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Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) – Symptoms and Causes

What Is Bruxism?

Bruxism is a medical condition characterized by grinding, gnashing or clenching of teeth. Patients that have bruxism unconsciously grind the teeth when they are awake (awake bruxism), and they also clench or gnash their teeth when they are asleep (sleep bruxism). Sleep bruxism is mostly referred to as a sleeping disorder that deals with movement. People that clench their teeth during sleep are at higher risks of having other sleeping disorders such as snoring and stoppage of breathing (sleep apnea) [1].

Bruxism is harmless. However, when it occurs persistently it could lead to damaged teeth and other oral health diseases can develop. Sleep bruxism is mostly more challenging than awake bruxism because it is harder to control.