Australian Dental Council (ADC) Test 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Oral para-function refers to involuntary or habitual activities involving the oral structures that are not related to normal functions like eating or speaking. While several factors can contribute to oral para-function, periods of stress are principally involved because stress can trigger or exacerbate various para-functional behaviors, such as teeth grinding (bruxism), jaw clenching, and even habits like biting fingernails or chewing on objects.

When an individual is under stress, they may subconsciously engage in these behaviors as a coping mechanism, making stress a significant factor in the onset or continuation of para-functional activities. Understanding this connection is crucial for dental professionals, as it highlights the importance of addressing psychological factors when managing patients exhibiting symptoms of para-function, such as dental wear or temporomandibular joint dysfunction.

The other factors listed, while they can also contribute to oral para-function, tend to have more specific or situational impacts. For instance, occlusal pre-maturities could lead to physical discomfort and result in para-functional habits, and jaw misalignment may contribute to issues with occlusion that can also prompt para-functional behaviors. Likewise, habits like chewing gum could be classified as a para-functional activity, but they do not necessarily stem from stress, making them less