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

---

bruxism Scientific  

/ brŭk′sĭz′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

Example Sentences

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

And for older adults — whose teeth may be more fragile — bruxism may be especially troubling.

From Washington Post • Jun. 20, 2022

“Nobody knows where their tongue is when they are at rest,” said Cheryl Cocca, a physical therapist at Good Shepherd Penn Partners in Lansdale, Pa., who treats patients with bruxism.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2021

Thought to be precipitated or exacerbated by stress and anxiety, bruxism is largely subconscious and often occurs during sleep.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2021

While teeth grinding, or bruxism, caused by clenched jaw muscles, does occur while you’re awake, sleep bruxism is more difficult to treat, as many patients are unaware that they even have the problem.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2018