Bruxism

Grinding and gnashing the teeth. Bruxism is due to clenching of the teeth other than in chewing and is associated with forceful lateral or protrusive jaw movements. This results in grinding or rubbing the teeth together. Bruxism usually occurs during sleep. It is sometimes done to such an excess that it damages the occlusal surfaces of the teeth, particularly the molar teeth, and may contribute to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome. The word "bruxism" comes from the Greek "brychein" meaning "to grind or gnash the opposing rows of upper and lower molar teeth."

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A clenching of the teeth, associated with forceful lateral or protrusive jaw movements, resulting in rubbing, gritting, or grinding together of the teeth, usually during sleep; sometimes a pathologic condition. [G. brucho, to grind the teeth]

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brux·ism 'brək-.siz-əm n the habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth esp. in situations of stress or during sleep

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n.

a habit in which an individual grinds his teeth, which may lead to excessive wear. This usually occurs during sleep.

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brux·ism (brukґsiz-əm) [Gr. brychein to gnash the teeth] involuntary, nonfunctional, rhythmic or spasmodic gnashing, grinding, and clenching of teeth (not including chewing movements of the mandible), usually during sleep, sometimes leading to occlusal trauma. Causes may be related to repressed aggression, emotional tension, anger, fear, and frustration. See also bruxomania and clenching.