Bruxism is grinding of the teeth.

This is an oral para-functional activity observed in most people to some degree.

Bruxism includes clenching and/or grinding of the teeth.

Some have incorrectly characterized bruxism as a habit; however, bruxism is caused by the activation of reflex chewing activity.

Chewing is a complex neuromuscular activity that is controlled by reflex nerve pathways with higher control by the brain.

During sleep, the reflex part is active, while the brain control is inactive.

The result is an abnormal chewing action known as bruxism.

Some dentists believe it is due to a lack of symmetry in the teeth; others, that it reflects anxiety, digestive problems or a disturbed sleep pattern..

For more information about the topic Bruxism, read the full article at Wikipedia.org, or see the following related articles:

Dental caries — Dental caries, also known colloquially as tooth decay, is a disease of the teeth resulting in damage to tooth structure. Dental caries (tooth decay) ...  > read more

Extraction (dental) — A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons. Tooth decay (properly known as ...  > read more

Pupillary reflex — In medicine, the pupillary reflex or pupillary light reflex, is the reduction of pupil size in response to light. It is a normal response and ...  > read more

Periodontal disease — Periodontal disease is the name for bacterial infections of the gums in the mouth. Periodontitis, or Pyorrhea, is a disease involving inflammation of ...  > read more

Related Stories

Use, As Well As 'Meth Mouth,' On The Rise (October 6, 2006) — It's cheap, addictive and can harm your smile for life. Its use is also rapidly increasing both nationally and world-wide. It is methamphetamine. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and ...  > read more

Chewing Tobacco Use Linked To Dental Caries (November 9, 1999) — If you think a ‘chaw’ of tobacco won’t hurt you, chew on this: Chewing tobacco users are more likely to develop dental caries, particularly on the root surfaces of their teeth, than ...  > read more

Little Evidence To Link Mercury Fillings To Human Health Problems (December 20, 2004) — For many of us, having a dental cavity filled can be a frightening experience. Others take such dental repair in stride. Regardless of how you approach a trip to the dentist, you can take comfort in ...  > read more

Wear Sunglasses? You May Have Sensitive Teeth (December 18, 2002) — If you avoid bright light, loud noises, heavy perfumes and itchy clothing, you may find that you avoid hot and cold foods because you have sensitive ...  > read more

'Meth Mouth' Can Leave Users Toothless (September 22, 2006) — Methamphetamine is a powerfully addictive drug that can seriously damage oral health, destroying a person's smile and natural ability to chew, according to the American Dental ...  > read more

Search ScienceDaily

Soothing Sensitive Teeth