Knowledge and Awareness Regarding Bruxism and its Management in Dakshina Kannada Population.

Bruxism is defined as a ‘repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible’ with ‘two distinct circadian manifestations; either occurring during sleep (sleep bruxism) or during wakefulness (awake bruxism).’ Bruxism may lead to masticatory muscle hypertrophy, tooth surface loss, fracture of restorations or teeth, hypersensitive or painful teeth and loss of periodontal support. A sample of 100 patients were selected for a questionnaire study to assess the knowledge ad awareness regarding bruxism and its management. The results showed that there was an overall lack of awareness in the population. Knowledge and awareness should thus be provided to the population to ascertain early treatment and less discomfort to the patients having signs and symptoms of bruxism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]