth, not where my teeth are. I have no clue other than what I've already mentioned. Good Luck.

[ken k]

How are your dental hygeine habits? Do you regularly floss and brush? Do you have any gingivitis (sp?) Any kind of mild gum disease like this could cause the sensitivity in the teeth and gums and also make the teeth fell like they are "loose". Check with your dentist to be sure. I have had students who have mentioned similar problems. And I recall in HS I had some discomfort at times. At the time I played trombone. Again, after a visit to the dentist he recommended regular flossing and more consistent brushing and mouthwash to care for and strengthen the gums.

ken "I am not a dentist and do not play one on TV either so check with your dental health care provider (legal disclaimer)" k

[Chuck(G)]

True story.

I switched mouthpieces and my premolars started aching like the dickens about a week after I switched. I didn't put two and two together and proceded to baffle both the dentist (who could find nothing wrong with my teeth) and myself. My teeth hurt so bad and the pain seemed to be so localized that I figured I was root-canal material for sure.

After sleeping on the problem and suspecting the new mouthpiece, I changed back to my old mouthpiece and in about two days, the pain disappeared.

The dentist, when informed of this development, thought I was some sort of an idiot for not having thought of it before. He then (using words of one and two syllables) explained that the face contains a tangle of nerves and irrituating one can cause bizarre symptoms. He related that when a patient comes in complaining of pain on the left side, he also checks the corresponding spot on the right side.

In my case, I found that a broad rim (like a 24AW) causes the pain, while a narrow rim (like a Helleberg) causes no problem at all.

[Art Hovey]

The 24AW rim has always been too wide, in my opinion. That causes pressure to be exerted on your teeth. With a narrower rim the pressure can act on your gums, above your upper teeth. For me that works a lot better. Of course you want to use the smallest possible pressure, but some is necessary to maintain an air seal.

[Arthur plays tuba]

Breathe deeply when you play, It really helps.