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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Langton
Hockey, soccer or games in the yard, a well-fitted guard protects young teeth. Langton parents can ask about guards suited to a growing mouth in Port Dover.
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A guard that fits well is one your child will actually wear.
Falls, sticks, balls and elbows can chip front teeth, cut lips or knock teeth out of position. A mouthguard spreads the force of a blow and cushions the teeth and soft tissues. The best guard is one that stays in place, allows your child to breathe and talk, and is comfortable enough to keep in for the whole game.
Children from Langton who play organized sports or simply spend a lot of time active outdoors can be fitted for a guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will consider the child’s age, which teeth are changing and any braces before recommending a style.
Who needs one
Any activity with falls or flying objects can injure teeth.
Contact and collision sports
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, martial arts and boxing all carry an obvious risk to the mouth, and some leagues require guards for every player. Even when they are optional, the protection is worthwhile, especially for children whose front teeth stick out a little or whose adult incisors have recently come in and are still developing their roots.
Other activities with risk
Basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding, biking and trampoline play can also lead to dental injuries. Children who ride horses or climb around barns and hay bales may face falls as well. Ask the dentist whether a guard makes sense for your child’s particular activities, how often they take part and whether a single guard can serve more than one sport.
Types of guards
Fit and comfort vary a great deal between guard types.
Stock and boil-and-bite
Stock guards are ready-made and inexpensive but are often loose and bulky, so children may chew them or pull them out between plays. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped at home. They fit better than stock guards, though results depend on how carefully they are moulded, and they can become thin in spots after repeated biting.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth. It tends to fit snugly, stay put and allow easier speaking and breathing during play. Because children’s mouths change, a custom guard may need to be remade as teeth come in or shift. The dentist can advise on timing so the guard keeps pace with growth.
Getting fitted
A short appointment captures the shape of the teeth.
Impressions or scans
The dentist or assistant takes an impression or digital scan of the upper teeth, and sometimes both arches. The child will need to sit still for a few minutes, which most handle well with a simple explanation of what is happening. Let the team know about gagging or sensory sensitivities so they can adjust the approach for your child.
Checking fit and comfort
When the guard is ready, the team checks that it covers the right teeth, does not dig into the gums and lets the child close comfortably. Your child should practise talking and drinking with it in place before the first game. If anything feels sore or loose in the following days, call the office so it can be adjusted.
Care and replacement
Simple habits make a guard last the season.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and brush it gently with cool water and mild soap. Store it in a ventilated case, away from hot car dashboards and pets that may chew it. Avoid sharing guards between siblings or teammates. Bring it to dental checkups so the dentist can examine the surface, check for wear and confirm that it still fits well.
Knowing when it no longer fits
Growing children often need a new guard as baby teeth are lost and adult teeth arrive. Replace a guard that is cracked, torn, bitten through or no longer snaps into place. A guard that does not fit properly gives less protection and is far more likely to be left in the equipment bag or on the bench.
Planning your appointment
Fit a guard before the next season.
Call our Port Dover office to arrange a mouthguard fitting for your child. Mention the sports they play, whether they wear braces and when the season begins, so the guard can be ready in good time.
If your child already has a guard, bring it along so the team can check whether it still fits and offers good coverage.
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?
Any child playing contact sports or activities with a risk of falls can benefit, even with baby teeth. Protection becomes especially important as adult front teeth come in. The dentist can recommend a suitable type based on age and activity.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and protection matters because brackets can cut the lips during an impact. Special guards are designed to accommodate braces while teeth are moving. Speak with the dentist or orthodontist about the best option for your child’s stage of treatment.
How often will a custom guard need replacing?
It depends on growth and wear. Children who are losing baby teeth or getting new molars may need a new guard more often than teenagers whose teeth have settled. Bring the guard to checkups so its fit can be reviewed.
Should guards be worn during practice too?
Yes. Injuries happen in practice as often as in games. Wearing the guard every time also helps children get used to it, so it feels natural rather than awkward. Encourage the habit from the very first practice of the season.
What if my child injures a tooth while playing?
Call the office promptly and describe the injury. For a knocked-out adult tooth, seek urgent dental care right away. Head injuries, breathing trouble or heavy bleeding need emergency medical attention first, before any dental appointment is arranged.
Injury prevention and urgent care
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
A well-fitted sports guard helps protect teeth, lips and jaws during play. Langton athletes of any age can learn about guard types, fitting and replacement.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s toothache, swelling or dental injury can be frightening. Langton parents can learn what to do first and when to seek emergency medical care.