By: Dr. James White
 
The habit of bruxism can be as devious as a thief in the night. You may not even be aware you're doing it, but if you suffer from this condition, the resulting damage to your teeth, gums and jawbone will soon let you know.
 
The practice of unconscious tooth-grinding usually begins in early childhood. In most cases, the habit will begin to wane as the person ages, but while it continues, it can extract a serious price on dental health.
Its rhythmic jaw contractions and sustained periods of grinding can subject the teeth to as much as 250 pounds of pressure for up to 40 minutes out of every hour all night long. Since you're asleep, it will happen without your knowledge, but you can be sure that your partner will hear it.

Linda Gomez/Timeless Beauty
 
Most of you know from my previous columns and recommendations, I am pretty much a drugstore type of beauty shopper. I generally don’t find most cosmetics or other beauty products to be worth the extra dough, but once in a while, you discover a product so good it turns out to be worth the money!
 
Even with our beautiful desert winter, between running the heater at home and the cold air outside, your skin can still quickly dry out. And when it gets dry, it can also become itchy and flaky and suddenly you’re willing to spend a little more.

Several months ago, my daughter gave me a jar of body cream called Ultra Rich Body by L'Occitane.