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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Boston
Rec league, school team or weekend pickup game, a custom sports guard helps cushion teeth from impact. Boston athletes can be fitted in Port Dover.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
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Caring for Boston, Ontario patients at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Boston patientsProtection for active adults and teens
A guard that fits well protects better and feels less intrusive.
Sports guards help protect teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue during contact sports and activities with a risk of falls or collisions. Adults in rec hockey, teens on school teams and anyone who plays ball, rides or skates can benefit. A custom-fitted guard is shaped to your teeth, which can make it easier to breathe, speak and stay focused.
Athletes from Boston and the nearby area can arrange a sports guard fitting at our Port Dover office. Let the team know which sports you play, whether you wear braces or have crowns and bridges, and when your season starts, so the guard is ready in time.
Why wear one
Mouth injuries can be painful and slow to repair.
Injuries guards help reduce
A guard cushions blows to the face, spreading the force of impact across the teeth and reducing the chance of chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth. It also helps protect the lips, cheeks and tongue from cuts against the teeth. No guard prevents every injury, but consistent use at practices and games is a sensible precaution for many activities.
Sports where they make sense
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, boxing and martial arts are obvious examples. Basketball, soccer, baseball, mountain biking and skateboarding also carry a real risk of falls and collisions. If your activity involves contact, falls or flying objects such as pucks and balls, ask the dentist whether a guard is recommended for your level of play and position.
Choosing a guard
Fit and comfort determine whether a guard gets worn.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come pre-formed and are often bulky. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped by biting into them. They are widely available, but they may fit loosely, make breathing or speaking harder and wear thin quickly. Some protection is better than none, though, and they can work as a stopgap while a custom guard is made.
Custom-fitted guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or digital scans of your teeth. They fit more closely, tend to stay in place during play and can be made with a thickness suited to your sport. People with braces, crowns or bridges may particularly benefit from a guard designed specifically around their mouth and existing dental work.
Getting fitted
A short process produces a guard made for you.
Recording your teeth
The team takes impressions or a digital scan of your teeth. This is quick and painless, though the impression material can feel a little odd. If you have a strong gag reflex, let them know so they can work with you. Mention your sport and the level of contact involved, so the thickness and design of the guard are appropriate.
Fitting and adjustments
When the guard is ready, you try it in. It should feel snug without pinching the gums or making you gag. The team can adjust any areas that rub or feel too tight. You will be shown how to insert, remove and care for it, and how to tell when it has worn enough that it needs replacing.
Care
A clean, intact guard protects best.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it with a soft brush and cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it out of hot cars, hockey bags left in the sun and direct sunlight, all of which can warp it. Do not share it with teammates, and avoid chewing on it between plays, which wears it down.
Knowing when to replace it
Check the guard regularly for cracks, holes, thinning or a looser fit than before. New dental work, tooth movement or growth in teens can all affect how a guard fits. Bring it to your checkups so the dentist can inspect it and advise whether it is still doing its job or a replacement should be made before next season.
Planning your appointment
Arranging a fitting from Boston
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting before your season starts. Mention your sport and any braces, crowns or bridges, so the team can plan the right design and timing for you.
If you already have a guard, bring it along so the team can see how it fits and how it has worn over time.
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.
Do adults need sports guards too?
Yes. Adults playing contact sports or activities with a risk of falls can injure their teeth just as children can, and repairs may be more involved. A guard is a sensible precaution for many recreational and competitive sports at any age.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, and protection is especially important with braces, since brackets can cut the lips during a hit. A guard designed to fit over brackets can help prevent cuts and damage to the braces. Ask the team about suitable options for your stage of treatment.
How long does a sports guard last?
It depends on how often you use it, how it is cared for and changes in your teeth. Check it regularly and bring it to checkups. Replace it if it is cracked, worn thin or no longer fits snugly against your teeth.
Will a custom guard affect my breathing?
Custom guards are designed to fit closely, which many athletes find makes breathing and speaking easier than with bulky store-bought guards. Let the team know if anything feels restrictive during play, since small adjustments can often help.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Hold the tooth by the crown, keep it moist in milk and contact a dentist immediately, since time matters. For head injuries, confusion or bleeding that will not stop, seek emergency medical care first before dealing with the tooth.
Protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
From hockey to soccer, a well-fitted mouthguard helps protect young teeth. Boston families can arrange a custom fitting at our Port Dover office.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, sports hit or farm accident can injure teeth and gums. Boston patients can learn what to do first and how our Port Dover team checks damage.