Demystifying Bruxism: A Review

Bruxism is a parafunctional habit characterized by teeth grinding and clenching. Parafunctional habits system are any non functional neuro- muscular habits of the stomatognathic system that is caused due to constant repettion of an act that is pleasant for an individual. Bruxers have been majorly divided as: nocturnal and diurnal. The multifactorial etiologic model of bruxism includes genetic, neurophysiologic, psychoemotional and pharmacological factors; as a result definitive understanding of bruxism has always been elusive. Stress is one of the major factors for diurnal bruxism. Owing to its multifactorial nature no single treatment strategy has been effective in controlling the muscle contraction among these patients. The consequences that it has on the natural dentition and dental implants and its relationship to temporomandibular joint disorders have gained interest over the past few years. Bruxism presents a varying trend among children and adults. As a result proper diagnosis and treatment planning holds utmost importance in the rehabilitation of the patients with bruxism.