Bruxism affects teeth and occlusion by which of the following?

• A. It causes wear facets, cusp flattening, incisal wear, and may contribute to muscle hyperactivity and TMD symptoms.
• B. It strengthens enamel and prevents tooth wear.
• C. It only affects the tongue and lips.
• D. It has no impact on tooth structure.

Answer: (A)

Bruxism creates excessive occlusal forces from grinding or clenching, so it directly causes observable changes in tooth surfaces and can drive muscle and joint symptoms. The wear facets appear as flat, polished areas on occlusal and incisal surfaces from repeated contact; cusp flattening happens as cusps are worn down by grinding; incisal wear affects the edges of the front teeth. The same abnormal activity that wears teeth often increases activity in the jaw muscles, which can lead to muscle hyperactivity and, in some individuals, temporomandibular disorder symptoms such as pain or jaw sounds. In short, bruxism damages tooth structure and can influence the surrounding soft tissues and joints due to the abnormal forces involved. The statements suggesting enamel strengthening, effects only on the tongue and lips, or no impact on tooth structure do not fit because they contradict the well-documented wear and occlusal changes produced by grinding and clenching.