Parafunctional Habit
Pronunciation: par-uh-FUNK-shun-ul
Any non-functional, repetitive oral activity—such as bruxism or clenching—that imposes excessive force on the periodontium.
Full Definition
Parafunctional habits encompass repetitive oral behaviours performed outside the normal functions of chewing, speaking, and swallowing, including bruxism (tooth grinding), clenching, lip biting, and tongue thrusting. In periodontics, these habits are significant because the excessive occlusal forces they generate can contribute to secondary occlusal trauma, tooth mobility, and accelerated bone loss in patients with pre-existing periodontitis. Editors should note the preferred spelling 'parafunctional' (single word, no hyphen). The term is distinct from 'occlusal trauma', which describes the tissue injury resulting from such forces rather than the habit itself.
Usage
Usage note: Spell as one word without a hyphen: 'parafunctional'. Distinguish from 'bruxism', which is a specific type of parafunctional habit.
In Context
- "The treatment plan noted a parafunctional habit of nocturnal bruxism as a contributing risk factor for accelerated bone loss." — Periodontal risk assessment form
- "Editors should not substitute 'occlusal trauma' for 'parafunctional habit', as one describes the habit and the other describes the resulting tissue damage." — Editorial style note