Parafunctional Activities
Parafunctional activities refer to unconscious, abnormal, or excessive behaviors that are not part of the normal, functional movements of the masticatory system.
In cases of TMD (temporomandibular dysfunction), parafunctional activities such as teeth grinding, clenching, or lip biting are common unconscious habits that may occur due to stress or during sleep. Over time, these behaviors can lead to jaw joint issues, muscle tension, and dental damage.
Typical examples of parafunctional activities include:
- Teeth grinding (bruxism),
- Teeth clenching,
- Lip biting,
- Cheek biting, or
- Chewing on foreign objects like pens.
These activities often occur during sleep or in stressful situations and are usually unconscious. They can lead to various problems, including tooth wear, jaw joint discomfort, headaches, and other muscular issues in the face and jaw area.