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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Normandale
A well-fitted mouthguard can help protect young athletes. Normandale parents can learn about custom guards, fit checks and replacements at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Normandale residents and seasonal visitors at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NormandaleProtection for young players
The best mouthguard is one your child will actually keep in.
Hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts and even skateboarding can bring knocks to the face. A mouthguard helps cushion blows that might otherwise chip, loosen or knock out teeth and injure the lips and cheeks. Comfort matters, because a guard that feels bulky or makes talking difficult often ends up in a bag instead of in the mouth.
Normandale families can book a mouthguard visit at our Port Dover office ahead of a new season. The team checks your child’s teeth, explains the guard options and takes the records needed for a custom fit when that is the chosen route.
Choosing a guard
Different guards offer different levels of fit.
Ready-made and boil-and-bite
Stock guards come in set sizes and are worn straight from the package, while boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home. Both are widely available and better than no protection. However, they can feel loose or bulky, and some children find they interfere with breathing or speaking during play.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your child’s teeth, so it follows their individual shape. Many athletes find a close fit more comfortable and easier to keep in place. The dentist can explain the thickness and design suited to the sport and your child’s stage of tooth development.
The fitting visit
A short visit gathers what is needed for a good fit.
Checking teeth before records are taken
The dentist first looks for loose baby teeth, new adult teeth and any orthodontic appliances, since these affect timing and design. Impressions or a digital scan capture the shape of the upper teeth. If your child has braces, ask about guard options that accommodate the brackets and planned tooth movement.
Trying the finished guard
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in so the fit can be checked and adjusted. They should be able to close comfortably, breathe easily and speak reasonably clearly. The team will show how to insert, remove and clean it, and explain what to do if it starts to feel tight.
Growing children
As teeth change, the guard may need to change too.
Why guards need rechecking
Children lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth throughout the elementary and early teen years. Each change can alter how a guard fits. Bringing the guard to regular checkups lets the dentist confirm it still covers and protects the teeth properly, and identify when an update would be sensible.
Signs it is time for a new one
Replace a guard that is torn, chewed through, warped or no longer snaps into place. If your child complains it hurts, pinches the gums or falls out during play, have it looked at. A guard that does not fit well offers less protection and is less likely to be worn consistently.
Care and injuries
Simple habits keep the guard hygienic and ready.
Keeping the guard clean
Rinse the guard after each use, clean it gently with a toothbrush and cool water, and let it air-dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, car dashboards and sunny windowsills, which can distort the shape. Encourage children not to chew on the guard or share it with teammates.
What to do if a tooth is injured
Even with a guard, injuries can happen. If a tooth is chipped, loosened or knocked out, call the office promptly for advice. For a knocked-out adult tooth, time matters. Any head injury, loss of consciousness or trouble breathing needs immediate emergency medical attention first.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a mouthguard for your Normandale athlete
Call our Port Dover office a few weeks before the season begins so there is time for records and fitting. Mention the sport, your child’s age and whether they wear braces.
Bring any old guard your child has used, so the team can compare fit and talk about what did or did not work.
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 call for a mouthguard?
Contact and collision sports are the obvious ones, but any activity with a risk of falls or flying objects can justify protection. Ask the dentist about your child’s particular sport and level of play.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, though the design may differ. The dentist can recommend a guard that accommodates brackets and allows for tooth movement. Let the team know about your child’s orthodontic treatment when booking.
How long does a custom guard last?
It depends on growth, wear and how it is cared for. Children often need replacements as their teeth change. Bring the guard to checkups so the fit can be assessed regularly.
My child says the guard makes it hard to talk. What can help?
A closer-fitting guard may reduce bulk. Practising wearing it at home can also help children adjust. If it remains uncomfortable, the team can check whether an adjustment is needed.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are designed to protect teeth and soft tissues. They should not be relied on to prevent concussions. Follow your sport’s safety guidance and seek medical care for any head injury.
More protection and injury care
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
A well-fitted sports guard helps protect teeth during contact and high-risk activities. Normandale athletes can learn about fit, care and replacement in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
Child hurt a tooth or woke with dental pain? Normandale parents can learn first steps, when to go to hospital and how to arrange urgent care at our Port Dover office.