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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Hagersville
Hockey, soccer or lacrosse in Hagersville? Learn how a properly fitted children’s sports mouthguard is made and cared for through our Port Dover office.
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A guard only protects well when it fits and gets worn.
Children in contact and fast-moving sports risk chipped, loosened or knocked-out teeth, as well as cuts to the lips and cheeks. A mouthguard absorbs and spreads the force of a blow. The catch is that young athletes will only keep wearing one that feels comfortable and lets them breathe and talk.
Hagersville families can arrange a custom-fitted guard through our Port Dover office. Ideally, plan the visit a few weeks before the season begins, so the guard is ready when practices and tournaments start. A quick check of your child’s teeth is part of the fitting.
Who needs one
Protection is worth considering for many youth sports.
Activities where guards help
Hockey, lacrosse, football, rugby, martial arts and boxing carry obvious risk, but basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding and cycling also lead to dental injuries. Some leagues require guards, while others simply recommend them. If your child plays more than one sport, the same guard can often be used if it fits well.
Considering braces and changing teeth
Children’s mouths change quickly as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth arrive. A guard may need replacing more often than an adult’s. If your child wears braces or another appliance, tell the dentist, because the guard design needs to allow for brackets and planned tooth movement while still protecting the teeth and lips.
Types of guard
Not all mouthguards offer the same fit or comfort.
Store-bought guards
Stock and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and better than no protection at all. However, they can be bulky, loose or hard to keep in place, which tempts kids to chew on them or leave them on the bench. Fit tends to vary, and thin areas formed during moulding may offer less protection than expected.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth, so it follows their shape closely. Thickness can be planned for the sport, and a snug fit usually makes speaking and breathing easier. The dentist checks it in the mouth and adjusts any rough or tight areas before it goes home.
Making the guard
Getting a custom guard usually takes two short steps.
The fitting appointment
At the first visit, the dentist examines your child’s teeth and records their shape with an impression or digital scan. This is a good moment to mention the sports played, the colours your child prefers and whether a strap is needed for a helmet. Ask how long fabrication is likely to take so you can plan around the season.
Picking it up
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in. The dentist checks that it seats properly, covers the right teeth and does not press on the gums. Your child should practise talking and drinking with it. If anything pinches during the first few practices, call the office so it can be adjusted.
Care and replacement
A clean, intact guard is a guard that keeps working.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after every use and brush it gently with cool water. Store it in a vented case and keep it out of hot cars or near heaters, since heat can warp the shape. Teach your child not to chew on it or share it with teammates. Bring it to checkups so the fit can be reviewed.
When to replace it
Replace the guard if it cracks, tears, becomes loose or no longer seats fully, and expect to replace it more often while adult teeth are coming in. If your child takes a blow to the mouth, check for damage to both teeth and guard. Contact the office promptly about any loose, chipped or knocked-out tooth.
Planning your appointment
Before the season starts in Hagersville.
Call our Port Dover office to book a fitting, mentioning your child’s sports, schedule and any braces. Booking early leaves time for the guard to be made and adjusted before games begin.
If your child has an existing guard, bring it along. A note of league requirements for colour or strap attachments can also be useful.
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 wear a mouthguard?
Whenever they play a sport with a risk of falls, contact or flying equipment. Even young children in organized sports can benefit. The dentist can suggest whether a custom guard or another option suits their age and stage of tooth development.
Can a guard be worn with braces?
Yes, but it needs to be designed with the braces in mind. Tell the dentist and your orthodontist that your child plays sports. The guard should protect the teeth and lips without interfering with tooth movement during orthodontic treatment.
How long does a children’s guard last?
It depends on growth, wear and care. Because teeth change quickly, many children need a new guard more often than adults, sometimes each season. Have it checked at regular exams and replace it if it no longer fits snugly.
Does a guard protect against concussion?
A mouthguard is designed to protect the teeth and soft tissues. It should not be relied on to prevent concussion. Follow your league’s helmet and head-injury guidelines, and seek medical care for any suspected head injury.
What if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
For a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty, and try to replant it or keep it in milk, then call right away. Do not replant a baby tooth. Seek emergency care for head injury or heavy bleeding.
More ways to protect young smiles
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
A properly fitted sports guard helps protect teeth, lips and jaws during play. Hagersville athletes can learn about custom guards and how to care for them.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
Toothache, a fall or a knocked-out tooth can frighten parents. Hagersville families can learn first steps, warning signs and when to call our Port Dover office.