Bruxism of bruxism. Examples include the "Bruxcore Bruxism-Monitoring Device" (BBMD, "Bruxcore Plate"), the "intra-splint force detector" (ISFD), and electromyographic devices to measure masseter or temporalis muscle activity (e.g. the "BiteStrip", and the "Grindcare"). The ICSD-R listed diagnostic criteria for sleep bruxism. The minimal criteria include both of the following: With the following criteria supporting the diagnosis: "Bruxism" is derived from the Greek word ("brykein") "to bite, "or" to gnash, grind the teeth". People who suffer from bruxism are called "bruxists" or "bruxers" and the verb itself is "to brux". There is no widely accepted definition of bruxism. Examples of definitions include:
Bruxism grinding. The cause of bruxism is largely unknown, but it is generally accepted to have multiple possible causes. Bruxism is a parafunctional activity, but it is debated whether this represents a subconscious habit or is entirely involuntary. The relative importance of the various identified possible causative factors is also debated. Awake bruxism is thought to be usually semivoluntary, and often associated with stress caused by family responsibilities or work pressures. Some suggest that in children, bruxism may occasionally represent a response to earache or teething. Awake bruxism usually involves clenching (sometimes the term "awake clenching" is used instead of awake