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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Teeterville
Hockey, soccer or ball season ahead? See how a mouthguard protects a Teeterville child’s growing teeth, how fit is checked and when to replace it.
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Care for Teeterville households, provided at our Port Dover office
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A well-fitted guard lets kids play with fewer worries.
Falls, sticks, balls and elbows can all injure young teeth, lips and jaws. A mouthguard cushions those impacts and can reduce the chance of chipped or knocked-out teeth. Children’s mouths are still growing, so the guard needs to fit well enough to stay in place and be comfortable enough that they actually wear it.
Whether your Teeterville child plays a team sport, rides a bike around home or skates in winter, our Port Dover office can talk with you about a suitable guard. The dentist will consider age, braces, missing teeth and the activity itself before recommending a particular option.
Who needs one
Think about the risks of each activity, not just the league rules.
Contact and collision sports
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby and martial arts carry obvious risks to the mouth, and many leagues require a guard. Basketball, soccer and baseball also lead to dental injuries, even though guards are not always mandatory. If your child has had a dental injury before, protecting the teeth during play and practice becomes even more important.
Other activities with fall risk
Skateboarding, trampolining, mountain biking and horseback riding involve falls that can strike the face. A guard does not replace a helmet or other safety gear, but it adds protection for the teeth. Ask the dentist which activities your child does most and whether a guard makes sense for each one, including casual play with friends.
Types of guards
Fit and comfort vary between guard types.
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come in fixed sizes and are often bulky or loose. Boil-and-bite guards soften in hot water and are shaped by the child biting into them, which improves fit somewhat. These can be a reasonable short-term choice, but they may interfere with breathing or speech if they are poorly moulded or the wrong size for the child.
Custom-made guards from the dental office
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth. It is usually thinner where possible, stays in place better and is more comfortable for many children. Because kids grow, a custom guard may need replacing as new teeth come in. The dentist can explain how often that might happen for your child.
Getting fitted
Two short steps usually produce a comfortable fit.
Impression or scan appointment
At the first visit, the dentist checks your child’s teeth and takes an impression or scan. Let them know about loose baby teeth, upcoming orthodontic work or the sport played, since these can change the design. Ask how long the guard will take to make so you can plan around the start of the season.
Checking the finished guard
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it sits well, does not press on the gums and lets your child breathe and speak reasonably well. Practise wearing it at home first. If anything rubs or feels loose after a few practices, call the office so it can be adjusted before the next game.
Care and replacement
A clean, intact guard protects better.
Daily cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with cool water and let it dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, car dashboards and direct sun, which can warp the material. Keep it away from pets, who may chew it. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can look it over for damage.
Signs it is time for a new guard
Replace the guard if it is torn, chewed, loose or no longer fits after new teeth come in. Children who wear braces may need a specific type of guard. If your child takes a blow to the mouth even while wearing a guard, have the teeth checked to make sure nothing was damaged below the surface.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard for a Teeterville athlete.
Call our Port Dover office to book a fitting before the season begins. Tell the team about the sport, your child’s age and any braces or loose teeth, so the right appointment can be arranged.
If your child already has a guard, bring it so the dentist can compare fit and discuss whether a replacement or custom version would help.
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
Sports guard questions from parents
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
At what age should my child wear a mouthguard?
Children can benefit from a guard as soon as they play sports or activities with a risk of facial impact. The dentist can recommend a suitable type based on your child’s age, stage of tooth development and the sports they enjoy.
Can kids with braces wear a guard?
Yes, and protection is especially helpful because brackets can cut the lips during impact. A specific guard design may be needed. Ask the dentist or orthodontist which option is suitable during treatment and how it should fit around the brackets.
How often does a child’s guard need replacing?
Growing children may need a new guard when teeth shift, new teeth erupt or the guard becomes worn. Have it checked at regular appointments, and replace it whenever it no longer fits snugly or shows tears and bite-through spots.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are designed mainly to protect teeth and soft tissues. They should not be relied upon to prevent concussions. Helmets and other safety equipment, along with safe play and proper coaching, remain essential for protecting young athletes.
What if my child refuses to wear it?
Discomfort is a common reason, and a better fitting guard may help. Let your child choose a colour if possible, practise at home and ask coaches to reinforce wearing it during play. Praise and routine usually make it a habit.
Protection and injury care for kids
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
From hockey to mountain biking, a well-fitted sports guard helps protect teeth. Teeterville athletes can compare guard types and learn about fitting and care.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
Toothache, a fall or facial swelling in a Teeterville child? Learn what to do first, when hospital care is needed and how to reach our Port Dover office.