Which term describes clenching or grinding of the teeth?

Prepare for the Dental Assistant Terminology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which term describes clenching or grinding of the teeth?

Explanation:
Bruxism is the term for clenching or grinding the teeth. It involves involuntary jaw muscle activity that can happen during sleep or while awake. This habit can cause tooth wear, chips, fractures, flattened biting surfaces, and sometimes jaw or facial pain. The other terms don’t fit: an aspirator is a suction device used during procedures, diagnosis is the process of identifying a disease, and distal is a directional term describing a tooth position toward the back of the mouth or away from the midline.

Bruxism is the term for clenching or grinding the teeth. It involves involuntary jaw muscle activity that can happen during sleep or while awake. This habit can cause tooth wear, chips, fractures, flattened biting surfaces, and sometimes jaw or facial pain. The other terms don’t fit: an aspirator is a suction device used during procedures, diagnosis is the process of identifying a disease, and distal is a directional term describing a tooth position toward the back of the mouth or away from the midline.

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