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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Forestville
Hockey, soccer, baseball or biking down country roads, kids’ teeth need protection. Forestville families can ask about custom-fitted mouthguards in Port Dover.
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A guard that fits well is one your child will actually wear.
Falls, collisions and stray balls are part of many childhood activities. A mouthguard cushions the teeth, lips and gums against impact and can lower the chance of chipped or knocked-out teeth. The challenge with children is fit and comfort, since a bulky or loose guard often ends up in a gym bag instead of in their mouth.
Forestville families can talk with our Port Dover team about custom-fitted guards for kids involved in sports. The dentist considers your child’s stage of tooth development and activity level and explains how a guard may need to change as they grow and new adult teeth come in.
Who needs one
Protection is worth discussing for many more activities than hockey.
Contact and fast-moving sports
Hockey, football, lacrosse and rugby are the obvious examples, but basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding, gymnastics and martial arts can also lead to dental injuries. Think about how often your child plays and whether falls or contact are common. The dentist can help you decide whether a guard makes sense for each activity your child enjoys.
Kids with braces or loose teeth
Children with braces, spaces from lost baby teeth or newly erupted adult teeth have particular needs. A guard must accommodate brackets or shifting teeth without pressing on them. Let the team know about any orthodontic treatment or recent tooth changes so the guard design can account for them from the start and still feel comfortable.
Types of guards
Each type balances cost, fit and comfort differently.
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards
Store-bought guards come pre-formed or are softened in hot water and shaped by biting. They are widely available, but the fit can be loose or bulky, which may make breathing and talking harder. Some children chew on them or leave them out. They provide some protection, though less tailored than a guard made from a model of the teeth.
Custom-fitted guards from the dental office
A custom guard is made from impressions or a scan of your child’s teeth, giving a closer, more comfortable fit. That often makes it easier to wear for an entire game or practice. The dentist explains the thickness and design that suit the sport and whether the guard will need replacing sooner as the mouth grows.
The fitting process
Two short steps usually take the guard from idea to ready.
Taking impressions or a scan
At the first visit, the dentist examines the teeth and takes impressions or a digital scan. This is usually quick and painless, though some children dislike the texture of impression material. Explaining beforehand that it feels like cool, thick pudding for a minute or two can help them cooperate more easily and stay relaxed in the chair.
Checking the fit before the season
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in so the team can check that it stays in place, does not rub and allows clear breathing. Plan this before the season starts so there is time for adjustments. Bring any sports helmet with a face cage if you want to confirm the guard works with it.
Care and replacement
A clean, well-fitted guard does its job best.
Daily cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with cool water and let it dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and leaving it in a hot car, which can warp the shape. Teach your child not to share guards with teammates, and check regularly for tears, holes or chewed edges that weaken protection.
Knowing when it no longer fits
Growing children often outgrow guards as new teeth arrive. If the guard feels tight, loose or uncomfortable, or if your child stops wearing it, bring it to the next checkup. The dentist can say whether it still fits safely or whether a replacement would provide better protection for the coming season and beyond. A quick check usually settles the question.
Planning your appointment
Arrange a mouthguard fitting from Forestville.
Call our Port Dover office to ask about a custom mouthguard for your child. Mention the sport, the season start date and whether your child wears braces or has loose teeth.
Bring the current guard if your child has one, so the team can compare fit and discuss what may work better.
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
Kids’ mouthguard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?
Whenever they begin playing a sport with a risk of falls, contact or flying objects. Even young children can benefit. The dentist can suggest whether a guard suits their current teeth and activity level before the next season.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, but it needs to fit around the brackets without putting pressure on moving teeth. Talk with the dentist and your orthodontist about the best design during active orthodontic treatment, since the guard may need replacing as teeth shift.
How long does a custom guard last for a child?
It depends on growth and how the guard is treated. Children may need replacements more often as teeth change. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can assess whether it still fits properly and protects well.
My child keeps chewing their guard. What should we do?
Chewing can mean the guard is uncomfortable or too bulky. A better-fitting guard may help. Chewed guards lose protection, so mention the habit at the next visit so the team can look at the fit.
What if my child knocks out a tooth while playing?
Find the tooth, hold it by the crown and call the dental office immediately for guidance. Do not replant a baby tooth. For head injuries or heavy bleeding, seek emergency medical care first and call the dental office afterward.
Related protection for Forestville kids
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Hockey, ball hockey, rugby or mountain biking, a fitted guard helps protect teeth and lips. Forestville athletes can learn about custom guards in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
Toothache, a fall or a knocked-out tooth can rattle any parent. Forestville families can learn first steps and when to call Port Dover or seek medical care.