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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Night Guards for Teeth Grinding in Windham Centre
Waking with sore teeth or a tight jaw? Windham Centre patients can learn how night guards protect enamel from grinding and what fitting involves in Port Dover.
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Care for Windham Centre families at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Windham CentreGuard against wear
Stop grinding from quietly wearing your teeth down.
Grinding during sleep can wear enamel, chip edges, crack fillings and leave jaw muscles aching by morning. Many people have no idea they grind until damage appears or a partner mentions the noise. A night guard places a protective layer between the upper and lower teeth, absorbing pressure and reducing direct tooth-to-tooth contact while you sleep.
If you are in Windham Centre and suspect you grind at night, our Port Dover dentists can look for signs of wear and discuss whether a night guard would help. The process is straightforward and usually involves one appointment to record your teeth and a second to fit the finished guard.
Recognising grinding
Clues often appear before major damage.
What you might feel
Morning jaw tightness, dull headaches, sore teeth, sensitivity and a tired feeling in the face are all common. Some people also wake with tension in the neck or shoulders. If a partner hears grinding or clenching sounds at night, that is a strong clue. Note when your symptoms occur and whether stress or poor sleep seems to make them noticeably worse.
What the dentist might see
The dentist may notice flattened biting surfaces, chipped or cracked enamel, unusual wear on fillings and crowns, or small notches near the gumline. Enlarged jaw muscles or ridges along the cheeks and tongue may also suggest clenching. Comparing the wear seen today with earlier records helps confirm whether there is an ongoing pattern worth protecting against.
Choosing a guard
Fit affects comfort and protection.
Custom-fitted guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your own teeth, so they fit snugly and are typically thinner and more comfortable to sleep in. The dentist can choose a material and thickness based on how heavily you grind and whether you have jaw symptoms. A guard that fits well and feels comfortable is far more likely to be worn every night.
Store-bought options
Over-the-counter guards cost less but are often bulky and loose. A poor fit can make them uncomfortable or less effective, and many people end up leaving them in a drawer. The dentist can explain the practical differences between the two so you can make an informed choice that suits both your symptoms and your budget.
Getting fitted
Two short visits usually complete the process.
Exam and impressions
At the first appointment, the dentist examines your teeth, jaw muscles and joints and asks about your symptoms and sleep. Impressions or a digital scan are taken, along with a bite record that shows how your teeth come together. The guard is then made to these measurements, and the dentist will explain the type of material chosen and why it suits you.
Fitting and instructions
At the fitting visit, the dentist checks how the guard seats on your teeth and how your bite meets it, making adjustments so it sits evenly and comfortably. You will learn how to put it in, take it out and clean it. Expect a short adjustment period as you get used to sleeping with the guard in place, which usually passes within days.
Living with it
Good care keeps the guard effective.
Daily cleaning
Each morning, rinse the guard and brush it gently with cool water and a soft toothbrush, then let it dry before storing it in its ventilated case. Avoid hot water and direct sunlight, both of which can warp the material. Keep the case somewhere pets cannot reach, as dogs are often drawn to guards. Clean the case itself regularly too.
When to check or replace
Bring the guard to your checkups so the dentist can inspect it for wear, thinning or cracks. Replace it if it becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable, or after dental work that changes the shape of your teeth. Report persistent jaw pain or headaches despite wearing the guard, as these may call for further evaluation of the jaw or sleep.
Planning your appointment
Protect your teeth while you sleep.
Call our Port Dover office to arrange a night guard assessment. Windham Centre patients can mention jaw soreness, headaches, worn teeth or reports of grinding when booking, so the dentist knows what to look for.
Bring an existing guard if you have one, along with notes about when your symptoms occur and whether they are getting worse.
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.
Will I get used to sleeping with a guard?
Most people adapt within a few nights to a couple of weeks. Some notice extra saliva or mild pressure at first. If discomfort persists beyond that, the dentist can check and adjust the fit so it feels more natural.
Can a night guard help headaches?
If your headaches are linked to grinding or clenching, a guard may reduce muscle strain and ease symptoms. Persistent or severe headaches should also be discussed with your physician to rule out other possible causes.
How long does a night guard last?
It depends largely on how heavily you grind. Some guards last several years, while others wear through sooner. Regular inspection at checkups helps decide when a replacement is actually needed rather than guessing at the timing.
Is grinding linked to sleep apnea?
Grinding can be associated with sleep-disordered breathing in some people. If you snore loudly or wake unrefreshed, mention it to the dentist. They may recommend a sleep assessment with your physician before or alongside a guard.
Can children wear night guards?
Children’s mouths are still growing, so guards are not always recommended for them. The dentist will assess your child’s teeth, the amount of wear and their stage of development, then advise whether protection is appropriate.
More grinding and jaw resources
General Dentistry →Custom Night Guards →
A custom night guard can cushion teeth from overnight grinding. See how Windham Centre patients are measured, fitted and followed up for one in Port Dover.
Bruxism Treatment →
Worn edges, sore jaw muscles or morning headaches can point to bruxism. See how Windham Centre patients have grinding assessed and managed in Port Dover.