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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Walsh
Grinding at night can wear and crack teeth. Walsh residents can learn how Port Dover’s dentist decides if a night guard will help and what wearing one is like.
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Caring for patients from Walsh and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WalshProtect teeth while you sleep
Grinding happens without you knowing, but the damage adds up.
Nighttime teeth grinding is common and often entirely unconscious. Over months and years, the repeated pressure can flatten biting surfaces, chip edges, crack fillings and leave jaw muscles sore. A night guard is a simple appliance that places a protective layer between upper and lower teeth while you sleep, absorbing much of that force.
If you suspect grinding and live in Walsh, the dentist at our Port Dover office can examine your teeth for wear and talk with you about your symptoms. If a night guard is recommended, the team will explain the options and fit it so it is comfortable to wear every night.
Is it grinding
Most people learn they grind from someone else.
Clues you might notice
A partner hearing grinding, waking with a stiff or tired jaw, dull morning headaches, tooth sensitivity or a feeling that teeth are slightly loose can all suggest grinding. Some people notice ridges along their cheeks or scalloped edges on the tongue from pressing against the teeth during sleep. Any of these is worth mentioning at your next visit.
What the exam reveals
The dentist looks for flattened or shiny wear facets, chipped edges, small cracks and enlarged jaw muscles. Comparing with previous records and photos shows whether wear is progressing over time or has been stable for years. If grinding seems linked to snoring or poor-quality sleep, the dentist may suggest speaking with your doctor about a sleep assessment.
Guard options
Fit makes the difference between wearing it and leaving it in a drawer.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth, so it fits closely, stays in place through the night and can be thinner than a generic version. The dentist can adjust it so your bite is even across both sides. Materials vary from soft to hard acrylic, chosen based on how heavily you grind and what you find comfortable.
Over-the-counter guards
Store-bought guards are less expensive but may be bulky, loosen during sleep or wear through quickly, and they cannot be adjusted to your bite as precisely. Some people find them hard to sleep with and stop wearing them. The dentist can discuss whether a custom guard is worth the investment for your level of wear and your existing dental work.
Getting fitted
Two short visits are usually enough.
Recording your teeth
At the first visit, impressions or a digital scan capture the shape of your teeth accurately. A bite record may also be taken to show how your jaws meet. If you are planning crowns, fillings or other dental work soon, ask about timing, so the guard is made afterwards and fits your new restorations properly from the start.
Fitting and adjustment
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks the fit and bite and makes any adjustments needed in the chair. You will learn how to put it in and take it out without bending it. Wear it nightly; it may take a week or two to feel natural. Ask about combining the fitting with another visit from Walsh if that saves you a trip.
Daily care
A cared-for guard lasts longer.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard each morning, brush it gently with a soft brush and cool water or a cleaner recommended by the office, and let it dry before storing it in its ventilated case. Avoid hot water, which can warp the plastic, and keep it away from pets. Do not wear it if it is cracked or has sharp edges, which can irritate your gums.
When to have it checked
Bring your guard to regular checkups so the dentist can check it for wear, cracks and fit. If it becomes loose, tight or uncomfortable, or if your bite feels different in the morning for more than a short while, contact the office for an adjustment. New fillings or crowns may also mean the guard needs updating.
Planning your appointment
Starting from Walsh
Call our Port Dover office to book an exam if you think you grind your teeth. Mention jaw soreness, headaches or chipped teeth so the dentist can assess you properly and plan the visit.
If you have used a guard before, bring it along so the dentist can see the wear pattern and discuss the options.
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 really need a night guard?
Not everyone who grinds needs one. If wear, cracks or jaw symptoms are present, a guard can help protect your teeth from further damage. The dentist will assess your situation before recommending one and explain the reasons clearly.
Will a night guard stop the grinding?
A guard mainly protects your teeth from damage and may ease muscle strain. It does not necessarily stop the habit itself. Managing stress and sleep may also help, and the dentist can suggest other strategies to try alongside the guard.
Is it hard to sleep with a night guard?
It may feel strange for the first few nights. A custom-fitted guard is usually more comfortable than a generic one because it is thinner and more precise. Most people adapt within a week or two of consistent nightly wear.
How do I clean my night guard?
Rinse it each morning, brush gently with a soft brush and cool water, and let it dry before storing it in its case. Avoid hot water and harsh cleaners, which can warp or damage the material and shorten its life.
How long will a night guard last?
It depends on the material and how hard you grind. Some last for years, while heavy grinders may need a replacement sooner. The dentist will check it at your regular visits and let you know when it is time to replace it.
More on grinding and guards
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
Waking with a tight jaw or worn teeth? See how Walsh patients are fitted for a custom night guard in Port Dover and how to keep the appliance clean.
Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, sore jaw muscles or morning headaches? Walsh residents can learn how bruxism is assessed in Port Dover and which protective steps may help.