Rhythmic grinding or clenching of the teeth that usually occurs during sleep. The chief underlying causes are emotional stress and minor discomfort when the teeth are brought together.
Bruxism, or teeth-grinding, refers to a habit of grinding the teeth, usually while asleep and without being aware of it. The teeth may feel uncomfortable on wakening. It is common in children and is usually of no signi?cance. In adults it may be associated with stress or a mal-positioned or over?lled tooth. The underlying cause should be treated but, if unsuccessful, a plastic splint can be ?tted over the teeth.
n. a habit involving excessive jaw clenching and/or teeth grinding. It does not always cause symptoms but may lead to excessive tooth wear. Bruxism usually occurs during sleep and is often related to stress or anxiety.
a condition characterized by inappropriate and sometimes severe anxiety, without adequate cause, that lasts for at least six months. It affects about 2% of the population, women twice as often as men, and often develops in early adult life. It can, however, start at any age. There is a hereditary tendency to develop the disorder and about 25% of immediate relatives of sufferers are also affected. The disorder is thought to be caused by a disturbance of the functions of neurotransmitters, such as adrenaline or GABA, in the frontal lobes or the *limbic system of the brain. Symptoms affect all parts of the body. Palpitations, sweating, tremor, and dry mouth are core symptoms; additional symptoms include giddiness, *bruxism, restlessness, fatigability, breathlessness, lightheadedness, headaches, pins and needles, chest pain, fear of imminent death or losing control, diarrhoea, flushing, dysphagia, cramps, and muscle ache. Treatment includes *cognitive behavioural therapy and medication (*SSRIs or *SNRIs).... generalized anxiety disorder
Health Encyclopedia