Why would i grind my teeth during sleep?

Tension/stress: Assuming there is no other physical damage in the tmj, stress is usually the culprit for bruxism (grinding and clenching). Mouthguards can help prevent tooth fractures by absorbing some of the pressure. Hypnosis/meditation can help alleviate the stress/tension thereby reducing some of the cause of the bruxism.

No one knows : Most of the time people think that its stress that causes grinding at night. There are many reasons that could cause this. The best treatment is a night guard to prevent your teeth from wearing down.

Stress or a habit: A lot of people react to stress in life by gritting or grinding their teeth. Also when intensely concentrating on a project one developed a habit of clenching or grinding teeth. This habit usually is manifested worse during sleep (dream cycle). To protect your teeth your dentist can make an occlusal guard which is a soft plastic cover for your teeth.

Many causes: Grinding may be a sign of sleep apnea. Numerous medications cause grinding (bruxism). So do bite and posture problems. Night guards do not address the issue adequately. Treatments that eliminate the bite problem can relieve grinding.

See your DDS: Grinding teeth or professionally called "bruxing" has many origins. These may include stress, habits, faulty dental work etc. Your first step in correcting the problem is determining the cause. I recommend you see your dentist for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Good luck.