Bruxism can be defined as the involuntary, unconscious, and excessive grinding of teeth. It may occur while awake, and it is then called wakeful or diurnal, and also during sleep, which is known as nocturnal bruxism.
Oral health specialists often point to too much stress and certain personality types possible causes. It often affects people with nervous tension, such as anger, pain, or frustration. It also affects people with aggressive, hurried, or overly competitive tendencies.
Involuntary grinding and clenching teeth at night, known as Nocturnal Bruxism, is a significant problem for millions of Americans and can lead to a painful condition known as TMJ or TMD, Temporal Mandibular Dysfunction. It has been recognized for many years that a relationship exists between griding and OSA.