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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Selkirk
Grinding your teeth at night can wear enamel and crack fillings. Selkirk patients can find out whether a night guard would help, through our Port Dover office.
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Serving patients from Selkirk at our Port Dover office
See every service for Selkirk patientsProtecting teeth overnight
Grinding happens in your sleep, so protection has to as well.
Many people grind or clench their teeth at night without realizing it. Over months and years, this can flatten biting surfaces, chip edges, crack fillings and leave the jaw sore in the morning. A night guard is a removable appliance worn while sleeping that places a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth.
If someone in your Selkirk household has mentioned hearing you grind, or you wake with a tight jaw, it is worth raising at your next visit to our Port Dover office. The dentist can look for signs of wear, discuss whether a guard is appropriate and explain how it would be made and fitted.
Is grinding happening?
Grinding often leaves evidence behind.
Clues you may notice
Morning jaw stiffness, headaches near the temples, teeth that feel sore or sensitive, and a partner hearing grinding noises at night are common clues. Some people notice chips or that their teeth seem shorter. Grinding may increase during stressful periods. Keep track of symptoms for a couple of weeks and bring your notes to the appointment.
What the dentist looks for
During an exam, the dentist may see flattened or shiny wear spots, small fractures, worn fillings, notches near the gumline or enlarged chewing muscles. Some of these signs can have other causes, so the dentist considers them together with your symptoms and history before deciding whether a night guard is a sensible recommendation.
How a guard helps
A guard protects, but it is not a cure.
What a night guard does
A night guard absorbs and spreads grinding forces so they fall on the appliance rather than directly on your enamel and restorations. This can reduce wear, help protect crowns and fillings, and may ease muscle strain for some people. A custom guard made from your teeth tends to fit better and feel more comfortable than generic versions.
What it may not do
A guard usually does not stop the grinding habit itself. If stress, sleep problems or medications are contributing factors, those may need separate attention. Some people with jaw joint issues may need a different approach or additional care. The dentist will explain what a guard can realistically achieve in your case before you commit.
Getting your guard
The process typically involves two short visits.
Taking impressions
The dentist takes impressions or scans of your teeth and may record your bite. The type of guard, its thickness and whether it covers the upper or lower teeth depends on your grinding pattern and comfort. Ask why a particular design is being suggested. The guard is then made to the specifications recorded at this first visit.
Fitting and adjusting
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks the fit and how your teeth contact it, making small adjustments so it feels even. You will learn how to put it in, take it out and clean it. Expect a short adjustment period of a few nights. If it feels tight, causes pain or shifts your bite, contact the office.
Caring for it
A clean, well-fitting guard works best.
Daily cleaning
Rinse your guard each morning and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or the cleaner recommended by the office. Avoid hot water, which can warp it. Let it dry and store it in a ventilated case, out of reach of pets. Brush your own teeth before putting the guard in at night.
Checking and replacing it
Bring the guard to checkups so its condition and fit can be inspected. Heavy grinders may wear through a guard faster. Cracks, holes, a loose fit or persistent odour mean it may need replacing. New dental work can affect fit, so mention any crowns, fillings or orthodontic treatment you have had since the guard was made.
Planning your appointment
Asking about a night guard from Selkirk.
Book an exam at our Port Dover office and mention you suspect grinding. Describe any jaw pain, headaches or tooth sensitivity so the dentist can assess the cause.
Bring any existing guard, even an old store-bought one, and notes about when symptoms are worst during the week.
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.
Do I need a night guard if my teeth do not hurt?
Possibly. Grinding can wear teeth and damage restorations without causing pain. If the dentist sees signs of significant wear or cracks, a guard may be recommended to help protect your teeth from further damage over time, even if you feel fine.
Will a night guard feel uncomfortable?
Most people need a few nights to get used to it. Extra saliva or a sense of fullness is common at first. If the guard causes pain or seems to shift your bite, contact the office so it can be checked and adjusted rather than abandoned.
Upper or lower guard: which is better?
It depends on your bite, grinding pattern, comfort and existing dental work. Both can be effective. The dentist will recommend a design based on your examination and explain why it suits your mouth and the pattern of wear they observed.
Can a night guard cause my teeth to move?
A properly fitted guard is designed not to move teeth. If you notice changes in your bite, discomfort on waking that persists, or the guard no longer fits well, contact the office promptly so the dentist can review the fit and design.
How do I know when to replace my guard?
Signs include cracks, thin or worn-through areas, a loose fit, warping or odour that does not clear with cleaning. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can inspect it and recommend replacement when it no longer protects well.
More on grinding and protection
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is made from your own impressions to help protect teeth from grinding. Selkirk patients can be fitted at our Port Dover office.
Bruxism Treatment →
Jaw tightness on waking, flattened teeth or a partner hearing you grind at night? Selkirk patients can have bruxism assessed at our Port Dover practice.