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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Nanticoke
Hockey, soccer or baseball season coming up? Learn how a fitted mouthguard can help protect your Nanticoke child’s teeth and how it is made in Port Dover.
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Caring for Nanticoke patients at our Port Dover office
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A mouthguard that fits is one your child will actually wear.
Falls, sticks, balls and elbows can all lead to chipped or knocked-out teeth, cut lips and jaw injuries. A mouthguard helps cushion those impacts. The challenge with children is that a bulky or loose guard ends up in a pocket rather than in the mouth, so fit and comfort make a real difference to protection.
Families in Nanticoke can arrange a sports mouthguard fitting for their children at our Port Dover office. The team considers the sport, your child’s stage of tooth development and any braces before recommending a guard that suits them.
Choosing a guard
Different guards offer different levels of fit.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your child’s teeth, so it follows the shape of their mouth closely. Many children find it easier to breathe and talk while wearing one, which makes it more likely they will keep it in during play. The dentist can explain the thickness and design suited to their sport.
Store-bought options
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and may be better than nothing, but they can be loose, bulky or uneven. If your child already has one, bring it to the appointment. The dentist can comment on how well it fits and whether a custom option might offer more reliable protection.
Growing mouths
Children’s teeth change, so guards may need updating.
Loose and new teeth
As baby teeth fall out and adult teeth erupt, a guard that fit well last season may no longer sit properly. The dentist may recommend checking or remaking a guard as growth continues. Timing a new guard before the season starts gives your child time to get used to it during practices rather than in a big game.
Braces and appliances
Children with braces or other orthodontic appliances face a higher risk of lip and cheek injuries from impacts. Special guard designs may be suggested to accommodate brackets and shifting teeth. Let the team know about any orthodontic treatment, and coordinate with the orthodontist if adjustments to the appliance are planned.
The fitting visit
Making a custom guard usually takes two visits.
Impressions or scans
At the first appointment the dentist checks your child’s teeth and takes impressions or a digital scan. This is generally quick and painless, though some children find the impression material strange. Let the team know if your child has a strong gag reflex or sensory sensitivities so the process can be explained and paced accordingly.
Collecting and checking fit
When the guard is ready, the fit is checked in the mouth. Your child should be able to close comfortably, breathe and speak. The team can show how to put it in and take it out. If it rubs or feels tight after a few practices, call the office so an adjustment can be arranged.
Caring for it
Simple care keeps the guard clean and effective.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it gently with a soft brush. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it away from hot cars, dishwashers and family pets. Avoid sharing guards between siblings. A labelled case makes it easier to keep track of in a crowded hockey bag or soccer duffel.
Knowing when it is worn out
Check the guard regularly for holes, tears or flattened areas from chewing. A damaged guard offers less protection. Bring it to your child’s checkups so the dentist can look at fit and wear. If a tooth is injured during play despite the guard, call the practice promptly to arrange an assessment.
Planning your appointment
Getting ready for the season from Nanticoke
Call our Port Dover office a few weeks before the season starts so there is time for the guard to be made and fitted. Mention the sport and any braces your child wears.
Bring any existing mouthguard, and let the team know about previous dental injuries or upcoming orthodontic changes.
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
Mouthguards for young players
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Which sports should my child wear a mouthguard for?
Contact and collision sports such as hockey, football, lacrosse and rugby are obvious choices, but basketball, soccer, baseball and skateboarding can also cause dental injuries. Ask the dentist about your child’s particular activities.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and protection is especially important with braces. Specific designs can allow for brackets and tooth movement. Let the team and the orthodontist know so the guard can be planned around the treatment.
How long will a custom guard last?
That depends on growth, chewing habits and how it is cared for. Children may need a new guard as their teeth change. The dentist can check fit at routine visits and advise when a replacement makes sense.
My child chews on the guard. Is that a problem?
Chewing can wear holes and thin areas that reduce protection. Gently discourage it and check the guard often. If it is damaged, bring it in so the team can assess whether it should be replaced.
What should we do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
For a permanent tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk or saliva and seek dental care immediately. Do not replant a baby tooth. Seek emergency medical care for head injury or uncontrolled bleeding.
Protection and injury care for young athletes
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Whether you play rec hockey or weekend ball, a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth. Nanticoke athletes can learn how guards are made at our Port Dover office.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s toothache, injury or facial swelling can worry any parent. Nanticoke families can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover dental office.