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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Long Point
Grinding at night can flatten, chip and crack teeth. Long Point patients can learn how a night guard is chosen, fitted and maintained at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Long Point residents, cottagers and visitors at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for Long PointProtection while you sleep
You cannot stop grinding in your sleep, but you can protect your teeth from it.
Nighttime grinding happens without conscious control, which makes it hard to stop through willpower. Over months and years, the repeated pressure can wear enamel, chip edges, crack fillings and leave jaw muscles sore in the morning. A night guard places a protective layer between upper and lower teeth so the forces land on the appliance instead of your natural teeth and restorations.
Long Point patients who suspect they grind can be assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look for signs of wear and explain whether a guard is likely to help, and which type would suit.
Clues of grinding
Many grinders find out from someone else.
What you or others notice
A partner or family member may hear grinding noises at night. You might wake with a tight jaw, sore teeth, a dull headache near the temples or earache without an ear problem. Some people notice their teeth look shorter or edges have small chips. Any of these signs is worth mentioning at your next dental visit rather than waiting for damage.
What the dentist sees
During an exam, the dentist may see flattened biting surfaces, wear facets, cracks, receding gums at the neck of teeth or scalloped edges on the tongue. Fillings may chip or break more often than expected. Comparing photos or records over time can show whether wear is progressing and help decide whether protection is needed now.
Guard options
Fit makes a real difference to comfort and protection.
Custom-made guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth and adjusted by the dentist so it fits closely and meets the opposing teeth evenly. Materials range from hard acrylic to softer or layered designs. The dentist will suggest a type based on the intensity of grinding, your bite and any dental work you already have.
Over-the-counter products
Store-bought guards are available, including boil-and-bite versions. They can be a short-term option for some people, but they are often bulkier and less precise, which may make them uncomfortable or easy to dislodge. An ill-fitting guard can also affect how the jaw rests. Ask the dentist whether it is suitable for your situation.
Getting fitted
A custom guard involves at least two short visits.
Impressions and bite records
After the exam, impressions or a digital scan are taken along with a record of how your teeth meet. The guard is then fabricated. If you spend part of the year away from Long Point, ask how long fabrication usually takes so the fitting appointment falls within your stay and you are not left waiting for months.
Delivery and adjustment
At the fitting, the dentist checks that the guard seats fully, stays in place and contacts evenly. Small adjustments are normal. You will learn how to insert, remove and clean it. A follow-up may be suggested after a few nights of wear to fine-tune comfort if pressure points or bite changes are noticed.
Wear and care
Consistent use protects your investment in your teeth.
Nightly routine
Brush and floss before inserting the guard. In the morning, rinse it, brush gently with cool water and let it dry before storing in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, including sunny windowsills and car dashboards in summer, and away from pets that might chew it. Never soak it in very hot water.
Signs it needs attention
Bring the guard to every checkup. Replace or adjust it if it cracks, thins, feels loose or no longer fits after new dental work. Report morning jaw pain, soreness in teeth or a change in how teeth meet after removing it, so the dentist can check whether the guard needs adjusting.
Planning your appointment
Booking a night guard assessment from Long Point
Call our Port Dover office and mention grinding, worn teeth or morning jaw soreness. The team can schedule an assessment and explain how long fabrication usually takes.
If you have an existing guard, bring it along so wear patterns and fit can be reviewed during the visit.
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 a night guard stop me from grinding?
Usually it protects teeth rather than stopping the habit itself. Grinding may continue, but forces land on the guard. Managing stress, caffeine and sleep habits can sometimes reduce grinding over time.
Is it hard to sleep with a guard?
Many people need a few nights to adjust. A well-fitted guard should feel snug but not painful. If it feels bulky or causes soreness, the dentist can check the fit and make adjustments.
Do I need a guard on top or bottom?
Either can work. The choice depends on your bite, missing teeth, restorations and comfort. The dentist will recommend an arch after examining your mouth and discussing your preferences.
Can a guard help with jaw pain?
A guard may ease morning jaw soreness caused by clenching for some people. Persistent jaw pain can have other causes, so the dentist may also evaluate the joints and muscles.
How long does a night guard last?
It varies with material and how hard you grind. Some last years, while heavy grinders may wear through sooner. Regular checkups help determine when adjustment or replacement is needed.
Understanding grinding and guards
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to cushion grinding during sleep. Long Point patients can arrange fitting and follow-up at our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a tight jaw or worn, sensitive teeth? Long Point patients can have grinding and clenching assessed in Port Dover and discuss protective options.