Bruxism
Pronunciation: BRUK-siz-um
A repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or bracing or thrusting of the mandible, classified as either sleep bruxism or awake bruxism.
Full Definition
Bruxism is a multifactorial oral parafunctional activity with both central (neurological, psychological) and peripheral (occlusal) aetiological components. The 2013 international consensus distinguishes sleep bruxism (SB) from awake bruxism (AB) as distinct entities with different pathophysiologies. In dental research manuscripts, editors should check that the type of bruxism is specified (sleep vs. awake) and that the diagnostic grading system (possible, probable, or definite, based on self-report, clinical examination, and/or polysomnography) is stated. 'Bruxism' is not synonymous with 'tooth grinding', which refers only to the attrition component and omits clenching and jaw thrusting.
Usage
Usage note: Specify the subtype (sleep bruxism/awake bruxism) on each occurrence where the distinction is relevant. Do not equate with 'attrition', which is the dental tissue outcome of bruxism, not the behavior itself.
In Context
- "Sleep bruxism was assessed using a Type II portable electromyography device worn for two consecutive nights." — Diagnostic methodology section
- "The authors use 'bruxism' and 'tooth grinding' interchangeably; these terms are not equivalent and should be standardized throughout." — Copy-editing annotation