Background:
Parafunctions are harmful habits that are performed without human consciousness. One of them is bruxism, which is defined as grinding, rubbing, tapping and clenching of teeth during the day and night. Parafunctions usually develop during high emotional tension associated with stress. Students are a group particularly predisposed to the development of parafunctions due to the high psycho-emotional tension associated with studies and exams of high difficulty.

Aim:
The purpose of this article is to determine the prevalence of bruxism symptoms among students of the Silesian University of Technology and the Medical University of Silesia.

Material and methods:
245 students of the Silesian University of Technology (PSL) and the Silesian Medical University (ŚUM) participated in the study. A medical interview was conducted with each student in the form of a questionnaire containing proprietary questions about bruxism symptoms. The results were statistically analyzed using Statistica PL 13.3 package (StatSoft).

Results:
The prevalence of bruxism in the study group was 50% (123 students). Only 28% of the subjects were aware of the problem. The author's assessment of the prevalence of bruxism found it in 54% of SUM students and 43% of PSL students. Bruxism was more common in women 63% than in men 26%.

Conclusions:
The prevalence of bruxism as well as knowledge about it is higher among ŚUM students than PSL students. The prevalence of bruxism more often affected women. Public awareness of bruxism should be increased. Preventive programs should be introduced, dentists should be made aware of the comprehensive approach to treating patients.