Bruxomania is similar to Bruxism (involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while the patient is asleep) but occurs when a person is awake. Bruxomania can therefore be described as the involuntary, "nervous" grinding of the teeth while a patient is awake. It is thought bruxomania occurs as a way to relieve tension or stress and was first diagnosed as a medical condition in 1907.