Bruxism F075

Current RMA Instruments:

Changes from Previous Instruments:

ICD Coding

• ICD-10-AM Codes: F45.8, G47.63

Brief description

Bruxism is a disorder of jaw muscle activity characterised by repetitive and involuntary clenching or grinding of the teeth, or bracing or thrusting of the mandible. It may occur during wakefulness or during sleep. The SOP applies to the action or behaviour of bruxism itself and does not cover dental or structural consequences that may result from prolonged bruxism. 

Confirming the diagnosis

The diagnosis is primarily clinical and is based on a practitioner's assessment of jaw muscle activity consistent with involuntary clenching, grinding, or bracing of the mandible. Information from a parent, partner or caregiver- such as observed grinding sounds durings sleep- may support the diagnosis. Clinical signs may include jaw muscle hypertrophy, abnormal tooth wear, or temporomandibular discomfort. 

A polysomnography (sleep study) is not routinely required but can assist in confirming sleep bruxism, particularly when other sleep disorders are suspected. General practitioners, dentists, sleep physicians or psychiatrists may be involved in the assessment and treatment of bruxism depending on the clinical context. 

Additional diagnoses covered by the SOP

• Awake bruxism
• Sleep bruxism

Conditions not covered by the SOP

• Dental attrition * - Tooth wear SOP
• Tooth wear *
• Cracked teeth #
• Temporomandibular joint disorders * - Temporomandibular disorder SOP

* another SOP applies  - the SOP has the same name unless otherwise specified

# non-SOP condition

Clinical onset

The clinical onset refers to the earliest point in time, as identified by the treating practitioner, when signs or symptoms consistent with bruxism were first present. Bruxism is common in childhood and may continue intermittently into adulthood. As the condition is often asymptomatic and unrecognised, onset typically precedes the time at which it is first noticed- such as when abnormal tooth wear or jaw muscle hypertrophy is detected during dental examination. 

Clinical worsening

When considering clinical worsening, it is important to determine whether any increase in bruxism activity is beyond what would normally be expected from the fluctuating course of the condition. Worsening may be reflected by more frequent or forceful clenching or grinding episodes, increased jaw muscle discomfort, or progression to sleep disturbance. Deterioration may occur in association with contributing factors such as anxiety, other medical conditions and substances/medications. Assessment by a dentist, sleep physician or psychiatrist may be required for any assessment of true clinical worsening.