Night Guards to Protect Teeth and Gums

The daily stresses of life take a great toll on our bodies. Unfortunately, I see many patients who present with damage to their teeth, including chips, cracks, and general wearing down due to teeth grinding and jaw clenching. Even if you don’t think you’re clenching and/or grinding your teeth during the day, it could indeed be happening at night.

Enter: night guards. These will prevent tooth damage and protect your investment for years to come, lessening your chance of expensive dental treatment and procedures needed.

What is a Night Guard?

Night guards are retainer-like soft or hard plastic pieces that cover either the top or bottom set of teeth. Night guards are popular treatments for sleep teeth grinding and clenching (also known as sleep bruxism). They cushion your teeth from the force of clenching and grinding and prevent the teeth from grinding together, helping to prevent headaches, damaged teeth, and inflamed gums.

Night guards can also be called mouth guards, occlusal guards, dental guards, bite splints, or nocturnal bite plates.

Signs of Teeth Grinding and Clenching

There are a few signs and symptoms to keep an eye out for if you suspect you grind or clench your teeth at night.

Here are a few:

A headache upon waking up
Sore or tight jaw or facial muscles
Chipped teeth
A feeling of “loose” teeth
Discomfort when chewing

At Bogart Dental our dentists and hygienists are trained to look for signs of teeth grinding (bruxism) at your routine appointments. If they suspect any damage from nightly grinding and clenching, they will likely recommend a mouth guard or night guard to wear while sleeping.

Types of Night Guards

There are two main types of night guards. The more common but less effective option is to purchase a “boil and bite” guard from an online retailer or drug store. With this option, you’ll place the mouth guard in hot water for some time to soften it up, then place it in your mouth and bite down to create an impression of your teeth. These guards are typically thick and bulky, often forcing the jaw into an uncomfortable position. Patient compliance is very low with most patients not using these successfully.

The second and more effective option is to have your dentist create a custom night guard at our clinic. Customized guards tend to be of higher quality than drug store guards and are custom-made to your teeth. With this option, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send the mold to a dental laboratory where they will create a custom-fitted night guard just for you. Before sending you home with your new night guard, your dentist will ensure the fit and make any necessary adjustments. Overall, a custom night guard will fit you better and provide optimal protection throughout the night They are also rated very high in effectiveness by patients.

Give us a call at 647-955-3235 to book a free consultation to see if a mouth guard/night guard would be beneficial for you. At Bogart Dental Clinic we provide safe, soothing, affordable dentistry in the Scarborough area.

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What to Do if You Chip a Tooth?

By Elizabet Uzel • July 21, 2026

A chipped tooth can happen when you least expect it. Whether you bit into something hard, suffered a sports injury, or experienced an accidental fall, seeing a piece of your tooth break off can be alarming. The good news is that many chipped teeth can be repaired quickly and effectively with modern dental treatments. If you've chipped a tooth, knowing what to do next can help reduce discomfort and protect your smile until you can visit your dentist. Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Damage Not every chipped tooth is a dental emergency. Some chips are small and only affect the outer enamel, while others expose deeper layers of the tooth and require immediate care. Take a look at the affected tooth in a mirror if possible. If you notice severe pain, significant bleeding, or a large portion of the tooth has broken off, contact your dentist as soon as possible. Step 2: Rinse Your Mouth Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris and help keep the area clean. If the injury caused bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean piece of gauze until it stops. Step 3: Save Any Broken Pieces If you can find the chipped fragment, carefully pick it up and store it in a clean container or a small amount of milk. While it's not always possible to reattach the piece, bringing it to your dental appointment gives your dentist the opportunity to determine whether it can be used during treatment. Step 4: Protect the Tooth A chipped tooth may have sharp edges that can irritate your tongue, lips, or cheeks. If needed, cover the rough edge with temporary dental wax, available at most pharmacies, until you can see your dentist. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth and stick to soft foods until the tooth has been evaluated. Step 5: Manage Discomfort If you're experiencing pain or sensitivity, consider: Taking an over-the-counter pain reliever as directed. Applying a cold compress to the outside of your cheek for 10–15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling. Avoiding extremely hot, cold, sugary, or acidic foods and beverages that may trigger sensitivity. When Should You See a Dentist? Even if the chip seems minor, it's important to schedule a dental examination. A small crack can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of further damage or decay if left untreated. Seek prompt dental care if you experience: Severe or persistent tooth pain Sensitivity that doesn't improve A large piece of the tooth has broken off The tooth appears cracked down to the gumline Swelling, bleeding, or signs of infection Difficulty biting or chewing How Dentists Repair Chipped Teeth The best treatment depends on the size and location of the chip. Your dentist may recommend one of the following options: Dental Bonding For small chips, tooth-coloured composite resin can be carefully shaped and polished to restore the tooth's natural appearance. Dental bonding is often completed in a single visit. Dental Veneers If the chip affects a front tooth or involves cosmetic concerns, a porcelain veneer may be recommended to restore both appearance and strength. Dental Crowns For larger fractures that weaken the tooth, a dental crown provides full coverage and protection while restoring function. Root Canal Treatment If the chip exposes the tooth's nerve or causes significant damage to the pulp, root canal therapy may be necessary before restoring the tooth with a crown. Can a Chipped Tooth Heal on Its Own? Unlike other parts of your body, tooth enamel does not regenerate. A chipped tooth won't repair itself, even if it doesn't hurt. That's why prompt dental care is important to prevent further damage and maintain your oral health. Tips to Prevent Chipped Teeth While accidents can't always be avoided, you can reduce your risk by: Wearing a mouthguard during contact sports. Avoiding chewing on ice, hard candies, or popcorn kernels. Never using your teeth to open packages or bottles. Wearing a nightguard if you grind or clench your teeth. Visiting your dentist regularly for preventive care and early detection of weakened teeth. Don't Ignore a Chipped Tooth A chipped tooth may seem like a minor inconvenience, but delaying treatment can lead to bigger dental problems. Early evaluation allows your dentist to recommend the most conservative and effective treatment, helping you preserve your natural tooth and avoid more extensive procedures later. If you've chipped a tooth, contact our dental team as soon as possible. We're here to provide prompt, compassionate care and restore your smile with treatment tailored to your needs. At Bogart Dental we offer only what you need dentistry in Scarborough. Call us today at 416-222-82-96 for a general review to discuss the best procedure for you.