Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Boston
From hockey to soccer, a well-fitted mouthguard helps protect young teeth. Boston families can arrange a custom fitting at our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsGame-day protection
A mouthguard that fits well is one a child will actually wear.
Rural kids are often busy with arena hockey, school sports, ball diamonds and backyard games. Falls, sticks, elbows and pucks can all reach the mouth. A mouthguard cushions the teeth and soft tissues, but it only helps if it stays in place and is comfortable enough that your child keeps it in.
Boston families can arrange a sports mouthguard fitting at our Port Dover office. Tell the team which sports your child plays, whether they wear braces or have loose baby teeth, and the team can explain what type of guard would suit them best this season.
Why it matters
Mouth injuries in sport are common and often preventable.
Injuries a guard helps reduce
A guard spreads the force of a blow across the teeth and helps protect lips, cheeks and tongue from cuts. It may lessen the chance of chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth. No guard can prevent every injury, but wearing one consistently at practices as well as games gives growing teeth a meaningful layer of protection during play.
Sports where it is worth considering
Contact sports like hockey, football, lacrosse and rugby are obvious candidates, but basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding and martial arts also carry risk. If your child plays any sport where falls, collisions or flying balls are common, ask the dentist whether a mouthguard would be sensible for that particular activity, position and level of play this year.
Choosing a guard
Fit, comfort and a child’s stage of growth all count.
Store-bought versus custom
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and may be better than nothing. A custom guard is made from impressions or a scan of your child’s teeth, so it tends to fit more closely and feel less bulky. Many children find a better fit makes it easier to breathe, talk to teammates and stay focused on the game.
Guards for braces and changing teeth
Children with braces need a guard that allows for brackets and wires, and the team can advise on suitable options. Because children lose baby teeth and grow quickly, a guard may need replacing as their mouth changes. Ask how often a refit is likely to be needed for your child’s age and stage of tooth development.
The fitting
Making a custom guard is a straightforward process.
Taking impressions or a scan
At the first appointment, the team records the shape of your child’s teeth, usually with an impression or digital scan. The process is quick and not painful, though some children find the impression material a little strange in taste or texture. A short explanation beforehand helps them know what to expect and cooperate comfortably in the chair.
Trying it on and adjusting
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in so the fit can be checked. It should feel snug without pinching gums or making the child gag. The team will show how to put it in and take it out, and can make adjustments on the spot if any area rubs, feels too tight or makes speaking difficult.
Looking after it
A clean, intact guard protects better and lasts longer.
Daily cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after every use and clean it gently with a soft brush and cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it away from hot car dashboards, which can warp it. Remind children not to chew on it between plays or share it with teammates, since that spreads germs and damages the fit.
Signs it needs replacing
Check the guard regularly for cracks, holes or rough edges. If it feels loose, your child complains of discomfort or new teeth have come in since it was made, it may no longer fit properly. Bring it to dental checkups so the team can inspect it and let you know whether a replacement is advisable before the next season.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a fitting from Boston
Call our Port Dover office to book a mouthguard fitting for your child. Mention their sports, when the season starts and whether they wear braces, so the team can plan the timing ahead of the first game.
If your child already has a guard, bring it along so the team can compare the fit and discuss whether a custom version would help.
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
Mouthguard questions from parents
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Does my child need a mouthguard for non-contact sports?
Many non-contact sports still involve falls or accidental collisions, and basketball, soccer and skateboarding are common examples. The dentist can help you decide whether a guard is sensible for the specific activities your child enjoys and how often they play.
Can children with braces wear a mouthguard?
Yes, and protection can be especially important with braces, since brackets can cut the lips during an impact. A guard designed to accommodate braces is needed rather than a standard one. Ask the team about suitable options for your child.
How long does a child’s mouthguard last?
It depends on growth, tooth changes and wear. As children lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth, a guard may stop fitting well within a season or two. Bring it to checkups so the team can assess when a replacement is needed.
My child says the guard is uncomfortable. What should I do?
Contact the office. A custom guard can often be adjusted if it rubs or feels too tight. A guard that is uncomfortable is much less likely to be worn during play, so it is worth having the fit checked rather than giving up on it.
What should we do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
Find the tooth, hold it by the crown rather than the root, keep it moist in milk and contact a dentist immediately. For a serious head injury, confusion or heavy bleeding, seek emergency medical care first before thinking about the tooth.
Protection and urgent care for young athletes
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Rec league, school team or weekend pickup game, a custom sports guard helps cushion teeth from impact. Boston athletes can be fitted in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s knocked tooth or sudden toothache can be frightening. Boston parents can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover office or hospital.