Activities of the masticatory system can be divided into functional, which includes chewing, speaking, and parafunctional, which includes clenching or grinding of teeth. Bruxism is the abnormal, non-functional contact of teeth which, if ignored, leads to the breakdown of dentition and to orofacial pain. As bruxism events bring about tooth and restoration damage, it is of major concern for dentists. According to the severity of clinical manifestations, bruxism occupies an important place among all parafunctions. This article reviews the current views on the etiological and pathogenetic mechanisms of bruxism.
Keywords:- bruxism
- disfunction
- mouth guards
- parafunctions
- temporomandibular joint