Bruxism is an abnormal clenching or grinding of the teeth, either while awake or during sleep. Bruxism may play a role in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), although the exact link is unclear. Bruxism is an abnormal clenching or grinding of the teeth, either while awake or during sleep. Bruxism may play a role in temporomandibular disorders (TMD), although the exact link is unclear.