Bruxism

Question 1

Define bruxism

Answer 1

A repetitive jaw muscle activity characterised by clenching or grinding of the teeth and by bracing or thrusting of the Md.

Question 2

Bruxism is a dystonia. What is a dystonia?

Answer 2

A useless body movement, like Restless Leg Syndrome.

Question 3

What are the two categories of bruxism?

Answer 3

1. Sleep bruxism

2. Awake bruxism

Question 4

What is sleep bruxism divided into?

Answer 4

1. Primary (idiopathic)

2. Secondary (to another condition)

Question 5

What is awake bruxism divided into?

Answer 5

1. Primary (idiopathic)

2. Secondary

Question 6

What is the prevalence of sleep bruxism vs. awake bruxism?

Answer 6

Sleep bruxism affects approx. 8% of the population while awake bruxism affects 20% of the population.

Question 7

What is sleep bruxism?

Answer 7

An involuntary, sleep-related movement disorder.

Question 8

Briefly list the sleep stages.

Answer 8

NREM 1
NREM 2
NREM 3
NREM 4
REM

Question 9

When do most sleep bruxisms occur?

Answer 9

NREM stages 1 and 2 (light sleep).

5-10% can occur in the NREM stage 4. Less than 10% occurs in the REM stage.

Question 10

What is the aetiology of sleep bruxism?

Answer 10

Exact cause still unknown

Question 11

What is primary awake bruxism?

Answer 11

Semi-voluntary ‘habitual jaw clenching’. Usually in response to stress and anxiety states.