(HealthDayNews) -- Bruxism is the term for grinding and clenching that abrades teeth and can cause facial pain. People who grind and clench, called bruxers, unintentionally bite down in their sleep.
In addition to grinding teeth, bruxers also may bite their fingernails, pencils and chew the inside of their cheek.
Many people aren't diagnosed with bruxism until it is too late to prevent tooth damage, because they don't even realize they have the habit, the Academy of General Dentistry says. About one in three people suffers from bruxism, which can easily be treated by a dentist.
Anger, pain and frustration can trigger bruxing, and people who are aggressive, competitive and hurried also may be at a greater risk for the condition.
