By Dr. BPS Tyagi Bruxism (teeth grinding) — Bruxism is the involuntary, non-functional, and forceful clenching, grinding, or rubbing of teeth during NREM sleep.
Patients with bruxism may be prone to develop temporomandibular disorders and headache.
Occlusive splints may be effective in treating bruxism and helpful for reducing tooth wear.
Children with neurodevelopmental disorders like Rett syndrome and Down syndrome may exhibit bruxism even during wakefulness. There is some association with anxiety.
Sleep disordered breathing may exacerbate an underlying tendency for bruxism. Adenotonsillectomy seemed to significantly lessen the incidence of bruxism.