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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Townsend
Grinding at night can wear and crack teeth over time. Townsend residents can learn how a night guard helps, how it is fitted and what else may reduce damage.
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Caring for Townsend patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for TownsendProtection while you sleep
You may not know you grind until your teeth show it.
Grinding and clenching during sleep can place far more force on teeth than normal chewing. Over months and years, this can flatten biting surfaces, chip edges, crack teeth and fillings and leave the jaw muscles sore. Because it happens while you are asleep, many people only discover the habit through symptoms or a dental exam.
Townsend patients who suspect night grinding can be assessed at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look for signs of wear, ask about sleep and jaw symptoms and explain whether a night guard is likely to help, how it is made and how to look after it once it is fitted.
Signs you grind
Grinding leaves clues in your mouth and body.
What you might feel
Common signs include waking with a tight jaw, dull headaches around the temples, teeth that ache or feel sensitive first thing in the morning and a general tiredness in the face. A bed partner may hear grinding or tapping. Some people notice clicking in the jaw joint or stiffness when opening wide. Symptoms often come and go, flaring during stressful weeks.
What the dentist might see
During an exam, the dentist may notice flattened or shiny wear spots on the biting surfaces, chipped edges, fine cracks, notches near the gumline or fillings that have broken without an obvious cause. Ridges on the cheeks or scalloping on the sides of the tongue can point to clenching. Comparing these findings over time shows whether the habit is active and how quickly wear is progressing.
How guards help
A guard absorbs force that would otherwise hit the teeth.
Shielding teeth from wear
A night guard sits between the upper and lower teeth, so grinding and clenching forces are taken up by the appliance rather than by the enamel. This helps reduce further wear, chips and cracks. It also protects crowns, veneers and large fillings that could otherwise fracture under repeated pressure night after night, which can save considerable repair work later.
Easing strain on jaw muscles
Some people find that wearing a guard eases jaw muscle tension and morning headaches, though results vary from person to person. A guard does not usually stop the grinding habit itself. If jaw pain, clicking or poor sleep persist despite wearing it, the dentist may suggest further assessment or other approaches to use alongside the guard.
Fitting the guard
A custom fit improves comfort and protection.
Impressions and bite records
The dentist will first check for decay or broken fillings, since these are best repaired before a guard is made around your teeth. Impressions or digital scans are then taken, along with a record of how your jaws meet. The design and thickness are chosen based on how heavily you seem to grind and on what you are likely to find comfortable overnight.
Collecting and adjusting the guard
At the fitting visit, the dentist checks that the guard seats fully, stays put without rocking and lets your teeth meet evenly when you close. Small adjustments may be made to relieve any pressure points. You will receive instructions on wearing, cleaning and storing the guard, and on what to do if it causes discomfort during the first nights.
Living with a guard
Consistent use brings the most benefit.
Getting used to wearing it
Wear the guard every night, not only when you remember or when symptoms flare, since grinding often happens without you noticing. It may feel strange for the first few nights, and some people wake to find it has slipped out. Most adapt within a week or two. If the guard causes sore teeth, jaw pain or a bite that feels off, contact the office.
Cleaning and replacement
Rinse and gently brush the guard each morning with cool water and mild soap, then let it dry before storing it in its case. Keep it away from heat and from pets, who are known to chew guards left on nightstands. Bring it to checkups so the fit can be checked, and replace it if it cracks, loosens or wears through.
Planning your appointment
Booking a grinding assessment.
Call our Port Dover office and mention that you think you grind or clench at night. The team can arrange an exam to look for signs of wear and discuss whether a night guard would be a sensible next step.
Bring any guard you already own and note symptoms such as morning headaches or jaw stiffness, so you can describe them to the dentist.
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
Questions about night guards
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Can a night guard stop me from grinding?
A night guard mainly protects your teeth rather than stopping the habit. It absorbs grinding forces and reduces wear. Managing stress, improving sleep and addressing other contributing factors may help reduce the grinding itself over time, and the dentist can discuss these.
Is a custom night guard better than a store-bought one?
Custom guards are made from impressions of your teeth, so they usually fit more comfortably and securely. Store-bought guards are generic, can feel bulky and may shift during sleep. The dentist can explain the differences for your particular bite.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on how heavily you grind and how well the guard is cared for. Some last several years, while heavy grinders may need replacements sooner. Bring the guard to checkups so its condition and fit can be assessed each time.
Can grinding cause headaches?
Grinding and clenching can contribute to headaches, particularly around the temples on waking. A night guard may help some people. Persistent or severe headaches should also be discussed with your doctor so other causes can be ruled out.
Will a night guard affect my bite?
Your bite may feel slightly different for a short while after removing the guard in the morning. This usually settles within minutes to an hour. If it lasts longer, contact the office so the dentist can check the guard and adjust it if needed.
More on grinding and protection
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard is shaped to your bite to protect teeth from grinding. Townsend patients can learn how fitting works and how to care for the guard.
Bruxism Treatment →
Grinding or clenching can wear teeth and tire the jaw. Townsend patients can have signs of bruxism assessed in Port Dover and discuss practical protection.