Final answer:
The involuntary gnashing, grinding, and clenching of the teeth is known as bruxism, which occurs without the individual's awareness and can affect the integrity of the molar and premolar teeth. It is associated with the fibrous agomphosis joint that anchors the teeth in their bony sockets. Treatment for bruxism may include mouth guards, dental adjustments, and addressing stress-related factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The involuntary gnashing, grinding and clenching of the teeth is known as bruxism. This condition can occur both during the daytime and night and often happens without the individual being aware of it. Bruxism can lead to dental issues such as wear on the teeth, specifically the molars and premolars, which are the teeth responsible for crushing and grinding food. The condition can also be associated with stress, anxiety, or other factors. Moreover, the molar teeth act in a way similar to a mill wheel that grinds grain to flour, indicating their importance in the process of mechanical food breakdown.
In terms of oral anatomy, the teeth are held in place by a type of fibrous joint known as a agomphosis, which connects the teeth to the sockets in the maxillary bone and mandible bone. The periodontal ligament is part of this structure, securing the tooth in the bony socket. Bruxism can impose extra stress on these ligaments as well as the masseter muscle, which is primarily responsible for the action of chewing.
Conditions like trench mouth can exacerbate the discomfort associated with bruxism, as trench mouth is characterized by the erosion of the gums, ulcers, and significant pain that could be amplified by the additional pressure and movement from grinding. Bruxism may require intervention through the use of mouth guards, dental correction, stress management, or other therapies depending on its severity and underlying causes.