noun

bruxism

BRUK-siz-uhm

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Bruxism (noun) means Bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep or brought on by stress. Example: “Her dentist spotted the worn enamel and diagnosed bruxism.”

noun

medical Bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep or brought on by stress.

"Her dentist spotted the worn enamel and diagnosed bruxism."

"He wears a mouth guard at night to stop his bruxism damaging his teeth."

"Stress at work seemed to be making her bruxism worse."

How to use bruxism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishBruxism just means grinding your teeth, usually without realising you're doing it.

When to use it

This is a dental and medical term rather than everyday vocabulary.

Memory tip

If you just mean the everyday habit, 'teeth grinding' is the plainer phrase; save 'bruxism' for clinical contexts.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

suffers from bruxism nocturnal bruxism bruxism during sleep treat bruxism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Her dentist spotted the worn enamel and diagnosed _____.

Etymology

Bruxism comes from Ancient Greek, built on a root meaning the grinding of teeth, itself linked to a verb for biting or gnashing the teeth. The English suffix -ism was added to name it as a condition or habit.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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bruxation

Frequently asked questions

What is bruxism?

Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, commonly while asleep or under stress.

What causes bruxism?

It is often linked to stress or certain drugs, though a dentist is best placed to identify the cause in any one case.

Is bruxism the same as teeth grinding?

Yes, bruxism is simply the clinical term for the habit of grinding the teeth.

What is the meaning of bruxism?

"bruxism" (noun) means bruxism is the habitual grinding or clenching of the teeth, often during sleep or brought on by stress.