Sleep Bruxism is a stereotyped movement disorder characterized by grinding or clenching of the teeth during sleep. Bed partners consider the sounds to be unpleasant, and the dentist is usually the first to recognize the signs. Bruxism usually leads to abnormal wear of the teeth, periodontal tissue damage, or jaw pain. Additional symptoms include muscle and tooth sensations, atypical facial pain, or headaches. There is a close relationship of the disorder to stress, and it varies with the degree of perceived emotional tension. However, the disorder may be chronic without any apparent association with stress.