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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in La Salette
Young La Salette athletes can be fitted for a custom sports mouthguard in Port Dover. Learn how fit is checked, why growth matters and when to replace it.
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Caring for La Salette patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for La SaletteGame-day protection
A guard only protects well if your child will actually wear it.
Hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts and even backyard games can lead to knocks to the mouth. A well-fitting mouthguard helps cushion blows that might otherwise chip, loosen or knock out teeth. Comfort is key, because a bulky or loose guard often ends up in a bag rather than in the mouth.
Children from La Salette can be fitted for a custom guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will consider your child’s sport, stage of tooth development and any braces or orthodontic plans before recommending a design that suits them.
Why fit matters
Kids are more likely to keep in a guard that feels right.
Comfort encourages consistent use
A custom guard is shaped from impressions or scans of your child’s teeth, so it tends to stay in place without constant clenching. That makes talking, breathing and drinking water on the sidelines easier. Children who find their guard comfortable are much more likely to wear it for every practice as well as every game.
Store-bought guards and their limits
Boil-and-bite and stock guards are widely available and better than nothing, but they can be loose, thick or uneven. Some children chew them or leave them out because they feel awkward. The dentist can explain the differences so you can make an informed choice for your child’s sport and budget.
Growing mouths
A child’s mouth changes faster than an adult’s.
Baby teeth falling out and adults arriving
Between roughly six and twelve, children are losing baby teeth and gaining permanent ones, which changes how a guard fits. The dentist may suggest a design that allows for some eruption or recommend checking fit more often during these years. Expect that a guard may need replacing as your child grows.
Braces and orthodontic considerations
Children with braces or other orthodontic appliances still need protection, and sometimes more of it, since brackets can injure the lips and cheeks. Let the dentist know about any current or planned orthodontic treatment. A guard suitable for appliances may be recommended, and your orthodontist’s input can also be helpful.
The fitting
Making a custom guard usually involves a couple of steps.
Impressions and choosing a design
At the first visit, the team takes impressions or a digital scan of your child’s teeth and talks about the sport, level of contact and any colour preferences. Children often enjoy choosing a colour, which can make them more invested in wearing the guard. The guard is then made to match the record taken.
Trying the guard and checking comfort
When it is ready, your child tries it in so the dentist can check the edges, bite and retention. Ask your child to talk and swallow with it in place. Small adjustments can usually improve comfort. You will receive guidance on wearing it consistently and recognizing when the fit is no longer right.
Care and replacement
A guard lasts longer when it is kept clean and protected.
Clean, dry and store the guard properly
Rinse the guard after each use, clean it gently with a toothbrush and cool water, and let it dry before putting it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, such as a hot car or direct sun, which can warp the material. Bring it to checkups so the team can inspect it.
Recognize when it needs replacing
Replace the guard if it becomes loose, cracked, chewed through or uncomfortable, or after significant changes in your child’s teeth. If your child takes a hit to the mouth while playing, have the teeth checked even if they look fine. Some injuries are not obvious right away.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard for a La Salette athlete.
Book a sports guard appointment at our Port Dover office and mention your child’s sport and season dates. Allow time for the guard to be made before play begins.
Let the team know about braces, recent dental injuries or loose baby teeth so the design can account for them.
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.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Any sport with a risk of falls, contact or flying objects can injure the teeth. Hockey, lacrosse, football, soccer, basketball and martial arts are common examples. The dentist can discuss your child’s activity and level of risk.
Is a custom mouthguard better than a store-bought one?
Custom guards usually fit more closely and comfortably, which encourages children to wear them. Store-bought guards still offer some protection. The dentist can help you weigh fit, comfort and cost for your child.
How often will my child need a new guard?
Children may need replacements more often than adults because their teeth and jaws are changing. Replace the guard when it feels loose, tight or damaged, and have the fit checked at regular dental visits.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and protection is often especially important with brackets. A guard suited to orthodontic appliances may be recommended. Tell the dentist about your child’s orthodontic treatment so the right design is chosen.
What should we do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
For a permanent tooth, seek professional guidance immediately and keep the tooth moist. Do not replant a baby tooth. Call 911 or go to emergency for a serious head injury or uncontrolled bleeding.
Protecting active kids’ teeth
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Adult and teen athletes in La Salette can be fitted for a custom sports guard in Port Dover. Learn how fit affects protection, comfort and breathing.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
When a La Salette child has a toothache, swelling or mouth injury, learn which signs need 911, what to do on the way and how to reach our Port Dover team.