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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Townsend
Young athletes in Townsend can be fitted for a sports mouthguard at our Port Dover office. Learn how fit, growth and care affect protection on the field or ice.
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Caring for Townsend patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for TownsendProtection for young athletes
A guard only helps if your child will actually wear it.
Hockey, soccer, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts and even backyard games can all lead to knocks to the mouth. A well-fitted mouthguard helps cushion impacts and reduce the risk of chipped or knocked-out teeth and cuts to the lips and cheeks. Comfort matters, because a guard left in the gym bag offers no protection.
Parents in Townsend can arrange a mouthguard assessment for their children at our Port Dover office. The dentist will look at how the teeth and jaws are developing, talk about the sports your child plays and explain how a custom guard compares with options bought off the shelf.
Why fit matters
Different guards offer different levels of comfort and fit.
Comparing custom and store-bought guards
Ready-made and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and better than nothing, but they can feel bulky, loosen during play or make it hard to breathe and talk. A custom guard is shaped from impressions or scans of your child’s teeth, which usually means a closer fit and a guard they are more willing to keep in.
Accounting for braces and growth
Children’s mouths change as baby teeth fall out and adult teeth arrive. Braces or other orthodontic appliances add another consideration. The dentist will explain how growth affects the lifespan of a guard and whether a particular design suits your child’s current stage, so you know when a replacement might be needed.
The fitting visit
Making a custom guard takes a short series of steps.
Checking the teeth before the impression
The dentist will first check for decay, loose teeth or other issues that should be addressed before a guard is made. Impressions or digital scans are then taken of the teeth. Let the team know which sports your child plays and how often, since contact level can influence the thickness and style recommended.
Trying the finished guard
When the guard is ready, your child will try it in so the team can check that it stays in place, does not press on the gums and allows comfortable breathing. Encourage your child to say if something feels wrong. Small adjustments at this stage can make the difference between a guard that is worn and one that is ignored.
Wearing it well
Consistent use and simple care keep it effective.
Make the guard part of every practice
Injuries happen at practices as well as games, so the guard should go in every time your child plays a contact or fast-moving sport. Pack it in a ventilated case with the rest of the gear. Coaches and teammates wearing guards can help normalize the habit, especially for younger children who might feel self-conscious.
Clean and store it properly
Rinse the guard after use and brush it gently with cool water. Keep it out of hot cars and away from boiling water, which can warp the material. Do not let teammates share guards. Check regularly for tears, thinning or a loose fit, and bring it to checkups so the dentist can look it over.
If an injury happens
Know what to do if a tooth is damaged anyway.
Immediate steps for dental injuries
Even with a guard, injuries can happen. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and contact a dentist immediately. Do not try to put a baby tooth back in. Any head injury, loss of consciousness or uncontrolled bleeding needs emergency medical care first.
When the guard needs replacing
Replace the guard if it cracks, no longer fits snugly or your child’s teeth have changed noticeably. Many children need a new guard as they grow or when orthodontic treatment begins or ends. Ask the dentist to check the fit periodically so you are not relying on a guard that has quietly stopped protecting.
Planning your appointment
Booking a mouthguard fitting from Townsend.
Call our Port Dover office and mention your child’s age, the sports they play and whether they wear braces. The team can explain how many visits a custom guard usually involves before the season starts.
Bring any current mouthguard so the dentist can see how it fits, and let us know of any recent injuries or loose teeth.
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
Questions about children’s mouthguards
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Which sports should my child wear a mouthguard for?
Any sport with contact, falls, sticks, balls or fast movement carries some risk, including hockey, soccer, basketball and martial arts. Ask the dentist about the sports your child plays and the level of protection that makes sense.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, though the guard needs to accommodate the brackets and moving teeth. Let the dentist know about orthodontic treatment so a suitable design can be discussed. Your orthodontist may also have recommendations.
How often will my child need a new guard?
Growing children often need replacements as teeth change or orthodontic treatment progresses. Wear and tear also matters. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can tell you when it is no longer fitting well.
Is a custom guard worth it for young children?
For many children, a custom guard is more comfortable and more likely to be worn consistently. The dentist can discuss your child’s age, growth and sport to help you decide which option suits them.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
For an adult tooth, keep it moist in milk, avoid touching the root and contact a dentist right away. Do not replant a baby tooth. Seek emergency medical care for head injuries or heavy bleeding.
More on protecting active kids
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
A well-fitted sports guard helps protect teeth, lips and jaws during play. Townsend athletes can learn how custom guards are made, worn and replaced.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
When a child has a toothache, swelling or a dental injury, knowing what to do helps. Learn first steps, when to call Port Dover and when to go to hospital.