| Disease | Injury | Nutrition | Poison |
| Special Topic | Surgery | Symptoms | Test |
| |
| Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention |
Bruxism |
| Definition: |
| Bruxism is a condition involving grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep. |
| Alternative Names: |
| Teeth grinding |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors: |
Bruxism (teeth grinding) occurs in about 15% of people. The teeth are ground together or the jaw clenched tightly during sleep. Bruxism can be mild and occasional or can be so frequent and/or violent that the teeth are damaged. The cause in some cases is abnormal dental occlusion (the way the upper and lower teeth fit together when the person shuts the mouth). More often, the disorder is associated with anxiety, tension, and suppressed anger. Bruxism is usually worse after intake of alcohol. |
Reviewed By: Jennifer A. Schwartz, D.M.D., General Dentist, University of Pennsylvania Dental Care Network, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed HealthCare Network.
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