Pathological Parafunction: Diagnosis, Clinical Presentation, and Treatment Options

The term “parafunction” refers to nonfunctional, repetitive behaviors [1] affecting oral structures which include digit sucking, tongue thrusting, bruxism, mouth breathing and nail biting [2]. Bruxism is defined as a repetitive jaw-muscle activity characterized by clenching or grinding of the teeth and/or by bracing or thrusting of the mandible [3]. This can occur during while awake or asleep.