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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Bloomsburg
Contact sports and active hobbies carry a risk of mouth injury. Bloomsburg athletes of all ages can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Bloomsburg patients at our office in Port Dover
See every dental service for BloomsburgProtection for every season
A well-fitted guard makes it easier to protect your teeth while you play.
Hockey, football, basketball, rugby, lacrosse, martial arts and many other activities carry a risk of blows to the face. A sports guard cushions impacts and can help reduce chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth, as well as cuts to the lips, tongue and cheeks. A guard that fits properly is more comfortable, so it is more likely to be worn consistently.
Athletes of all ages from Bloomsburg can have a custom sports guard made at our Port Dover office. The dentist will consider your teeth, any dental work or braces and the sport you play, then explain the fitting process and how to look after the guard so it keeps protecting you season after season.
Why wear one
Mouth protection is worthwhile for more than contact sports.
Reducing the risk of injury
Dental injuries can happen in any activity where falls, collisions or flying objects are possible, including recreational sports, cycling and skateboarding. Repairing a broken or knocked-out tooth can involve multiple appointments and long-term maintenance. A guard is a simple, practical way to reduce that risk, especially for players with front teeth that protrude slightly forward.
Custom versus generic guards
Stock and boil-and-bite guards offer some protection, but they can be bulky, loose or uncomfortable, making athletes less likely to wear them. A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth, so it fits securely and allows easier breathing and speaking. The dentist can explain how a custom guard compares for your sport and mouth.
Fitting
The process is straightforward and usually quick.
Impressions and design
The dentist examines your teeth and gums and notes any crowns, bridges or braces. Impressions or a scan are taken to create a model of your mouth. You may discuss guard thickness and colour, depending on your sport and preferences. The guard is then made to fit your teeth closely so it stays in place during play without needing to be clenched.
Checking fit and comfort
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it fits snugly, does not rub the gums and allows reasonable breathing and speech. Adjustments can be made if something feels uncomfortable. You will practise inserting and removing it, and receive instructions on care and storage so it lasts as long as possible from one season to the next.
Special cases
Some situations need extra consideration.
Guards with braces
Athletes with braces need protection too, since brackets can cut the lips and cheeks during an impact. Guards for braces are designed to allow for tooth movement and may need to be replaced or adjusted during orthodontic treatment. Mention your braces when booking so the dentist can recommend an appropriate design that works alongside your orthodontist’s plan.
Changes over time
Teeth can shift, new dental work can change the fit and younger athletes’ mouths continue to grow. A guard that no longer fits snugly may not protect as well. Check the fit before each season and bring the guard to regular checkups. If it feels loose, tight or uncomfortable, ask whether a refit or new guard is needed.
Care
Good habits keep the guard clean and effective.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with cool water and let it dry before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and leaving it in a hot car or near a heater, since heat can warp it. Do not share guards. Replace the guard if it becomes torn, thin or no longer fits properly.
If an injury happens
Even with a guard, injuries can occur. If a tooth is chipped, loosened or knocked out, contact the office promptly. For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown and keep it moist in milk. Seek emergency medical care first for head injuries, heavy bleeding, possible jaw fractures or any difficulty breathing after the injury.
Planning your appointment
Getting fitted from Bloomsburg.
Contact our Port Dover office to book a sports guard appointment, ideally before your season starts. Mention your sport, whether you wear braces and any recent dental work that might affect the fit of the guard.
If you have a current guard, bring it so the dentist can see how it fits and what could be improved in a new one.
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 guard questions
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Any sport or activity with a risk of falls, collisions or flying objects can benefit from a guard, including hockey, football, basketball, lacrosse, martial arts and skateboarding. The dentist can help you assess your risk based on the activities you do.
Is a custom guard worth it?
Custom guards are made to fit your teeth closely, which usually makes them more comfortable and secure than generic options. Athletes are more likely to wear a guard that fits well, which improves protection during play and practice.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes. Guards for braces are designed to accommodate brackets and tooth movement. Let the dentist know about your braces so they can recommend an appropriate guard and explain when it may need to be adjusted or replaced.
How often should I replace my sports guard?
It depends on wear, growth and changes in your teeth. Check the fit before each season and bring the guard to checkups. Replace it if it becomes loose, damaged or uncomfortable, or if new dental work changes your bite.
What should I do if I injure a tooth while playing?
Contact the office promptly. For a knocked-out adult tooth, hold it by the crown and keep it moist in milk. Seek emergency care first for head injuries, heavy bleeding or breathing problems, then arrange a dental assessment.
Injury prevention and care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
A mouthguard that fits a growing child is more likely to be worn. Bloomsburg families can ask about custom sports guards for young athletes at our Port Dover office.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A blow to the mouth can loosen, chip or displace teeth. Bloomsburg patients should call our Port Dover office quickly after an injury to discuss the next steps.