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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Hockey, soccer or ball season ahead? Jarvis parents can arrange a custom-fitted children’s mouthguard at our Port Dover office and learn how to keep it fitting as kids grow.
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Falls, stray elbows, sticks and balls are part of many youth sports, and the front teeth are often in the way. A properly fitted mouthguard spreads the force of a blow and helps protect teeth, lips and cheeks. The challenge with children is fit: growing mouths and loose baby teeth change quickly.
Families in Jarvis can book a fitting at our Port Dover office for a guard made from their child’s own teeth. Bring the sport and schedule in mind so we can discuss timing and how often the fit should be checked.

Who needs one
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby and martial arts are the obvious examples, but soccer, basketball, baseball and even skateboarding or biking can involve falls or impacts to the face. Some leagues require mouthguards. If you are unsure whether your child’s activity warrants one, ask the dentist during a checkup.
Children with braces, many loose teeth or newly erupted adult teeth may need a different design or more frequent adjustments. Tell the team about orthodontic treatment and any recent dental work. The dentist can explain whether a custom guard is suitable now or whether another option makes more sense for the moment.
Getting fitted
At the first visit, the team records the shape of your child’s teeth using impressions or a scan. The dentist checks the bite and notes any teeth that are loose or coming in. Let your child know they will bite into something soft for a short time, which most kids handle without difficulty.
When the guard is ready, your child tries it on so the fit and comfort can be checked. The edges should not dig into the gums, and your child should be able to breathe and speak reasonably well. Small adjustments can often be made at this visit before it heads to the next practice.
Making it work
Kids are more likely to wear a guard that feels comfortable and that teammates also use. Let your child choose a colour if that option is available, and keep the case in the sports bag. Coaches and parents modelling the habit at every practice and game helps it become automatic rather than a battle.
Watch for complaints that it feels tight, loose or rubs, or if your child starts chewing on it or leaving it out. Lost baby teeth and new adult teeth often change the fit. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can assess whether it still fits or needs replacing.
Care and injuries
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it with a soft brush and cool water. Let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from hot cars, dishwashers and boiling water, which can warp the shape. Replace it if it cracks, develops sharp edges or becomes hard to clean.
If your child takes a hit to the mouth, check for chipped, loose or missing teeth and call the office promptly. A knocked-out adult tooth needs urgent attention. Any head injury, loss of consciousness or trouble breathing requires emergency medical care before dental treatment.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to arrange a fitting, ideally a few weeks before the season begins. Mention the sport, any braces and recent changes to your child’s teeth.
Bring the current guard if your child has one so the team can compare fit and talk about what has or has not worked.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
A custom guard is made from your child’s teeth, which usually means a closer, more comfortable fit. Store-bought guards can offer some protection, but they may be bulky or loose. The dentist can explain the differences for your child.
It depends on how quickly their teeth are changing and how much wear the guard sees. Younger children may need replacements more often. Bring the guard to checkups so the fit can be reviewed.
Yes, but the type of guard matters. Tell the team about the braces so the dentist can recommend an appropriate design that protects the teeth and appliances without interfering with treatment.
Yes. Injuries can happen during practice just as easily as during games. Encouraging consistent use at every session helps it become a habit and offers protection whenever there is a risk of contact.
For an adult tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and call the office right away. Seek emergency care first if there is a head injury, confusion or breathing difficulty.
Hockey, rugby, ball hockey or martial arts? A custom sports guard helps protect teeth and soft tissue. See how Jarvis athletes are fitted and how to maintain the guard.
A child’s knocked tooth, toothache or swollen face can be frightening. Jarvis parents can learn which situations need a hospital and when to call our Port Dover office.
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