What is bruxism?

Bruxism is defined as the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often occurring during sleep or while awake. This condition can lead to various dental issues, such as wear on the tooth surfaces, increased tooth sensitivity, and even jaw pain or discomfort. Involuntary clenching can also contribute to muscle fatigue and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders due to the excessive strain placed on the muscles and joints involved in chewing. The presence of bruxism typically signals an underlying issue, such as stress or anxiety, making it an important area of focus in TMJ treatment.

The other choices represent different actions or conditions that do not align with the definition of bruxism. Biting nails refers to a habitual behavior but does not involve the grinding or clenching of teeth. A condition affecting speech pertains to communication disorders and is unrelated to the function of the jaw as seen in bruxism. Similarly, a chronic inflammatory jaw disorder describes a condition like TMJ disorder that may sometimes be caused by bruxism but is distinct from the act of tooth grinding itself.