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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Silver Hill
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Silver Hill patients can learn how a night guard is chosen, fitted and looked after to protect teeth from grinding.
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Every dental service for Silver HillProtection while you sleep
Grinding at night can quietly wear teeth down for years.
Many people grind or clench during sleep without knowing it. Over months and years, the pressure can flatten biting edges, chip enamel, crack fillings and leave the jaw muscles tired and sore by morning. A night guard sits between the upper and lower teeth so that the appliance, rather than your enamel, absorbs the friction and force of grinding.
If you live in Silver Hill and suspect night-time grinding, the dentist at our Port Dover office can look for signs of wear and talk through whether a guard makes sense. The visit also gives you a chance to mention headaches, sleep concerns or jaw clicking that might point to other issues worth checking.
Is grinding happening
The signs often show up in the morning or at your checkup.
Morning symptoms worth noticing
Waking with a dull headache at the temples, tight or aching jaw muscles, sensitive teeth or a sore neck can all suggest grinding during the night. A bed partner may hear a grating or clicking sound. Some people notice that their teeth look shorter or flatter than they used to, or that the edges of front teeth have become slightly see-through.
What the dentist may find
During an examination, the dentist may notice flattened cusps, small fractures, worn or broken fillings and enlarged chewing muscles. Ridges inside the cheeks or along the edges of the tongue can also be signs of clenching. These findings help confirm whether a night guard would be helpful and how strong the forces may be.
Choosing a guard
Fit and material affect how well a guard protects and how it feels.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth, so it fits closely and is adjusted to your bite. The dentist can choose a hard, soft or layered material depending on how heavily you grind. A good fit tends to be more comfortable and more stable, which makes it easier to wear every night without it slipping out.
Over-the-counter alternatives
Store-bought guards are available in pharmacies and may give some short-term protection. However, they are not shaped to your bite, can feel bulky and may loosen or wear through quickly. Some people find they clench more on a soft, poorly fitting guard. The dentist can help you weigh these options against a custom appliance.
Fitting and first nights
A short adjustment period is normal with a new guard.
Impressions and delivery
At the first appointment, impressions or a scan of your teeth are taken and your bite is recorded. When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, does not pinch the gums and allows the teeth to meet evenly against its surface. You will practise putting it in and taking it out before you leave the office.
Adjusting to wearing it
The first few nights may feel unusual, and you might notice extra saliva or slight pressure. These usually settle within a week or so. If the guard causes pain, rocks, or leaves your bite feeling different in the morning for more than a short time, contact the office so it can be adjusted rather than giving up on it.
Daily care
A clean guard lasts longer and stays comfortable.
Cleaning and storage
Each morning, rinse your guard and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and cool water or mild soap. Let it air dry before placing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from hot water, dashboards and direct sun, which can warp it, and out of reach of pets, who often find guards appealing to chew.
When to have it checked
Bring the guard to every checkup so the dentist can look at its fit and the wear marks on its surface, which reveal how and where you grind. Replace or repair it if it cracks, becomes loose or causes sore spots. New crowns or fillings may change the fit, so mention any dental work done elsewhere.
Planning your appointment
Before you head to Port Dover
When booking with our Port Dover team, mention morning jaw soreness, headaches or worn teeth so time is set aside for a bite and jaw examination. Let us know if you have used a guard before.
Bring any old guard, even a worn store-bought one. Its wear pattern can help the dentist understand your grinding and plan a better-fitting appliance.
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.
Does a night guard stop grinding?
A guard mainly protects your teeth and dental work from the effects of grinding. Some people grind less while wearing one, but many continue. The guard takes the wear instead of your enamel, which can prevent chips, cracks and further flattening of the teeth.
Upper or lower: which guard is better?
Either can work well. The dentist considers your bite, existing dental work, comfort and how the guard will affect jaw position. Some people find one arch more comfortable than the other, and the dentist can explain the reasoning for your recommended design.
Can I just buy a guard at the pharmacy?
You can, and it may help for a short time. However, over-the-counter guards are not shaped to your bite, can feel bulky and may wear quickly. A custom guard is designed for fit and durability, which tends to make nightly wear easier and more effective.
What if my jaw hurts more after wearing it?
Contact the office. A guard that does not fit evenly can sometimes strain the jaw. The dentist can check and adjust it. Persistent jaw pain, clicking or locking may also need further assessment for a jaw joint problem beyond simple grinding.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on the material and how heavily you grind. Some guards last for years, while very strong grinders may wear through theirs sooner. Checking the guard at regular dental visits helps you know when a repair or replacement is due.
More on grinding and custom guards
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A night guard made from your bite can protect teeth from grinding. See how custom guards are made in Port Dover and how Silver Hill patients care for them.
Bruxism Treatment →
Clenching and grinding wear teeth and strain the jaw. Silver Hill patients can learn how bruxism is assessed in Port Dover and how protection and habits help.