TEETH
GRINDING (BRUXISM)
Bruxism
or gnashing of teeth) is grinding of the teeth, typically accompanied by clenching
of the jaw. It is an oral parafunctional activity that occurs to some extent
in most humans.[citation needed] Bruxism is caused by the activation of reflex
chewing activity; it is not a learned habit. Chewing is a complex neuromuscular
activity that is controlled by reflex nerve pathways, with higher control by
the brain. During sleep, the reflex part is active while the higher control
is inactive, resulting in bruxism. In most people, bruxism is mild enough not
to be a health problem; however, some people suffer from significant bruxism
that can become symptomatic. Bruxism
often occurs during sleep and can even occur during short naps. Bruxism is one
of the most common sleep disorders: 30 to 40 million Americans grind their teeth
during sleep.
(1)
source (1) wikipedia
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