Encyclopedia of Autism Spectrum Disorders

2013 Edition
| Editors: Fred R. Volkmar

Bruxism

Reference work entry
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1698-3_713
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Synonyms

 Sleep bruxism

Definition

Bruxism is the nonfunctional and involuntary grinding, gnashing, clenching, or tapping of teeth. Bruxism is considered to be common among individuals with developmental delays or disabilities, including those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders. Bruxism is classified as nocturnal (occurring during sleep) or diurnal (occurring while awake). Bruxism can be audible when teeth are grinding or gnashing or inaudible when teeth are clenching. Many are not aware of their bruxism, but some will develop symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, headaches, or jaw pain. Bruxism is considered to be a psychophysiological and sleep disorder influenced by anatomical and biological (i.e., dental abnormalities), neurological (i.e., mental retardation), and/or psychological (i.e., stress, trauma, anxiety) factors. Studies examining effective treatments for bruxism in individuals with developmental disabilities are limited to date; however, dental-based approaches,...

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References and Readings

  1. Allen, K. D., & Polaha, J. (2006). Analysis and treatment of oral-motor repetitive behavior disorders. In D. W. Woods & R. G. Miltenberger (Eds.), Tic disorders, trichotillomania, and other repetitive behavior disorders: Behavioral approaches to analysis and treatment (pp. 269–296). New York: Springer.Google Scholar
  2. Glaros, A. G., & Epkins, C. C. (1995). Habit disorders: Bruxism, trichotillomania, and tics. In M. C. Roberts (Ed.), Handbook of pediatric psychology (2nd ed., pp. 558–574). New York: The Guilford Press.Google Scholar
  3. Glaros, A. G., & Rao, S. M. (1977). Bruxism: A critical review. Psychological Bulletin, 4, 767–781.Google Scholar
  4. Mindell, J. A., & Owen, J. A. (2010). Sleep related rhythmic movements: Bruxism. In A clinical guide to pediatric sleep: Diagnosis and management of sleep problems (2nd ed., pp. 90–93). Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.Google Scholar
  5. PubMed Health. (2010, February 22). Bruxism: Teeth grinding and clenching. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0002386/
  6. US Department of Health and Human Service. (2000). Oral health in America: A report of the Surgeon General. Rockville, MD: US Department of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Health and Human Services, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research, National Institute of Health.Google Scholar

Copyright information

© Springer Science+Business Media New York 2013

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesUniversity of WashingtonSeattleUSA