why do we grind our teeth at night

People grind their teeth at night mainly due to stress and anxiety, which cause the jaw muscles to be in a prolonged state of contraction. Other factors contributing to nighttime teeth grinding (sleep bruxism) include the use of substances like alcohol, caffeine, and certain drugs, irregular sleep patterns, sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, and genetic predisposition. The condition often happens involuntarily during sleep, and the force exerted can be strong enough to cause dental damage and jaw pain. Some people may also grind their teeth as a way to reopen airways if they have breathing issues while sleeping. Treatments often involve stress management, use of bite splints, and addressing underlying sleep disorders.