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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Nixon
Hockey, soccer or ball season ahead? Nixon parents can learn how a custom children’s mouthguard is fitted, when to replace it as teeth grow and how to clean it.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
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Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonProtect the game-day smile
A well-fitted guard lets kids focus on playing.
Falls, sticks, elbows and stray balls are part of many youth sports. A mouthguard helps cushion the teeth, lips and jaw from impact. The best guard is one your child will actually keep in, which means it should fit comfortably, allow breathing and speaking, and suit the sport they play.
Young athletes from Nixon can be fitted for a custom guard at our Port Dover office. The team will check your child’s teeth, take impressions or scans, and talk about how growth and orthodontic treatment affect fit. Planning ahead of the season avoids a last-minute rush before the first game.
Why custom fit
Children wear guards that feel right.
Comfort encourages consistent use
Bulky or loose guards are often chewed, pulled out or left in the bag. A custom guard follows the shape of your child’s teeth, which usually makes it easier to talk, breathe and drink water during play. When the guard feels natural, children are more likely to wear it every practice, not just on game days.
Matching the guard to the sport
Contact sports like hockey and football carry different risks than soccer, basketball or baseball. Tell the team which sports your child plays and their position if relevant. The guard’s thickness and design can be discussed based on those activities, balancing protection with comfort for long practices. Goalies, catchers and players in tournaments that run all weekend may have different needs worth mentioning.
The fitting visit
A short appointment starts the process.
Checking teeth first
Before a guard is made, the dentist or hygienist looks at your child’s teeth to note loose baby teeth, new adult teeth coming in and any braces. These factors affect how the guard should be shaped. If a cavity or other problem is found, it may be wise to address it before the guard is completed.
Taking impressions or scans
Impressions or digital scans capture the shape of the teeth. Your child will be asked to hold still for a short time, and the team will explain each step. The guard is then fabricated and your child returns to try it on so the fit and comfort can be checked. Small adjustments are sometimes made at that visit.
Growth and braces
Growing mouths need periodic adjustment.
Replacing guards as children grow
As baby teeth fall out and adult teeth arrive, a guard that once fit well can become tight or loose. Many children need a new guard more often than adults. Bring the guard to checkups so the team can assess whether it still fits or whether a replacement should be considered before the next season.
Guards during orthodontic treatment
Braces change the shape of the teeth and move them steadily. Children in orthodontic treatment may need a guard designed to accommodate brackets. Speak with both your dentist and orthodontist about what type of guard suits the treatment stage and how often it might need to be reviewed as the teeth shift during treatment and growth.
Care and storage
A few habits keep the guard hygienic and intact.
Daily cleaning routine
Rinse the guard after each use and brush it gently with cool water and mild soap. Hot water can warp the material, so avoid leaving it in a hot car or near a heater. Let it dry before putting it away to discourage bacteria and odour from building up inside the case. Wash the case itself every so often as well.
Storing it properly
Keep the guard in a ventilated case, not loose in a hockey bag or pocket. Check it for cracks, sharp edges or chewed areas, and replace it if damaged. Teach your child not to share guards with teammates, as this can spread germs and the fit will not suit another mouth. Labelling the case helps it find its way home.
Planning your appointment
Schedule a fitting before the season starts.
Call our Port Dover office to arrange a mouthguard fitting for your child. Mention the sport, any braces and whether teeth are loose or coming in so the visit can be planned appropriately.
Book a few weeks before the first practice so there is time to make the guard and confirm the fit.
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
Questions from sports parents
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?
A guard is worth considering whenever a child plays a sport with a risk of falls or contact. The dentist can advise whether a custom guard is practical given your child’s stage of tooth development.
Are boil-and-bite guards acceptable?
They can offer some protection, but the fit varies and children may find them bulky. A custom guard is designed around your child’s teeth. The team can explain the differences so you can decide what suits your child best.
What should we do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
Find the tooth, hold it by the crown and contact a dentist immediately. For an adult tooth, quick action matters. Do not reinsert a baby tooth. Seek emergency care for head injury or heavy bleeding.
How do I know when the guard needs replacing?
Signs include a loose or tight fit, cracks, holes from chewing or a guard that no longer covers new teeth. A child who suddenly stops wearing it may be telling you it feels wrong. Bring it to dental visits so the team can check it.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and protection is often especially worthwhile with brackets in place, since an impact can injure the lips and cheeks as well as the teeth. A guard suited to orthodontic treatment can be discussed with your dentist and orthodontist, including how often its fit should be reviewed.
Protection and urgent care for young players
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
From hockey to rec-league ball, a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth and lips. Nixon athletes of all ages can learn how guards are made, worn and replaced.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s toothache or mouth injury can be frightening. Nixon parents can learn first steps, when to call 911 and how urgent visits work in Port Dover.