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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Bruxism Treatment in Selkirk
Jaw tightness on waking, flattened teeth or a partner hearing you grind at night? Selkirk patients can have bruxism assessed at our Port Dover practice.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsWhen the jaw works overtime
Grinding and clenching leave clues worth investigating.
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, often during sleep but sometimes during the day without noticing. Over time it can wear enamel, crack fillings, strain jaw muscles and contribute to headaches. Many people only learn about it when a dentist points out wear patterns or a partner mentions the noise.
For people living in Selkirk, an examination at our Port Dover office can help determine whether grinding is affecting your teeth and what kind of protection or management might suit you. Bring along any observations about morning soreness, stress, sleep or caffeine, as these details help shape the conversation.
Recognizing the signs
Bruxism often shows up in more than one way.
Symptoms you may feel
Waking with a tired or tight jaw, a dull headache around the temples, or sensitive teeth can all be linked to clenching or grinding. Some people notice their jaw clicks or feels stiff when opening wide. Others catch themselves clenching while driving, concentrating or working. Write down when symptoms happen and how often, as patterns are useful to share.
Changes the dentist may see
During an exam, the dentist may notice flattened biting surfaces, small fractures, chipped edges, worn fillings or enlarged jaw muscles. Gum recession near the neck of a tooth can also be discussed. These signs help confirm whether wear is ongoing, though some can also have other causes, so the findings are considered together.
Understanding the cause
Looking at the bigger picture guides the plan.
Daytime and nighttime habits
Stress, concentration, caffeine, alcohol and some medications can be associated with clenching or grinding. Daytime clenching is often a habit that improves with awareness, while nighttime grinding happens without conscious control. Discussing your routines helps the dentist suggest strategies that address what is realistic for you rather than offering one generic solution.
Sleep and general health links
Snoring, gasping or unrefreshing sleep may sometimes accompany grinding. If those symptoms are present, the dentist may suggest talking with your physician about a sleep assessment. Bruxism does not always have a single explanation, and it may be managed best when dental care and general health considerations are looked at together.
Management options
Protection and awareness often work side by side.
Protective appliances
A custom night guard made from impressions or scans of your teeth can help protect enamel and restorations from grinding forces during sleep. It does not necessarily stop the habit, but it can reduce wear and may ease strain for some people. The dentist will explain the type of appliance being considered and how its fit will be checked.
Habit changes and repairs
For daytime clenching, simple reminders to keep teeth apart and the jaw relaxed can help. Jaw stretches, heat and stress-management strategies may be suggested. If teeth or fillings have already been damaged, repairs can be planned once the grinding is better controlled, so new restorations are less likely to fail early.
Living with it
Long-term habits protect the teeth you have.
Wear and clean the guard properly
If you receive a night guard, wear it as directed and clean it each morning according to the instructions provided. Store it in its case away from heat and pets. Bring it to dental appointments so its fit and condition can be checked. A guard that feels tight, loose or cracked should be reported rather than adjusted at home.
Review wear at regular visits
At routine visits, the dentist can compare wear over time and check the jaw muscles and joints. Let the team know if headaches, jaw pain or clicking change. Tracking progress helps decide whether the current approach is working, whether a different appliance is needed, or whether a referral for further assessment would be useful.
Planning your appointment
Plan your bruxism visit from Selkirk.
When booking at our Port Dover office, mention grinding or clenching as your main concern and any jaw pain or headaches you experience. Note whether a partner has heard grinding at night.
Bring any existing night guard, a list of medications and notes on when your symptoms are most noticeable during the day or night.
Port Dover Family Dentistry
697 Norfolk County Hwy 6, Unit 2, Port Dover, ON N0A 1N2519-583-2929Directions to our office (opens in a new tab)Office hours & contact detailsBefore you book
Grinding and clenching questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
How do I know if I grind my teeth at night?
You may wake with jaw tightness, headaches or sensitive teeth, or a partner may hear the noise. The dentist can also look for wear patterns, chips and muscle changes during an examination that suggest grinding has been happening.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
Not necessarily. A guard is mainly designed to protect teeth and restorations from the forces involved. Some people notice reduced jaw strain, but the habit itself may continue. The dentist can discuss what to realistically expect.
Can stress cause teeth grinding?
Stress is one factor that may be associated with clenching and grinding, along with caffeine, alcohol, sleep issues and some medications. Discussing your routines helps the dentist suggest strategies that fit your situation and habits.
Is a store-bought guard a good substitute?
Over-the-counter guards fit less precisely and may not suit everyone. Ask the dentist about the differences before choosing one. A poorly fitting appliance can be uncomfortable and may not provide the protection you are hoping for.
Should worn teeth be repaired right away?
It depends on the damage. Urgent problems such as a broken tooth may need prompt care, while cosmetic or wear-related repairs are often planned once grinding is managed. The dentist will help prioritize what needs attention first.
Appliances and jaw care to consider
Additional Services →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is made from your own impressions to help protect teeth from grinding. Selkirk patients can be fitted at our Port Dover office.
TMJ Therapy →
Jaw pain, clicking or limited opening may involve the jaw joints or muscles. Selkirk patients can have TMJ symptoms assessed at our Port Dover dental office.