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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Glen Meyer
Hockey, soccer, ball or biking, a well-fitted mouthguard helps protect young teeth. Glen Meyer families can discuss custom guards and refits as children grow.
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Seeing patients from Glen Meyer and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
Browse all dental services for Glen MeyerProtect the game-day smile
A guard only helps if your child will actually wear it.
Falls, collisions, sticks and balls can chip, loosen or knock out teeth, and permanent front teeth are especially exposed during childhood sports. A mouthguard cushions impact and can reduce the chance of injury to teeth, lips and cheeks. Comfort and fit strongly influence whether a child keeps it in.
Children from Glen Meyer often play on teams in towns across Norfolk County, and a guard that fits well can travel with them to every practice and game. At our Port Dover office, the team can discuss whether a custom-fitted guard suits your child and how often it may need replacing.
Who needs one
Risk is not limited to hockey and football.
Contact and non-contact activities
Contact sports carry obvious risk, but basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding and cycling can also lead to mouth injuries. Consider how often your child plays, the position they play and whether they have had a previous dental injury. These factors help you and the dentist judge how important a guard is and which type would make the most sense.
Braces and changing teeth
Children with braces or other orthodontic appliances may need a guard designed to accommodate the brackets and wires. Kids who are losing baby teeth while adult teeth come in will see their mouths change quickly over a season or two. Mention these details so the recommendation reflects your child’s current stage of development rather than last year’s.
Comparing types
The best guard balances protection, comfort and breathing.
Store-bought guards
Stock and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and are better than wearing nothing. However, they may feel bulky, loosen during play or make speaking and breathing harder, which leads some children to chew on them or leave them in the equipment bag. Bring the one your child uses now so the dentist can look at how it fits.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your child’s teeth, aiming for a closer fit and more consistent coverage. Ask about thickness and material in relation to your child’s sport and level of play. The dentist can explain whether a custom guard is likely to offer a meaningful advantage for your child compared with a store-bought one.
Getting fitted
Fitting usually takes more than one short step.
Taking impressions or scans
The team records the shape of your child’s upper teeth and how they bite together. This part is generally quick and painless, though some children dislike the texture or taste of impression material. Let the team know beforehand if your child has a strong gag reflex or sensory sensitivities so they can plan the appointment to keep it as easy as possible.
Trying the guard and adjusting it
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in at the office. It should stay in place without being clenched and still allow speaking and breathing. Encourage them to say honestly whether it rubs or feels loose, because small adjustments may help a great deal. Ask the team to show both of you how to place and remove it properly.
Care and replacement
A clean guard in a vented case lasts longer.
Cleaning and storing the guard
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it gently as instructed. Store it in a ventilated case away from heat, such as a hot car on a summer afternoon or a sunny windowsill, which can warp the material. Remind children not to chew on it or share it with teammates, since both habits damage the guard and spread germs.
Knowing when a refit is needed
Growing jaws and new teeth change the fit over time. If the guard starts to feel tight or loose, or develops holes or tears, bring it to the next checkup for a look. Many children need a new guard as they grow. Replacing a poorly fitting one keeps it genuinely protective rather than just something they carry to games.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard before the season starts
Call our Port Dover office a few weeks before your child’s season begins and mention their sport and whether they wear braces. The team can explain the fitting steps and how long it usually takes.
Bring any guard your child currently uses, and ask whether the fitting appointment can be combined with a regular checkup to save a trip.
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.
At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?
Any child playing a sport with a real risk of falls or impact may benefit from one. The dentist can advise based on your child’s activities and teeth. Building the habit early often makes it easier for kids to keep wearing a guard as they grow.
Can a mouthguard be worn with braces?
Yes, but the type of guard matters. Some designs are made to fit over brackets and allow for tooth movement. Ask the dentist or orthodontist which option is appropriate so the guard protects your child without interfering with their orthodontic treatment.
How long does a child’s mouthguard last?
It depends on growth, wear and how well the guard is looked after. Many children need a replacement as their teeth and jaws change. Bring the guard along to checkups so its fit and condition can be reviewed and a refit suggested when needed.
My child complains the guard makes it hard to breathe. What can we do?
A guard that is too bulky or poorly fitted can feel restrictive. Ask whether a better-fitting design would help. Comfort matters, because a child is far more likely to keep wearing a guard that feels secure and easy to breathe and talk through.
What should we do if a tooth is injured during a game?
Call the dental office promptly and describe the injury. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, seek immediate professional guidance. Seek emergency medical care first for a serious head injury, heavy bleeding that will not stop or any difficulty breathing.
Protection and injury care
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Hockey, ball, rugby or mountain biking, a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth from impact. Glen Meyer athletes can learn about options, fit and replacement.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
Toothache, swelling or a knocked tooth can frighten a child and parent alike. Glen Meyer families can learn what to do first and when to call our office.