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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Walsingham
Hockey, soccer, ball or skateboarding? Walsingham parents can learn how a custom children’s mouthguard is fitted in Port Dover and how often growing kids need a new one.
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Serving Walsingham households from our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WalsinghamReady for the season
A guard that fits well is one your child will actually wear.
Falls, sticks, elbows and stray balls can chip or knock out a tooth in a split second. A mouthguard cushions those blows and helps protect the teeth, lips and cheeks. The challenge with children is fit: a guard that feels bulky or loose often ends up in a bag instead of in the mouth during play.
Families in Walsingham can arrange a custom mouthguard fitting at our Port Dover office. The dentist checks your child’s teeth, discusses the sports they play and explains how growth, new teeth and braces affect how long a guard will fit comfortably.
Who needs one
Many activities carry some risk to the teeth.
Contact and collision sports
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby and martial arts are obvious candidates, and many leagues require guards. Soccer and basketball also see their share of dental injuries from collisions and elbows. If your child plays more than one sport, mention each one, since the level of contact may affect the thickness and style of guard the dentist suggests.
Activities with falls or flying objects
Skateboarding, cycling, gymnastics and baseball can involve hard falls or fast-moving balls. A guard is worth considering whenever a blow to the face is reasonably possible. Children with braces or protruding front teeth may have a higher risk of injury, so ask the dentist whether extra protection would be sensible for your child.
Types of guards
Fit and comfort differ widely between guard types.
Store-bought guards
Stock and boil-and-bite guards are available in sporting goods stores and offer some protection. They can be a reasonable stopgap, but they may be loose, bulky or difficult to breathe and talk through. When a guard is uncomfortable, children tend to chew on it or take it out, which removes the protection it was meant to provide.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth, so it follows their shape closely. Many children find it easier to talk, drink and breathe while wearing one. The dentist can explain the materials and thickness recommended for the sport and how the guard should feel once it is in place.
The fitting
Making a custom guard usually involves two short steps.
Check the teeth and take an impression
At the first visit, the dentist checks for loose baby teeth, new adult teeth and any decay that should be addressed. An impression or digital scan of the upper teeth is taken, and occasionally the lower teeth as well. If your child has braces, the dentist will discuss whether a guard designed to accommodate them is appropriate.
Try the finished guard
When the guard is ready, your child tries it in so the fit can be checked and edges adjusted if they rub. The team explains how to put it in, take it out and clean it. Ask your child how it feels, since speaking up about pinching or gagging now makes adjustments easier.
Care and replacement
Growing mouths mean guards need regular checks.
Clean and store it properly
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with cool water and let it dry in a ventilated case. Keep it away from hot cars, dishwashers and direct sun, which can warp the material. Avoid sharing guards between siblings or teammates. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can look for wear, tears or a loosening fit.
Know when it no longer fits
As baby teeth fall out and new teeth arrive, a guard that once fit well may become tight or loose. A guard that has been chewed through or no longer snaps into place should be replaced. Many families check fit before each season. If a tooth is injured during play, call the office promptly for advice.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard around a Walsingham sports schedule
Call our Port Dover office before the season starts and mention which sports your child plays and whether they wear braces. Allow time for the guard to be made so it is ready before the first game or practice.
Bring your child’s old guard if they have one, and let us know about any recent dental injuries or teeth that feel loose.
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 wear a mouthguard?
Whenever they play a sport with a reasonable risk of falls or blows to the face. Even young children can benefit. The dentist can advise on timing, particularly when many baby teeth are about to be lost.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and protection can be especially important because brackets can cut the lips during an impact. Talk with your dentist and orthodontist about a guard that accommodates the braces as the teeth move.
How often will we need a new one?
It depends on growth and wear. Some children need a new guard each season, others less often. Signs of a poor fit, chewing damage or tears mean it should be checked and probably replaced.
Does a guard prevent concussions?
A mouthguard is designed to protect the teeth and mouth. It should not be relied on to prevent concussion. Follow your league’s head-safety guidance and seek medical care for any suspected head injury.
What should we do if a tooth is knocked out?
For an adult tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk or saliva and call the office immediately. Do not put a baby tooth back in. Seek emergency care for serious head or facial injuries.
Protection and injury care to know about
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Hockey, ball, lacrosse or martial arts? Walsingham athletes of all ages can learn how a custom sports guard is made, why fit matters and when it should be replaced.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child with a knocked tooth, toothache or swollen face needs a calm plan. Walsingham parents can learn what to do first and when to call our Port Dover office or 911.