Current RMA Instruments:
| Reasonable Hypothesis SOP | 91 of 2016 |
| Balance of Probabilities SOP | 92 of 2016 |
SOP bulletin information on new SOPs
ICD Coding
- ICD-9-CM Codes: 306.8
- ICD-10-AM Codes: F45.8
Brief description
Bruxism is a condition involving excessive grinding of the teeth or clenching/bracing the jaw. This may occur during sleep or when awake. Bruxism when awake is an unconscious/involuntary action. The SOP covers the action of bruxism but does not cover dental consequences that may result from bruxism.
Confirming the diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually made on clinical grounds. This is sometimes based on the report of a parent or partner, of e.g. grinding noises during sleep, or may be based on signs of the condition involving the teeth, mouth and jaw. Polysomnography (a sleep study) can be useful in the diagnosis of sleep-related bruxism.
The relevant health professional is a dentist. Medical speciailists that may be involved in diagnosis and management of the condition include psychiatrists and sleep physicians.
Additional diagnoses covered by the SOP
- Awake bruxism
- Sleep bruxism
Conditions not covered by the SOP
- Dental attrition
- Tooth wear
Clinical onset
Bruxism is relatively common in children and becomes less common with increasing age. The condition itself is generally asymptomatic until brought to the attention of the individual. This is likely to be well after the condition began, e.g. once tooth wear is identified on dental examination, which will be years after the commencement of teeth grinding.