bruxism, n.
(ˈbrʌksɪz(ə)m)
[f. Gr. βρυχ-ή grinding of teeth (f. βρύκειν, βρύχ- to eat greedily, to grind (teeth)) + -ism.]
Involuntary or unconscious grinding or clenching of the teeth, esp. during sleep.
| 1932 Psychoanal. Rev. XIX. 299 A woman, aged forty-seven, was referred to me because of symptoms attributable to occlusal neurosis and bruxism. 1962 Blake & Trott Periodontology iv. 47 Bruxism may be a reflection of the nervous condition of the patient. 1984 Brit. Med. Jrnl. 11 Feb. 436/1 Dentists see and treat most of these patients and usually attribute the disorder to both bruxism and malocclusion. |