Bruxism
Pronunciation: BRUK-siz-um
The involuntary or habitual grinding or clenching of teeth, occurring during sleep or wakefulness.
Full Definition
Bruxism is a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterised by clenching, grinding, or bracing of the teeth. It is classified as sleep bruxism (SB) or awake bruxism (AB), a distinction that has become standardized in recent consensus literature. The condition can lead to pathological tooth wear (attrition), temporomandibular joint disorders, and myofascial pain. Editors reviewing dental or sleep-medicine texts should confirm that the appropriate subtype is specified, and should not use 'bruxism' interchangeably with 'parafunctional habit', which is a broader category.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish sleep bruxism (SB) from awake bruxism (AB) when the subtype is clinically relevant. Avoid the lay term 'teeth grinding' in formal clinical text.
In Context
- "The patient was fitted with a hard acrylic occlusal splint to manage nocturnal bruxism and prevent further attrition." — Prosthodontic treatment notes
- "Sleep bruxism is increasingly recognized as a sleep-related movement disorder rather than purely a dental condition." — Sleep medicine review article