Bruxism is the grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw. It occurs during the daytime and nighttime. The nighttime grinding of teeth and clenching of the jaw creates the majority of health issues for most people. Most of the sufferers of bruxism or bruxers had no idea they had this condition until a parent or significant other advises them. This condition is one of the most common sleep disorders. This disorder can be classified as a "habitual behavior, and a sleep disorder". Twenty percent of adults suffer from this disorder.

Common causes of this disorder involve over-brushing the teeth, abrasives in toophpaste, acidic soft drinks, stress, abrasive foods, abraded teeth and the top and bottom jaw not correctly aligned need to be assessed by a dentist at a dental exam.

Bruxism symptoms consist of painful teeth in the morning, neck pain, constant headaches, pain in the upper jaw around the temples while eating, teeth are flat and worn away, earaches, unexplained chips on the teeth, constantly wake up during the night or poor sleeping habits and teeth are sensitive to cold and citrus. Serious damage occurs to your teeth every night without even realizing the exent of the damage because the damage is unseen.

There is no single accepted cure for Bruxism. Different treatments or cures will work with some bruxers, others it will not work. This disorder is commonly associated with sleep disorders and the sleep disorder must be treated in order to be reduced or eliminated. Mouthguards and splints are fitted by a dentist to minimize the abrasion of the tooth surfaces and protect the teeth from further damage. Mouthgards and splints are commonly used to treat this condition but some people believe irreversible complications arise from the use of mouthguards and splints. Botox is used to treat this disorder, but serious side effects are possible and treatment must be repeated every three months or so.

Most of the treatments today have not worked to eliminate this condition. Many of these treatments are costly and may temporarily fix the problem or not solve the problem at all leaving bruxers disappointed and confused.