bruxism

noun

brux·​ism ˈbrək-ˌsi-zəm How to pronounce bruxism (audio)
: the habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep

Examples of bruxism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Experts divide the common problems that can lead to bruxism into two categories: primary and secondary bruxism.2 Primary Bruxism Primary bruxism is any bruxism that's not related to a medical condition. Maggie Aime, Msn, Health, 21 Oct. 2024 Dry mouth Teeth clenching or grinding (bruxism) Mouth infections Nutritional deficiencies Taking medications, including blood pressure medications Diabetes can also cause BMS, although in that cause the burning is considered to be a type of diabetic neuropathy (nerve damage from diabetes). Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024 What Is Teeth Grinding? Teeth grinding, known as bruxism by doctors, is common in children. Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 16 July 2024 Doctors aren’t totally sure what causes bruxism, but stress is a major risk factor, according to the Mayo Clinic. Korin Miller, SELF, 20 Oct. 2020 See all Example Sentences for bruxism 

Word History

Etymology

irregular from Greek brychein to gnash the teeth + English -ism

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of bruxism was in 1932

Dictionary Entries Near bruxism

Cite this Entry

“Bruxism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bruxism. Accessed 9 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

bruxism

noun
brux·​ism ˈbrək-ˌsiz-əm How to pronounce bruxism (audio)
: the habit of unconsciously gritting or grinding the teeth especially in situations of stress or during sleep
brux intransitive verb
bruxer noun

More from Merriam-Webster on bruxism

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