Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) Bruxism and TM Disorders - Topic Overview

Bruxism is the unconscious act of grinding the teeth, usually at night during sleep. Bruxism has been observed in people of all ages, including young children. It is a contributing factor in temporomandibular (TM) disorders.
Like daytime teeth clenching, bruxism is often considered to be stress-related. Sleep disorders are also a cause of bruxism. The negative effects of bruxism include:
• Wearing down of the teeth over time.
• Lingering muscle tension and spasm.
• Undue stress on the jaw (TM) joint.