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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Bruxism Treatment in Wilsonville
Worn edges, morning jaw ache or a partner hearing you grind? Wilsonville patients can have clenching and grinding assessed at our Port Dover dental office.
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Caring for Wilsonville patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WilsonvilleGrinding, clenching and wear
Protecting teeth from forces you may not notice.
Bruxism is the habit of grinding or clenching the teeth, and it can happen during sleep or while concentrating during the day. Many people only learn about it when a dentist spots flattened edges, a family member hears the noise or the jaw feels tight on waking. Over time, the forces involved can wear enamel and strain restorations.
If you are in Wilsonville and suspect you grind or clench, you can book an assessment at our Port Dover office. Be ready to describe headaches, jaw tiredness, tooth sensitivity or any cracked fillings, since these details help the dentist decide what protection or further evaluation makes sense.
Recognize the signs
Clues often show up in the morning or after stressful days.
What you might feel
Common complaints include a sore or tired jaw on waking, dull headaches near the temples, teeth that feel sensitive or slightly loose and tenderness in the cheek muscles. Some people notice they hold their teeth together while driving, working on a screen or lifting something heavy. Noting when symptoms appear helps clarify the pattern.
What others might notice
A bed partner may hear grinding sounds at night. Family members may see clenching during concentration. A dentist may find flattened or chipped edges, cracks in enamel or ridges on the inside of the cheeks. These signs can develop gradually, so comparing them across visits gives a fuller picture.
The assessment
An assessment looks at the teeth, muscles and possible contributors.
Examining wear and the jaw
Your dentist will examine tooth wear, check existing fillings and crowns for damage and feel the jaw muscles and joints for tenderness. Your bite may be reviewed for how the teeth meet. Photographs or notes may be taken to monitor wear over time, which helps determine whether the habit is ongoing or worsening.
Considering sleep and health factors
Grinding can be associated with stress, certain medications, caffeine, alcohol and sleep-related breathing problems. If you snore loudly or feel unrefreshed after sleep, mention it. Your dentist may suggest speaking with your physician so that any sleep concern is evaluated properly rather than only treating the teeth.
Management options
Management focuses on protecting teeth and easing strain.
A custom-fitted night guard
A custom night guard is often recommended to place a protective layer between upper and lower teeth during sleep. It does not necessarily stop the grinding, but it can reduce wear and spread forces more evenly. Impressions or scans are taken so the appliance fits your teeth, and adjustments may be needed after you start wearing it.
Daytime awareness and habit changes
For daytime clenching, simply noticing the habit is a useful first step. Many people try keeping lips together and teeth slightly apart when relaxed. Gentle jaw stretches, limiting gum chewing and managing stress may help. Your dentist can explain which approaches suit your situation and when another professional might be helpful.
Ongoing care
Regular review keeps protection working as intended.
Caring for your appliance
Clean your night guard each morning as instructed and store it in its case away from heat and pets. Bring it to checkups so its fit and condition can be examined. If the guard cracks, feels tight or causes new jaw discomfort, contact the office rather than continuing to wear an appliance that no longer fits well.
Monitoring wear at future visits
At routine appointments, your dentist can compare wear on your teeth and restorations with earlier records. If symptoms change, such as increased headaches or jaw locking, mention them promptly. Tracking these details over the years helps decide whether the current approach is sufficient or should be adjusted.
Planning your appointment
Booking a grinding assessment from Wilsonville.
Call our Port Dover office to arrange an examination and mention your symptoms, how long they have been present and whether anyone has heard you grinding at night. The team will help you choose a suitable appointment.
Bring any existing night guard or retainer, and a list of medications, since some prescriptions are linked with clenching or grinding.
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
Bruxism questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Can grinding damage my teeth permanently?
Over time, grinding can wear enamel, chip edges and stress fillings or crowns. Lost enamel does not grow back, which is why early assessment and protection are often recommended when signs of wear are found.
Will a night guard stop me from grinding?
A guard mainly protects teeth by absorbing and spreading the forces involved. It may not stop the habit itself. Your dentist will explain what the appliance is designed to do and what other steps could help.
Is a store-bought guard good enough?
Over-the-counter guards fit less precisely and may feel bulky or shift during sleep. Some people find them uncomfortable. Your dentist can discuss whether a custom appliance is more suitable for your teeth and symptoms.
Does stress cause bruxism?
Stress is one common contributor, but medications, caffeine, alcohol, sleep issues and other factors may also be involved. Sharing your daily habits and health history helps the dentist understand possible influences in your case.
Can children grind their teeth?
Yes, grinding is fairly common in children and is often temporary. Mention it at your child’s checkup so the dentist can look for wear and advise whether any monitoring or intervention is appropriate.
Night guards and jaw joint care
Additional Services →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your teeth to cushion grinding during sleep. Wilsonville patients can learn about fit, care and reviews at our Port Dover office.
TMJ Therapy →
Jaw pain, clicking or limited opening can relate to the jaw joint and muscles. Wilsonville patients can have TMJ symptoms assessed at our Port Dover dental office.