What are parafunctions?

Parafunctions are oral and jaw habits that have no real function, but do cause extra tension.

They often occur unconsciously.

Examples include:

• clenching teeth

• grinding teeth

• nail biting

• biting your lip or cheek

• chewing gum

• holding your teeth together during concentration

Unlike normal chewing or speaking, these movements have no useful purpose, but they do strain the chewing muscles and the jaw joint.

Why are they important in bruxism?

For many people with bruxism, parafunctions play a significant role during the day.

They keep the muscles in a constant light tension, which leads to:

• fatigue of the chewing muscles

• pain in the jaw or temples may occur

• headaches may worsen

• the nervous system has a harder time relaxing

Recognizing your parafunctions is often the first step towards improvement.

Small habits, often unconsciously, can have a big impact on muscle tension.