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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Nixon
Waking with sore teeth or a tight jaw? A night guard may help protect enamel from grinding. Nixon patients can see how guards are chosen and fitted.
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Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonProtection while you sleep
Grinding at night can quietly wear teeth down.
Many people grind or clench their teeth during sleep without knowing it. Over months and years, this can flatten biting surfaces, chip edges, crack fillings and leave the jaw muscles sore. A night guard is a removable appliance worn during sleep that places a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth to absorb some of that force.
Nixon residents who suspect they grind can have their teeth checked at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look for signs of wear, ask about symptoms and discuss whether a night guard is appropriate. If it is, the team will explain the fitting process and how to look after the guard.
Signs of grinding
Grinding leaves clues, even if you never hear it.
Symptoms you may feel
Common signs include waking with a sore jaw, headaches near the temples, teeth that feel tender or sensitive, or a partner who hears grinding at night. Some people notice their jaw feels tired or clicks when chewing. Others have no symptoms at all. Keep a short record of how you feel in the mornings to share with the dentist at your visit.
Changes the dentist may see
During an exam, the dentist may see flattened or shiny areas on biting surfaces, small chips, cracked fillings, notches near the gums or enlarged jaw muscles. These signs help confirm that grinding is affecting your teeth. The dentist may take photos or records to monitor changes over time and measure whether a guard is helping.
Is a guard right
A guard is one part of managing grinding.
When a guard is recommended
A night guard is often recommended when grinding is causing wear, damage to restorations or muscle pain. It does not stop grinding itself, but it helps protect the teeth and can reduce strain. The dentist will explain what a guard can and cannot do, so your expectations are realistic from the start and you can judge whether it is working.
Other factors to consider
Stress, caffeine, alcohol, certain medications and sleep problems can all contribute to grinding. If you snore loudly or wake unrefreshed, mention it, as some sleep conditions need medical evaluation. Addressing these factors alongside wearing a guard can improve results. The dentist may suggest discussing certain symptoms with your physician, particularly if sleep seems poor or breathing pauses have been noticed.
Getting fitted
A custom guard is made to fit your teeth closely.
Taking impressions
The dentist or a team member takes impressions or scans of your teeth and records your bite. The guard is then made to match the shape of your mouth. The dentist will discuss whether an upper or lower guard is better suited to you, and which material is appropriate for the type and strength of your grinding.
Trying in the guard
At the fitting appointment, the dentist checks that the guard seats properly, feels comfortable and allows your teeth to meet evenly. Adjustments may be made. You will learn how to insert and remove the guard and how to clean it. Ask questions while you are there, so you leave confident about wearing it every night.
Living with it
A well-maintained guard protects you for longer.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse and gently brush your guard after each use with cool water and mild soap or a recommended cleaner. Avoid hot water, which can warp it. Store it dry in a ventilated case, away from heat and pets. Clean the case regularly. Bring the guard to dental checkups so the dentist can inspect it for wear or cracks.
Checking the fit over time
If the guard becomes loose, tight, cracked or uncomfortable, or if your bite feels different in the morning, contact the office. Dental work such as new crowns may affect the fit. Over time, guards wear and may need replacement. Regular reviews help ensure the guard keeps doing its job and does not create new discomfort.
Planning your appointment
Ask about a night guard from Nixon.
Book a checkup or assessment at our Port Dover office and mention grinding, jaw soreness or headaches. The dentist will check for wear and explain whether a night guard would help protect your teeth.
Bring notes about your symptoms and any observations from a partner, along with any guard you have used before, even an old one.
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 not entirely. A night guard protects the teeth from the effects of grinding and may reduce jaw strain. Managing contributing factors, such as stress or caffeine, may help reduce the habit itself over time.
How long does it take to get used to a night guard?
Many people adjust within a few nights to a couple of weeks. It may feel bulky at first or increase saliva briefly. If discomfort continues, contact the office for an adjustment rather than giving up on wearing it.
Can I buy a night guard at the pharmacy?
Over-the-counter guards are available, but they may not fit closely and can feel bulky. A custom guard is designed for your teeth and bite. The dentist can explain the differences so you can decide what is right for you.
Should I wear my guard every night?
For most people, consistent nightly wear gives the best protection. The dentist will advise on how often to wear it based on your symptoms and the amount of wear on your teeth. Skipping nights leaves the teeth unprotected during those hours.
Can grinding damage dental work?
Yes. Grinding can chip or crack fillings, crowns and veneers, and may loosen restorations. A night guard can help protect both natural teeth and dental work from excessive force during sleep. Mention any dental work you have when the guard is designed.
Related grinding and appliance care
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to shield teeth from clenching. See how Nixon patients are fitted, how to wear it and when it should be reviewed.
Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, jaw ache or a partner hearing you grind at night? Nixon patients can explore how bruxism is assessed and managed at our Port Dover dental office.