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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Turkey Point
Grinding at night can crack teeth and tire jaw muscles. Turkey Point patients can learn how a night guard helps, what fitting involves and how to look after it.
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Caring for Turkey Point patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Turkey PointProtecting teeth while you sleep
A night guard takes the wear so your teeth do not have to.
Grinding or clenching during sleep is surprisingly common and often happens without awareness. Over time, it can flatten and chip teeth, crack fillings, make teeth sensitive and leave jaw muscles sore. A night guard is a removable appliance worn while sleeping that places a barrier between upper and lower teeth.
Turkey Point residents and cottagers concerned about grinding can be assessed for a night guard at our Port Dover office. Mention any morning jaw soreness, headaches or damage to teeth you have noticed recently.
Do you grind
Many people learn they grind from someone else.
Clues you might notice
A sleeping partner may hear grinding sounds. You might wake with a tight jaw, a dull headache or teeth that feel sore or sensitive. Some people notice their teeth look shorter or flatter than they used to. Daytime clenching during stress or concentration can also contribute to these symptoms.
What the dentist may see
During an exam, the dentist may see worn edges, small fractures, cracked fillings or notched areas near the gum line. Enlarged jaw muscles or tenderness can be another sign. If these findings are present, the dentist may suggest a night guard and discuss other factors that could be involved.
How guards help
A guard manages the effects of grinding.
Protecting enamel and restorations
A night guard absorbs and distributes the forces of grinding so your teeth wear the guard instead of each other. It can protect fillings, crowns and veneers from damage. Some people find their jaw muscles feel more relaxed in the morning when using a well-fitted guard consistently.
What a guard does not do
A guard does not necessarily stop the grinding habit itself. Stress, sleep quality, medications and sleep breathing problems can contribute. If snoring or pauses in breathing are suspected, the dentist may recommend speaking with your doctor. A guard designed for grinding is not a treatment for sleep apnea.
Getting a guard
A custom guard is made to fit your teeth precisely.
Impressions and bite records
The dentist takes impressions or a digital scan of your teeth and records how they meet. If you have dental work planned soon, mention it, since new crowns or fillings can change the fit. The guard is then fabricated, usually from durable acrylic or a layered material.
Fitting and adjustments
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it seats fully, does not rock and does not press on the gums. Your bite on the guard is adjusted so teeth contact evenly. You will learn how to insert, remove and clean it. Expect a short period of getting used to wearing it at night.
Looking after it
Simple care keeps the guard clean and effective.
Daily cleaning
Rinse the guard each morning and brush it gently with a soft brush and mild soap. Avoid toothpaste, which can scratch, and hot water, which can warp it. Let it air dry and keep it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from pets and out of hot cars, especially in summer.
When to have it checked
Bring your guard to regular dental visits so the fit and wear can be checked. If it cracks, loosens or causes new discomfort, contact the office. Guards wear down over time and may need replacing. If you travel between homes, take it with you so protection continues every night.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a night guard from Turkey Point
Call our Port Dover office to ask about a night guard. Describe your symptoms and any dental damage, and the team will arrange an exam and fitting.
If you have an old guard, bring it along. Notes from a partner about grinding sounds or snoring can also be useful.
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.
How do I know if I grind my teeth?
Common clues include jaw soreness on waking, headaches, worn or chipped teeth and a partner hearing grinding. The dentist can look for signs during an exam.
Can I buy a guard at the drugstore instead?
Over-the-counter guards exist, but they may fit loosely. A custom guard is shaped to your teeth and adjusted to your bite for comfort and protection.
Will a guard affect my sleep?
Most people adjust within a week or two. A well-fitting guard should not interfere with sleep once you are used to it.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends on material and how heavily you grind. The dentist will check its condition at regular visits and advise on replacement.
Is grinding related to sleep apnea?
Sometimes they occur together. If snoring or breathing pauses are present, the dentist may recommend a medical evaluation.
More on grinding and guards
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A night guard made from your own impressions can protect teeth from overnight grinding. Turkey Point patients can learn about fitting and upkeep in Port Dover.
Bruxism Treatment →
Waking with a sore jaw or worn teeth? Turkey Point patients can have grinding and clenching assessed in Port Dover and discuss guards, habits and follow-up.