Dictionary.com
Thesaurus.com

bruxism

American  
[bruhk-siz-uhm] / ˈbrʌk sɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.
  1. teeth grinding.


bruxism British  
/ ˈbrʌksɪzəm /

noun

  1. the habit of grinding the teeth, esp unconsciously

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

bruxism Scientific  
/ brŭksĭz′əm /
  1. The habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, usually during sleep and sometimes associated wth stress.


Etymology

Origin of bruxism

1935–40; < Greek *brȳx ( is ) a gnashing of teeth ( brȳ́k ( ein ) to gnash, bite + -sis -sis ) + -ism

Vocabulary lists containing bruxism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Dentist Riaz Yar, a specialist in prosthodontics, treats patients struggling with the effects of severe bruxism - worn, cracked and fractured teeth, and dental work that keeps failing.

From BBC Sep. 12, 2026

According to the British Dental Association there is some anecdotal evidence that bruxism is becoming more common, but no specific figures.

From BBC Sep. 12, 2026

While bruxism can be hard to remedy, the following may help:

From Washington Post Jun. 20, 2022

Conditions that affect the central nervous system, such as dementia, Parkinson’s disease or stroke, can cause or exacerbate bruxism.

From Washington Post Jun. 20, 2022

“There’s tremendous overtreatment for a non-problem,” said Karen Raphael, psychologist and professor at New York University College of Dentistry, referring to the widespread use of bite guards, tranquilizers and even Botox injections to prevent bruxism.

From New York Times Feb. 16, 2021

Vocabulary.com logo
by dictionary.com

Dictionary.com's Learning Companion

Go beyond just looking up words.
Remember them forever with VocabTrainer.

Start training