Parafunction
Parafunction refers to abnormal or non-physiological activities of the masticatory muscles that are not related to normal functions such as chewing, swallowing, or speaking. Common examples, also known as habits, include:
- teeth grinding (bruxism),
- tongue pressing,
- biting lips or cheeks,
- excessive gum chewing, and
- chewing on foreign objects like pens or nails.
These habits can occur both during the day and at night, often leading to excessive and sometimes unilateral stress on the teeth, gums, and jaw joints.
Long-term parafunctions can cause a variety of issues, including tooth wear, jaw joint pain, tooth fractures, and even headaches.
Treating parafunctions often requires an interdisciplinary approach, including behavioral therapy, physiotherapy, and the use of dental splints to protect the teeth and reduce muscle activity.