What term describes the condition of grinding your teeth?

The term that describes the condition of grinding your teeth is bruxism. Bruxism is characterized by the involuntary grinding or clenching of teeth, often while a person is asleep or, in some cases, during periods of stress or concentration while awake. This condition can lead to various dental issues, including wear of the tooth enamel, jaw pain, and headaches.

The other terms refer to different phenomena: clenching typically refers to the act of tightening the teeth together, which can occur separately from grinding. Imbibition is a process where materials absorb liquid, often discussed in the context of swelling of certain materials, and hypersensitivity refers to discomfort or pain in response to certain stimuli, such as hot, cold, or sweet substances. These definitions clarify why bruxism is the most appropriate term for teeth grinding.