Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Villa Nova
Hockey, soccer or a backyard game can all knock a tooth. Villa Nova parents can ask about custom mouthguards for growing children at our Port Dover office.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Villa Nova patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Villa NovaProtect smiles in play
A well-fitting guard can lower the risk of a dental injury.
Children are active, and teeth are vulnerable when sticks, balls, elbows or falls are involved. A mouthguard cushions the teeth and soft tissues during contact and can reduce the chance of chipped, loosened or knocked-out teeth. The trouble is that a guard only helps if your child actually wears it, which depends heavily on comfort and fit.
Families in Villa Nova whose children play organized or casual sports can ask about custom mouthguards at our Port Dover office. The team can discuss whether a custom guard suits your child’s age and stage of tooth development.
Who benefits
Think about how your child plays, not only which sport.
Sports and activities with contact risk
Hockey, lacrosse, football, rugby, basketball, soccer, martial arts and skateboarding all carry some risk of impact to the face. Even practice sessions and pickup games count. If your child’s league requires a guard, it is a good time to discuss one, but voluntary use in other activities can be just as worthwhile.
Children with braces or protruding teeth
Children whose front teeth stick out further, those with orthodontic appliances and those who have already injured a tooth may face higher risks. The dentist can look at your child’s bite and explain whether a particular style of guard would be more suitable or whether orthodontic treatment affects the timing.
Comparing types
Fit and comfort strongly influence whether a guard is worn.
Store-bought and boil-and-bite guards
Ready-made guards are inexpensive and widely available, but they can be loose, bulky and hard to breathe or talk through. Boil-and-bite versions fit somewhat better if shaped carefully. Some children tolerate these well, while others chew them, pull them out or leave them in the bag, which removes the protective benefit.
Custom guards made from impressions
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth, so it follows the shape of their mouth more closely. Many children find that easier to keep in during play. The dentist can explain the process and whether a custom guard makes sense, particularly while baby teeth are still being replaced.
Getting fitted
The fitting process is usually quick and straightforward.
Taking the impression
At the first appointment, the team records the shape of your child’s upper teeth and sometimes the bite. Let the team know if your child has a strong gag reflex or sensory sensitivities so they can plan the approach. The material is removed once it sets, and the guard is then made to that shape.
Checking the finished guard
When the guard is ready, it is checked in your child’s mouth for retention, comfort and coverage. Your child should be able to close comfortably and breathe easily. Ask your child to say whether anything pinches or rubs, as small adjustments can make the difference between a guard that is worn and one that is not.
Care and replacement
Look after the guard so it stays hygienic and effective.
Clean and store the guard properly
Rinse the guard after each use, clean it gently as instructed and let it dry in a ventilated case. Keep it away from hot car dashboards and pets, both of which can damage it. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can look for wear, tears or a fit that has become loose.
Replace it as your child grows
Because children’s mouths change, a guard that fits well today may not fit in a year or after new teeth erupt. Watch for signs that it feels tight, loose or uncomfortable. Replacement may be needed more often during periods of rapid growth or after orthodontic changes.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard for a Villa Nova athlete
Call our Port Dover office and let us know your child’s age, sport and season dates. The team can explain how the custom mouthguard process works and arrange the fitting visit.
Mention braces or recent dental injuries, and bring any guard your child currently uses so the dentist can compare.
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 mouthguard questions from parents
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
At what age can a child get a custom mouthguard?
Children of many ages can wear one, but frequent changes during tooth eruption may affect how long a custom guard fits. The dentist can advise based on your child’s current teeth and growth.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Protection is still important with braces. Some guards are designed to work with orthodontic appliances. Ask your dentist or orthodontist which style would be appropriate during treatment.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are primarily designed to protect teeth, lips and gums. They should not be relied upon to prevent concussion. Follow your sport’s safety guidance and seek medical care after any head injury.
How do I know when the guard needs replacing?
Look for tears, thinning, a loose or tight fit, or discomfort. Growth and new teeth can change fit quickly. Bring the guard to checkups so it can be assessed.
What should we do if a tooth is knocked out during play?
Handle the tooth by the crown, keep it moist in milk or saliva and contact a dentist immediately. Seek emergency medical care first if there is a head injury or serious bleeding.
Protection and injury care for kids
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Rec league hockey, ball hockey or mountain biking? Villa Nova athletes can learn how a custom sports guard is fitted and maintained at our Port Dover office.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
Toothache, a fall or a knocked-out tooth can rattle any family. Villa Nova parents can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover office or 911.