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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Children’s Sports Mouthguards in Windham Centre
Hockey, soccer, ball and more can put young teeth at risk. Windham Centre families can learn how custom mouthguards for children are fitted in Port Dover.
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A well-fitted guard lets young athletes play with more confidence.
Kids in rural Norfolk County are often busy with arena hockey, school sports, ball diamonds and backyard games. Falls, sticks, elbows and stray pucks can chip or knock out teeth. A mouthguard absorbs some of the force of a blow and can help protect teeth, lips and cheeks during contact and fast-moving activities.
Parents in Windham Centre can arrange a custom mouthguard fitting at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your child’s teeth and bite, discuss the sports they play, and take impressions or scans so the guard fits comfortably enough to actually be worn at every practice and game.
Why fit matters
A guard only protects when it stays in place.
Comfort encourages wear
Stock and boil-and-bite guards can be bulky, loose or uncomfortable, so many children chew on them or leave them in the bag. A custom guard is shaped to your child’s teeth, which can make breathing and talking easier during play. When a guard feels secure, kids are more likely to keep it in for the whole practice or game.
Growing mouths change
Children lose baby teeth and gain adult teeth over several years, and their jaws grow too. A guard that fit last season may not fit now. The dentist can advise how often a replacement might be needed and whether loose baby teeth or braces affect the timing or type of guard recommended for your child.
The fitting visit
Making a custom guard usually takes more than one step.
Exam and impressions
At the first appointment the dentist checks the teeth and gums and notes any loose or newly erupting teeth. Impressions or a digital scan of the upper teeth are taken, which most children tolerate well with a little encouragement. Let the team know which sports your child plays, since this can influence the thickness and design of the guard.
Trying the finished guard
When the guard is ready, your child will try it in to check the fit, comfort and bite. The team can make small adjustments and show your child how to put it in and take it out. This is a good time to ask how to clean and store the guard and what to do if it becomes damaged.
Using it well
Consistent use is what makes the guard worthwhile.
Make it part of the equipment routine
Encourage your child to wear the guard at every practice and game, not just tournaments. Keeping it in the equipment bag next to their helmet or skates can help it become routine. Remind them not to chew on it or trim it, since altering the guard can reduce its protection and make it fit less securely.
Keep it clean between games
Rinse the guard with cool water after each use and let it air dry in a ventilated case. Hot water, car dashboards and sunny benches can warp it. Clean it gently with a soft brush. Bring it to dental checkups so the team can see whether it still fits well and remains in good condition.
If an injury happens
Guards reduce risk but cannot prevent every injury.
What to do on the sidelines
If your child takes a hit to the face, check for head injury symptoms first and seek medical care for concussion signs, heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing. For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and seek dental care promptly. Do not try to put a baby tooth back in place.
When to call the dentist
Call the office if a tooth is chipped, loose, pushed out of position or painful after an impact, even if the guard was worn. Some injuries affect the nerve without obvious damage. The dentist can advise how soon your child should be seen and what to watch for over the following days and weeks, such as colour change or tenderness.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a guard before the season starts.
Call our Port Dover office from Windham Centre to book a mouthguard fitting, ideally a few weeks before your child’s season begins. Mention the sports they play and any recent changes in their teeth.
If your child wears braces or has loose baby teeth, let the team know so they can plan the appropriate type of guard.
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
Kids’ mouthguard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Which sports call for a mouthguard?
Contact and collision sports such as hockey, football, lacrosse and rugby carry clear risk, but soccer, basketball, baseball and skateboarding can also cause dental injuries. Ask the dentist about your child’s particular activities, including recreational ones that are not organized leagues.
How often will my child need a new guard?
Children’s mouths change as teeth erupt and jaws grow. A guard may need replacing when it becomes loose, damaged or no longer fits around new teeth. The dentist can check the fit at regular visits.
Can kids with braces wear a mouthguard?
Yes, and protection is especially important with braces. A guard design suited to orthodontic appliances may be recommended. Speak with both your dentist and orthodontist about the best option, since the guard must leave room for brackets and planned tooth movement.
Is a custom guard better than a store-bought one?
Custom guards are shaped to your child’s teeth, which can improve comfort and stability. Store-bought guards may offer some protection but often fit loosely. The dentist can discuss which option suits your child’s needs, sports and stage of tooth development.
What should I do if the guard cracks?
A cracked or torn guard may not protect properly. Bring it to the office so the team can assess it. Replacement is usually recommended rather than continuing to use a damaged guard. Try to sort it out before the next game.
Protecting active smiles
Children’s Dentistry →Sports Guards →
Hockey, ball, lacrosse and rec leagues can all lead to dental injuries. Windham Centre athletes can learn how custom sports guards are fitted in Port Dover.
Emergency Dental Care for Children →
A child’s toothache, knocked-out tooth or swollen face is frightening. Windham Centre parents can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover team or 911.