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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in St. Williams
Hockey, soccer or biking on country roads can lead to knocks. St. Williams parents can ask our Port Dover team about a mouthguard that fits a child’s changing teeth.
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Caring for St. Williams patients at our office in Port Dover
Every dental service for St. WilliamsProtection for active kids
A well-fitted guard helps protect teeth when play gets rough.
Falls, collisions and stray balls or sticks are part of many children’s sports. A mouthguard can help cushion the teeth, lips and gums from impact. For children, fit is a particular challenge because teeth are still coming in and the jaw continues to grow, so a guard that fit last season may no longer sit properly.
Families from St. Williams can ask about custom sports mouthguards at our Port Dover office. The team will look at your child’s teeth and stage of development and talk through whether a custom guard or another option makes sense for the sport they play.
Who needs one
Consider the sport and your child’s mouth.
Sports with a risk of contact
Hockey, lacrosse, football, soccer, basketball, martial arts and skateboarding all carry some risk of mouth injuries. Even recreational play, such as riding a bike or playing catch in the yard, can lead to falls. Check your league’s equipment rules, and talk with the dentist if you are unsure whether a guard is worth wearing.
Children with braces or restorations
Children with braces, recent dental work or front teeth that stick out may be at higher risk of damage from an impact. The dentist can explain whether a particular guard design is suitable. Some orthodontic situations need special guards, so let the team know about any appliances your child wears.
Types of guards
Comfort and fit affect whether a guard actually gets worn.
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards
Stock and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and can offer some protection. They may feel bulky, shift during play or make breathing and talking harder, which can lead children to take them out. Follow the moulding instructions carefully and replace the guard if it becomes loose, chewed or damaged.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth, so it usually fits more snugly and comfortably. Because children’s mouths change, the guard may need to be remade as teeth erupt or after orthodontic treatment. The dentist can suggest when to check the fit again.
Getting fitted
A fitting visit checks comfort before game day.
Impressions and selection
At the first visit, the dentist examines your child’s teeth and takes impressions or a digital scan. You can discuss the sport, the level of contact and any colour preferences. Allow time for the guard to be made before the season starts rather than leaving it until the week of the first game.
Trying it on and adjusting
When the guard is ready, your child will try it on so the team can check how it sits, whether it feels comfortable and whether your child can breathe and speak. Small adjustments may be made. Ask your child to wear it at practice first so they get used to the feel.
Care and replacement
Look after the guard so it keeps doing its job.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use, clean it gently with a toothbrush and let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it out of hot cars and away from direct sun, which can warp the material. Do not let pets get hold of it, and avoid sharing guards between children.
When to replace it
Bring the guard to checkups so the team can see whether it still fits well. Replace it if it is torn, has sharp edges, feels loose or no longer covers new teeth. If your child does take a hit to the mouth, call the office, even if the guard seemed to protect them.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a mouthguard fitting from St. Williams.
Contact our Port Dover office ahead of the season and mention the sport, your child’s age and any braces or recent dental work, so we can book the right appointment.
Plan for at least two short visits, one for impressions and one for fitting, and bring any old guard your child has been using.
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 start wearing a mouthguard?
There is no single age. If your child plays a sport with a risk of falls or contact, a guard is worth discussing. The dentist can look at your child’s teeth and suggest what type of guard would suit their stage of development.
Will a custom guard fit for years?
Probably not for children. As baby teeth fall out and adult teeth come in, the fit changes. Many children need a new guard every season or two. Bring it to checkups so the team can tell you when a replacement is needed.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, but the type matters. Tell the team about the braces so they can suggest a guard that protects the teeth and appliance. Your orthodontist may also have recommendations specific to the treatment.
My child hates how the guard feels. What helps?
A better fit often helps, as does wearing it during practice first. Bring the guard to the office so the team can check whether it is too bulky or uneven. Small adjustments may make it more comfortable.
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 and call a dentist immediately. Do not replant a baby tooth. Seek emergency medical care for any head injury, bleeding that will not stop or breathing difficulty.
Related protection and injury care
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
From hockey to mountain biking, a sports guard helps protect teeth from impact. St. Williams athletes can be fitted for a custom guard at our Port Dover office.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
Toothache, a knocked tooth or a swollen cheek can rattle any parent. St. Williams families can call our Port Dover office for guidance on urgent care for children.