bruxism

noun

brux·​ism ˈbrək-ˌsi-zəm 

: the habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep

Examples of bruxism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Experts divide the common problems that can lead to bruxism into two categories: primary and secondary bruxism.2 Primary Bruxism Primary bruxism is any bruxism that's not related to a medical condition. —Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 21 Oct. 2024

Dry mouth Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism) Mouth infections Nutritional deficiencies Taking medications, including blood pressure medications Diabetes can also cause BMS, although in that cause the burning is considered to be a type of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes). —Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024

What Is Teeth Grinding? Teeth grinding, known as bruxism by doctors, is common in children. —Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 16 July 2024

Doctors aren’t totally sure what causes bruxism, but stress is a major risk factor, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Korin Miller, SELF, 20 Oct. 2020

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Greek brychein to gnash the teeth + English -ism

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bruxism

noun

brux·​ism ˈbrək-ˌsiz-əm 

: the habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep

brux

ˈbrəks 

intransitive verb

bruxer noun