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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Tillsonburg
Fitting a mouthguard before the season helps young Tillsonburg athletes play protected. Read about guard types, try-ins and replacing guards as kids grow.
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Every dental service for Tillsonburg patientsReady for the season
A guard that fits well is one a child will actually wear.
Hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse and many other activities carry a risk of knocks to the mouth. A mouthguard helps cushion teeth, lips and gums from impact. For children, comfort is a big factor, because a bulky guard that makes talking or breathing difficult often ends up in a bag instead of in the mouth.
Tillsonburg families can arrange mouthguard fittings at our Port Dover office. Because growing mouths change, timing the fitting before a season starts and checking the fit periodically can help the guard keep doing its job without repeated last-minute trips.
Choosing a guard
Different guards offer different levels of fit.
Store-bought guards and their limits
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and better than no protection. However, they can feel loose or bulky, and children may chew or trim them until they no longer cover the teeth properly. If your child already uses one, bring it to the appointment so the dentist can check how well it is fitting.
Custom guards made for your child’s mouth
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your child’s teeth, so it follows the shape of their mouth more closely. Many children find it easier to speak and breathe while wearing it. Ask the dentist whether a custom guard suits your child’s age, the sport they play and their stage of tooth development.
The fitting visit
A fitting usually involves more than one short step.
Checking teeth before the guard is made
The dentist may examine your child’s teeth to note loose baby teeth, braces or new adult teeth that could affect the design. Impressions or scans are then taken. Mention the sports your child plays and the position, as goalies or players in contact sports may need different considerations than others.
Trying the guard and adjusting it
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in and the team checks coverage, comfort and how it stays in place. Small adjustments may be made. Encourage your child to say if anything rubs or feels tight. Plan the trip from Tillsonburg so there is time for a proper try-in rather than a rushed pickup.
Wear and care
Simple care habits help a guard last through the season.
Cleaning and storing the guard
Rinse the guard with cool water after each use and clean it gently with a soft toothbrush. Let it air dry and keep it in a ventilated case. Heat can warp the material, so avoid leaving it in a hot car or near a heater. Bring the case to practices and games so the guard does not get lost.
Habits that keep it effective
Remind children not to chew on the guard or cut it down, since that weakens the protection. Wearing it at practices as well as games builds the habit. If your child complains it feels uncomfortable, call the office instead of letting them stop using it. A quick check may solve the problem.
Growing mouths
Children’s guards may need updating as teeth change.
When a guard may need to be replaced
Losing baby teeth, new teeth erupting and orthodontic treatment can all change how a guard fits. Signs that it needs review include looseness, tightness, cracks or visible wear. Ask the dentist how often your child’s guard should be checked, and consider scheduling those checks alongside regular exams to save extra trips.
What to do after a mouth injury
If your child takes a hit to the mouth, check for chipped, loose or displaced teeth even when wearing a guard. A knocked-out adult tooth needs urgent guidance, while baby teeth should not be put back in. Serious head injuries or bleeding that will not stop need emergency medical care first.
Planning your appointment
Schedule a fitting before the next Tillsonburg season.
Call our Port Dover office to ask about a sports mouthguard fitting. Mention your child’s age, sports and any braces or loose teeth so the team can explain the steps involved.
Bring any current mouthguard and allow enough time in your schedule for a try-in appointment once the guard is made.
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 a child wear a sports mouthguard?
Any child playing a sport with a risk of falls, contact or flying objects may benefit. The dentist can advise on the type of guard that suits your child’s age and tooth development during an examination.
Can children with braces wear a mouthguard?
Yes, but the guard needs to allow for the brackets and any planned tooth movement. Let the team know about orthodontic treatment so they can recommend an appropriate option and explain how often to check the fit.
How often will my child need a new guard?
It varies with growth, tooth changes and wear. Some children need a new guard more often during years when many teeth are changing. Bring the guard to checkups so its fit can be reviewed.
Is a store-bought guard good enough?
A store-bought guard offers some protection, but fit and comfort can be less reliable. The dentist can look at your child’s current guard and explain how a custom option might compare for their sport.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
For an adult tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and contact a dental office immediately. Do not replant baby teeth. Seek emergency care for head injuries or heavy bleeding.
Protection and injury care for kids
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Contact and high-speed sports put teeth at risk. Guard types, fitting visits and replacement timing for teen and adult athletes from Tillsonburg.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
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