Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Cultus
A custom sports guard helps protect teeth and lips during contact and recreational sports. Cultus athletes can learn about fitting, comfort and care of a guard.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Caring for Cultus patients at our office in Port Dover
Browse every dental service for CultusProtection for every game
A well-fitted guard is one of the simplest ways to prevent dental injuries.
Contact sports, ball games and recreational activities like mountain biking or skateboarding all carry a risk of impact to the face. A sports guard cushions the teeth, lips and jaw, reducing the chance of chipped, broken or knocked-out teeth. Fit and comfort are key, because a guard only protects when it is worn.
Athletes of all ages from Cultus can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. We will discuss the sports you play, check your teeth and create a guard designed to fit securely while allowing you to breathe and communicate on the field.
Why wear one
A guard absorbs force that would otherwise reach your teeth.
Preventing common injuries
Sports guards help reduce the risk of broken teeth, cut lips and cheeks and injuries to the jaw. They spread the force of a blow across a wider area. Many injuries happen during practice or casual play, so wearing a guard consistently, not just at games, gives the best protection. Adults in recreational leagues benefit too.
Protecting dental work
If you have crowns, bridges, veneers or braces, a guard can help protect them from damage. Orthodontic appliances can cause cuts to the lips and cheeks if struck. Let the dentist know about any dental work so the guard can be designed to accommodate it. Replacing a broken crown or implant tooth is far more involved than replacing a mouthguard.
Custom fit
Not all guards offer the same fit.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards are ready-made and inexpensive but often fit loosely and can make breathing and talking difficult. Boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home, offering a better fit, though they can be bulky or uneven. Some athletes find these uncomfortable and remove them during play. A guard left on the bench offers no protection at all.
Custom-made guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth, giving a closer fit and more even thickness. They tend to feel less bulky and stay in place more securely. The dentist can adjust the design based on your sport and level of contact. Colours and team designs can encourage younger players to wear them.
Getting fitted
Making a custom guard is straightforward.
Impressions and design
The dentist examines your teeth and takes impressions or a digital scan. Mention the sport you play, your position and whether you wear braces. These factors influence the guard’s thickness, coverage and design. The guard is then made to fit your teeth. Ask how long it will take to be ready, so you can plan the pickup visit around practices and games.
Fitting and adjustments
At the fitting visit, the dentist checks that the guard fits securely, covers the right areas and does not irritate your gums. Practise talking and breathing with it in place. Small adjustments can improve comfort before you take it to practice or a game. Wear it at home for short periods first to get used to the feel.
Care
Keep your guard clean and in good condition.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard before and after each use and brush it gently with a soft toothbrush. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it away from heat, such as a hot car or direct sunlight, which can warp it. Do not share guards with teammates. Replace the case if it cracks or becomes hard to clean.
When to replace it
Check your guard regularly for tears, holes or thinning. Bring it to dental checkups so the dentist can assess its condition and fit. Replace it if it becomes damaged or no longer fits, especially after dental work or, for younger athletes, as teeth change. Chewing on the guard between plays wears it down much faster.
Planning your appointment
Guard fittings from Cultus
Call our Port Dover office to arrange a sports guard fitting. Ideally, book before the season starts so your guard is ready for the first practice or tryout of the year.
Bring your current guard if you have one, and mention any braces or dental work so the dentist can design the guard appropriately.
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?
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, boxing and martial arts are obvious examples, but basketball, soccer, baseball, cycling and skateboarding also carry risks. Ask the dentist about your activities and how much protection each of them requires.
Can I wear a guard with braces?
Yes. A guard can protect both your teeth and braces. The design may need to allow for tooth movement. Mention braces when booking, and the dentist can coordinate the design with your orthodontic treatment as it progresses.
How long does a custom guard last?
It depends on how often it is used and how much it is chewed. Many last a season or more. Check for damage regularly and bring it to checkups for a quick professional look at its fit.
Is a custom guard more comfortable?
Many athletes find custom guards less bulky and easier to breathe and speak with, which encourages consistent use. Comfort varies by individual, and the dentist can make small adjustments if something feels off during play.
What should I do if I injure a tooth while playing?
Contact the dental office promptly. For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown and seek care right away. Seek medical care for any head injury before dental care. Keep any tooth fragments safe in milk.
Protection and injury resources
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Young athletes from Cultus can be fitted for a custom sports mouthguard in Port Dover. Learn about fit, growth changes and caring for a guard between games.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
Falls, sports and accidents can injure teeth and gums. Cultus patients can learn what to do first, when to seek emergency care and how injuries are followed up.