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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Boston
Night grinding can wear enamel and crack fillings. Boston patients can learn how a night guard protects teeth and how to tell whether they need one.
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Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsProtection while you sleep
Grinding happens in the dark, but the damage shows in daylight.
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realising it. Over months and years, that pressure can flatten biting surfaces, chip enamel, crack fillings and leave the jaw sore in the morning. A night guard is a simple barrier that sits between upper and lower teeth to take the brunt of those forces while you sleep.
If a family member in your Boston home has heard you grinding, or you wake with aching teeth, mention it at our Port Dover office. The dentist can look for signs of wear and talk about whether a night guard is a reasonable way to protect your teeth and dental work.
Do you grind
The evidence often turns up first thing in the morning.
Morning symptoms
A sore or tired jaw on waking, dull headaches around the temples, ear discomfort without infection and teeth that ache as though they had been working all night are common morning clues. A bed partner may hear grinding or clicking sounds. Keep track of how often these signs appear before your appointment, since patterns help the dentist.
Changes in your teeth
Teeth that look shorter or flatter, tiny chips along edges, fillings that keep breaking, sensitivity near the gumline and scalloped marks along the sides of the tongue can all point to grinding. The dentist will compare what they see with your description to decide whether a guard is likely to help or whether something else explains the wear.
Why a guard
A guard absorbs force that would otherwise wear your teeth.
Shielding enamel and dental work
Enamel does not grow back once it has been worn away. A guard places a durable layer between the teeth so that grinding acts on the appliance instead of your enamel, crowns or veneers. For people who have invested in dental work, protecting it at night can be an important part of keeping it in good condition.
Easing strain on the jaw
Some people find their jaw muscles feel less tense in the morning when wearing a guard, although this varies from person to person. A guard is not always a complete answer for jaw pain, and the dentist may suggest other measures if the joint itself seems involved or symptoms continue despite wearing the guard every night.
Getting one
A properly made guard fits closely and stays put.
Records and design
The team takes impressions or a scan of your teeth, which are used to make a guard shaped to your mouth. The dentist will suggest a thickness and material based on how heavily you grind and how your teeth meet. Ask why a particular design is recommended and whether it covers upper or lower teeth.
Trying it in
When the guard is ready, you try it in so the fit and bite can be checked. It should feel snug without pressing painfully on teeth or gums. The dentist can adjust it if needed and will show you how to insert, remove and store it. Expect a few nights of getting used to it.
Using it well
A guard only helps when it is in your mouth.
Wearing it every night
Make the guard part of your bedtime routine so you remember to wear it. If it feels uncomfortable or you find yourself removing it in your sleep, contact the office rather than giving up. Small adjustments can often make a significant difference to comfort and how well it stays in. Keeping it by your toothbrush is a simple reminder.
Cleaning and replacing
Rinse and gently brush the guard each morning, then let it dry and store it in its case. Avoid hot water. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can look for wear, cracks or changes in fit. Over time, a heavily used guard may need replacing to keep protecting your teeth. Keep it away from pets, who often chew guards.
Planning your appointment
Asking about a night guard from Boston
Call our Port Dover office to book an assessment if you suspect night grinding. Mention morning jaw soreness, headaches or damaged fillings so the dentist knows what to look for during the exam.
If you have used a store-bought guard, bring it so the dentist can see how it wore and whether a custom one may suit you better.
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
Night guard 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?
Common clues include morning jaw soreness, headaches, worn or chipped teeth and a partner hearing grinding. The dentist can look for signs of wear during an exam and help confirm whether grinding is likely to be happening.
Will a night guard feel bulky?
Some people notice it at first, but a custom guard is designed to fit closely. Most people adjust within a few nights. If it remains uncomfortable, contact the office so the fit can be checked and adjusted.
Can a night guard fix my jaw pain?
A guard may ease muscle strain for some people, but it does not solve every type of jaw pain. If symptoms persist, the dentist may suggest further assessment or other approaches alongside the guard, such as jaw exercises.
How long will a night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind and how the guard is cared for. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can assess wear and advise when a replacement would be sensible, before it wears through.
Is a store-bought guard enough?
Over-the-counter guards may offer some protection but often fit loosely or feel bulky. A custom guard is made to your teeth. The dentist can explain the differences and which would suit your situation, your bite and your comfort.
Grinding care to compare
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to shield teeth from grinding. Boston patients can be measured and fitted at our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a tight jaw or worn teeth? Boston patients can have grinding assessed in Port Dover and talk through guards, habits and follow-up.