bruxism

American  

[bruhk-siz-uhm] / ˈbrʌk sɪz əm /

noun

Pathology.

1. teeth grinding.

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bruxism British  

/ ˈbrʌksɪzəm /

noun

1. the habit of grinding the teeth, esp unconsciously

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bruxism Scientific  

/ brŭk′sĭz′əm /

1. The habitual, involuntary grinding or clenching of the teeth, usually during sleep and sometimes associated wth stress.

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Etymology

Origin of bruxism

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

Example Sentences

The condition, called bruxism, can apply up to 200 pounds of force to the teeth.

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

Dentists have reported an increase in patients with tooth fractures since the start of the pandemic, which they attribute to bruxism, the technical term for gritting, grinding or clenching your teeth.

From New York Times • Feb. 16, 2021

This has led some experts in the fields of dentistry, neuroscience, psychology and orthopedics to say there needs to be a paradigm shift in our understanding of the causes and treatment of bruxism.

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