Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Glen Meyer
Worn edges and sore jaws on waking often point to night grinding. Glen Meyer patients can learn whether a guard helps, what it protects and what it cannot fix.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Seeing patients from Glen Meyer and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
Browse all dental services for Glen MeyerProtection while you sleep
A guard is a shield for your teeth, not a cure for grinding.
Grinding during sleep can place far more force on teeth than normal chewing, and it often happens without any awareness. Over months and years, that pressure can flatten enamel, crack fillings and leave jaw muscles stiff in the morning. A night guard is one of the most common ways to reduce the damage while the habit continues.
If you have been noticing worn teeth or morning jaw tightness, Glen Meyer patients can ask about a night guard during a checkup at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look for evidence of grinding and explain whether a guard is likely to be useful for you.
Do you grind
Many people learn they grind from someone else.
Clues you might notice yourself
A partner who hears grinding noises at night is often the first to notice. You might wake with a tired or sore jaw, a dull headache, sensitive teeth or a feeling that your teeth do not quite fit together. Some people find small chips or rough edges on their front teeth. Keeping track of when these symptoms appear can help the dentist interpret them.
Clues the dentist may find
During an exam, the dentist may see flattened tips, shiny worn spots, small fractures, notches near the gum line or a scalloped edge on the tongue. Previous fillings or crowns that keep breaking can also be a clue. Comparing your teeth with earlier records or photos helps show whether wear is progressing, which guides whether protection is recommended now.
What a guard does
Set realistic expectations before getting one.
How guards protect your teeth
A night guard places a layer of material between upper and lower teeth, so the force of grinding is absorbed by the guard rather than by enamel and restorations. It can help reduce further wear, protect dental work and may ease morning jaw discomfort for some people. The guard itself will show wear over time, which is a sign it is working.
What a guard will not do
A guard does not necessarily stop the grinding habit, and it may not resolve all jaw pain or headaches. If symptoms such as snoring, gasping or daytime sleepiness are present, a sleep evaluation through your physician may be advisable. The dentist can explain whether other approaches, like stress management or treating jaw problems, should be considered alongside a guard.
Getting fitted
A properly fitted guard is more comfortable to wear.
Records and design
Impressions or scans of your teeth are used to make a guard that fits your mouth closely. The dentist may also record your bite. Discuss the type of guard recommended, such as whether it covers the upper or lower teeth and how thick it will be. Mention any jaw clicking or dental work that is planned, since these can affect the design.
Delivery and adjustments
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it fits securely and that your teeth meet evenly against it. Minor adjustments are common. You will be shown how to insert, remove and clean the guard. Give yourself a little time to get used to sleeping with it, and contact the office if it causes soreness or the bite feels different.
Living with a guard
A few simple habits keep your guard working well.
Keeping it clean and safe
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently and let it air dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the material. Keep the case away from pets and out of hot cars. Brush and floss your teeth before putting the guard in, so food and plaque are not trapped against them overnight.
Knowing when it needs attention
Bring your guard to each checkup so the dentist can inspect it for cracks, holes or thinning, and confirm that it still fits your teeth. New dental work may affect the fit. If the guard becomes loose, uncomfortable or damaged, contact the office, since a poorly fitting guard can be less protective and harder to wear consistently.
Planning your appointment
Discussing grinding from Glen Meyer
Call our Port Dover office and let the team know you suspect night-time grinding. Describe symptoms such as morning jaw soreness, headaches or chipped teeth so the dentist can plan an assessment.
If you have used a store-bought guard, bring it along so the dentist can see how it has worn and how well it fits your teeth.
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.
Will wearing a night guard stop my grinding?
A guard mainly protects your teeth rather than stopping the habit. Some people find they grind less over time, but this varies. If grinding is linked to stress or sleep issues, addressing those factors may also help reduce it.
Can I use a guard from the drugstore?
Some people use store-bought guards, but fit can be loose or bulky, which may affect comfort and protection. A custom guard is made to fit your teeth closely. The dentist can explain the differences and help you decide what suits your situation.
How long will my night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind, the material and how well you care for it. Guards gradually wear and may crack. Regular checkups allow the dentist to assess when it needs to be adjusted or replaced.
Is it normal to drool or feel odd at first?
Yes. Many people notice extra saliva or a sense of fullness in the first few nights. This usually settles as you get used to the guard. Contact the office if discomfort, soreness or bite changes do not improve.
Do children need night guards for grinding?
Children often grind, especially as baby teeth are changing, and many outgrow it without lasting damage. Guards are not always appropriate for growing mouths. Mention the grinding at your child’s checkup so the dentist can advise.
More on grinding and guards
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to cushion grinding while you sleep. Glen Meyer patients can learn how it is fitted, cleaned and checked over time.
Bruxism Treatment →
Clenching or grinding can wear teeth and tire the jaw. Glen Meyer patients can have signs of bruxism assessed in Port Dover and discuss protection and habits.