# Grinding Your Teeth? These Expert-Backed Tips Will Help You Quit
Teeth grinding, or bruxism, damages tooth enamel, causes jaw pain, and disrupts sleep. Parents often don't realize their children grind their teeth at night until a dentist spots the wear. Adults grind too, frequently triggered by stress and sleep problems.
Experts recommend several practical strategies. Dr. Michelle Katz, dentist and spokesperson for the American Dental Association, suggests reducing caffeine and alcohol intake close to bedtime, as both can trigger grinding. Sleep specialists note that improving sleep hygiene helps significantly. This means maintaining consistent bedtimes, keeping bedrooms cool and dark, and avoiding screens an hour before sleep.
Stress management matters enormously. Dr. Kelly Burch, a sleep and wellness researcher, notes that meditation, deep breathing exercises, and regular physical activity reduce tension that fuels nighttime grinding. Even 15 minutes of daily yoga or walking can help.
Mouthguards remain the gold standard for protection. Custom-fitted night guards from dentists outperform over-the-counter versions, though quality store-bought options exist if budget is tight. A proper guard prevents tooth-to-tooth contact, protecting enamel from further damage.
Parents should watch for signs of bruxism in children: worn tooth surfaces, jaw soreness upon waking, and sleep disturbances. Kids often outgrow grinding by early adolescence, but protecting their developing teeth during grinding years prevents costly future dental work.
If grinding persists despite these efforts, talk with a dentist or sleep specialist. Some cases connect to sleep apnea or other sleep disorders requiring medical treatment. Certain medications can also trigger grinding, so reviewing medications with a doctor may help identify solutions.
The takeaway: address teeth grinding early through stress reduction, improved sleep, and protective gear.