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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Wilsonville
Hockey, soccer, ball games or biking can put young teeth at risk. Wilsonville families can ask about fitted sports mouthguards at our Port Dover dental office.
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Caring for Wilsonville patients at our Port Dover office
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A guard that fits is a guard your child will actually wear.
Falls, collisions and stray balls are part of many children’s sports and outdoor play. A mouthguard cushions the teeth and helps protect the lips, cheeks and tongue from injury. The best guard is one that stays in place, allows your child to breathe and speak reasonably well and feels comfortable enough to keep in during play.
Wilsonville families can talk with our Port Dover team about a custom mouthguard for a young athlete. Mention the sport, how often your child plays and whether they wear braces or have loose baby teeth, because these details affect the design and how often a new guard may be needed.
Who needs one
Think about where impacts to the face are possible.
Contact and collision sports
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, martial arts and basketball all carry a clear risk of blows to the mouth. Some leagues require guards, but even where they are optional, protection is worth discussing. Children often play with less caution than adults, so injuries can occur during practices as well as games.
Other activities with fall risk
Skateboarding, biking, gymnastics, soccer and baseball can also lead to dental injuries, especially from falls or a ball to the face. Consider your child’s age, skill level and how intensely they play. Your dentist can help you weigh the benefits of wearing a guard for activities that are not traditionally thought of as contact sports.
Types of guards
Different guards offer different levels of fit.
Ready-made and boil-and-bite
Stock guards come ready to use but often fit loosely, which can make breathing and talking harder and tempt children to remove them. Boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home, giving a closer fit, though results vary. Either may offer some protection, but a poor fit can reduce how consistently the guard is worn.
Custom-fitted from a dental office
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your child’s teeth, so it follows their shape more closely. Many children find this more comfortable and less bulky. Your dentist can discuss whether a custom guard is suitable and how growth or changing teeth may affect how long it fits.
Fitting visit
The fitting process is quick and usually comfortable.
Taking the impression
The dentist examines your child’s teeth and checks for loose baby teeth, braces or newly erupting adult teeth. An impression or digital scan of the teeth is taken. This step is generally brief, and the team will explain what your child will feel so there are no surprises.
Trying the guard and adjusting
When the guard is ready, your child tries it on so the fit can be checked. Small adjustments may be made for comfort. The team will explain how to put it in, take it out and clean it. Encourage your child to wear it during practice so it feels normal by game day.
Care and replacement
A cared-for guard lasts longer and stays hygienic.
Cleaning and storing the guard
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it gently with a soft brush and cool water. Let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from hot cars and direct sun, which can warp the material. Remind your child not to chew on it or share it with teammates.
Knowing when to replace it
Children grow quickly, and new teeth can change the fit. Check for tears, thin spots or a guard that no longer snaps comfortably into place. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can review it. If your child has a mouth injury while playing, call the office for advice promptly.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard for a Wilsonville athlete.
Call our Port Dover office to ask about a custom sports mouthguard. Share your child’s sport, season dates and whether they have braces, so the team can suggest a sensible time to start the process.
Bring any current guard your child uses and let the team know about any past injuries to the teeth or mouth.
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.
Can my child wear a guard with braces?
Yes, but the design needs to account for the brackets and wires. Talk with your dentist and orthodontist about a suitable guard, since some options are made to allow for tooth movement during treatment.
How long will a custom guard fit?
That depends on your child’s age and how quickly teeth are changing. Younger children may outgrow a guard sooner. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can let you know when a replacement may be needed.
Is a mouthguard uncomfortable to wear?
A well-fitted guard usually feels less bulky than a loose one. There may be a short adjustment period. If it causes sore spots or makes breathing difficult, contact the office so the fit can be checked.
What if my child loses a tooth while playing?
For a knocked-out adult tooth, seek dental care right away and keep the tooth moist in milk. Do not try to replant a baby tooth. Serious head injuries or uncontrolled bleeding need emergency medical care.
Do mouthguards prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are designed mainly to protect the teeth and soft tissues. Evidence that they prevent concussions is limited. Follow your league’s safety guidance and use appropriate helmets and equipment for head protection.
More on sports protection and injuries
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
A fitted sports guard helps protect teeth, lips and jaws during play. Wilsonville athletes of any age can ask about custom guards at our Port Dover dental office.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A fall, a swollen cheek or sudden tooth pain can worry any parent. Wilsonville families can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover office for a child.