What is bruxism?

Bruxism is characterized as the involuntary clenching and grinding of teeth, often occurring during sleep or while awake. This condition can lead to various dental issues such as wear on the tooth surfaces, jaw pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. The reasons behind bruxism can include stress, anxiety, misalignment of teeth, or sleep disorders. Understanding bruxism is crucial in dentistry as it affects both oral health and the comfort of patients, often requiring management strategies to minimize its impact. The other options do not accurately describe bruxism, as they refer to different dental or oral health issues.