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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Silver Hill
Hockey, soccer, baseball or skating: Silver Hill parents can learn how a properly fitted child’s mouthguard is made in Port Dover and when to replace it.
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Every dental service for Silver HillProtection for active kids
A guard that fits well is one a child will actually wear.
Falls, collisions, sticks and stray balls are part of many children’s sports, and teeth can take the impact. A mouthguard cushions the blow and helps protect teeth, lips and gums. The catch is that children quickly abandon a guard that feels bulky, loose or makes talking hard, so fit makes a real difference to how protective it is.
Silver Hill families can arrange a custom sports guard for a child at our Port Dover office. The dentist checks the teeth that are coming in, takes impressions or scans, and explains how the guard should be cared for and when growth means it will need to be replaced.
Who needs one
Any activity with falls or contact can justify a mouthguard.
Sports and activities with impact risk
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby and martial arts are obvious examples, but soccer, basketball, baseball, skateboarding and cycling can also lead to dental injuries. Some leagues require mouthguards, while others only recommend them. If your child plays more than one sport, a single well-fitted guard can often serve for several.
Braces and changing teeth
Children with braces need a guard designed to sit over the brackets without interfering with tooth movement, so mention orthodontic treatment when booking. A child who is losing baby teeth and gaining adult ones has a mouth that changes quickly, and the dentist will take that into account when planning the fit and how often it should be checked.
Types of guards
Understanding the differences helps you choose sensibly.
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come ready to wear and are inexpensive, but they often fit loosely and children may chew or remove them. Boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home, which improves the fit somewhat. Both can offer a degree of protection, though fit varies and they can wear out or deform quickly with heavy use.
Custom-fitted guards from the dental office
A custom guard is made from a model of your child’s teeth so it fits closely and stays in place, which can make breathing and speaking easier. The thickness can be matched to the sport. The dentist will explain how a custom guard compares for your child, including how long it is likely to fit as the mouth grows.
The fitting process
Two short steps usually produce a comfortable guard.
Taking impressions or scans
At the first visit, the dentist checks your child’s teeth and gums and takes impressions or a digital scan of the upper teeth. This is quick and the team explains what will happen before starting. Children who gag easily can be coached through it, and parents can help by keeping the mood calm.
Trying it in and adjusting the fit
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in so the dentist can check that it seats firmly, does not press on the gums and allows comfortable breathing. Small adjustments can be made. Your child will be shown how to put it in and take it out, and how to tell whether it still fits properly.
Care and replacement
A guard only protects when it is clean, intact and still fits.
Daily cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and brush it gently with cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it out of hot vehicles and direct sun, which can warp the material. Remind your child not to chew on it or share it with teammates. Bring it to dental checkups so its condition can be looked at.
Signs it needs replacing
Replace the guard if it becomes torn, thin or loose, or if your child complains it no longer fits. Growth, new adult teeth and orthodontic changes all affect fit, so children often need a new guard more often than adults. If a dental injury happens despite the guard, contact the office promptly.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a fitting from Silver Hill
Contact our Port Dover office before the season starts so there is time for impressions and fitting. Mention your child’s sports, whether they wear braces and any concerns about their teeth.
If your child already has a guard, bring it along. Mention any league rules about colour or type so the guard meets 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
Youth mouthguard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?
Whenever they begin a sport or activity where falls or contact are likely. The dentist can advise on fit for children who still have many baby teeth and explain how often the guard will likely need to be replaced.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, and it is especially important because brackets can injure the lips and cheeks during an impact. Let the team know about the braces so the guard can be designed to allow for the brackets and ongoing tooth movement.
Will a custom guard make it hard to talk or breathe?
A well-fitted custom guard is usually easier to talk and breathe with than a loose stock guard, because it stays in place without clenching. Some adjustment time is normal when a child first starts wearing it.
How often does a child’s guard need replacing?
It varies with growth, tooth changes and wear. Many children outgrow a guard as new teeth come in. Have it checked at dental visits, and replace it sooner if it becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable.
What should we do if a tooth is injured during a game?
Call the office promptly and describe what happened. For a knocked-out adult tooth, seek help right away. Head injuries, heavy bleeding or breathing trouble need emergency medical care first. Bring any broken pieces of tooth with you.
Related protection and injury care
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Hockey, ball or martial arts: a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth from impact. Silver Hill athletes can learn about options, fitting and upkeep.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s toothache, swollen cheek or knocked tooth can be frightening. Silver Hill parents can learn what to do first, what not to do and when to call us.