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Contact sports and falls can damage teeth fast. Fishers Glen athletes of any age can learn how a custom sports guard is fitted and cared for in Port Dover.
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Caring for Fishers Glen patients at our Port Dover office
See every service for Fishers GlenProtect your teeth in play
Hockey, football, rugby, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, boxing, martial arts and even recreational activities like cycling and skateboarding all carry some risk of impact to the face. A sports guard cushions blows to the mouth, helping protect teeth from chipping, cracking or being knocked out, and reducing cuts to the lips and cheeks. Fit matters, because a guard that is uncomfortable or loose is unlikely to be worn.
Adults and teens from Fishers Glen who play sports can have a custom guard made at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your teeth, ask about your sport and any dental work or braces, and discuss a design that balances protection and comfort.

Why custom
Stock guards come pre-formed and are often bulky, making it hard to talk or breathe. Boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home, offering a better fit but sometimes uneven thickness. Both can work for some people, but they may shift during play or feel uncomfortable enough that athletes take them out or chew on them.
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth, so it fits closely and stays in place. It can be made with appropriate thickness for your sport and adjusted for comfort. Many athletes find custom guards easier to talk and breathe with, which makes it more likely they will wear the guard consistently.
Special considerations
If you wear braces, a guard needs to allow for brackets and tooth movement. Some guards are designed to fit over braces, while custom guards may need to be remade as teeth shift. Discuss your orthodontic treatment with the dentist and orthodontist, so the guard protects both your teeth and the appliance. Fit is rechecked often.
Crowns, bridges, veneers and implants can be damaged by impacts too. A guard helps protect this investment. Let the dentist know about any dental work, as it may influence the design. If you have missing teeth or a removable partial denture, the guard can be made to accommodate these as well. Mention everything, even small fillings.
Making the guard
The dentist examines your teeth and takes impressions or scans. You will discuss your sport, position and any preferences, such as colour or thickness. Let the team know if you gag easily, so they can take steps to make the impression process comfortable for you. The whole visit is usually brief and straightforward for most athletes.
When the guard is ready, it is tried in to check fit, comfort and your ability to breathe and speak. Adjustments may be made. You should be able to close your mouth comfortably and the guard should stay in place without biting down. Wear it during practice before a big game to get used to it.
Care and replacement
Rinse the guard with cool water after each use and brush it gently. Store it in a ventilated case and let it dry. Keep it out of hot cars and away from direct sunlight, which can warp it. Avoid chewing on the guard, as this weakens the material and reduces its protective ability. Label the case.
Bring the guard to your dental checkups so its fit and condition can be checked. Replace it if it becomes torn, thin, loose or no longer fits well. Teens and anyone with dental changes may need replacements more often. After any significant impact, have both the guard and your teeth checked. Do it promptly, even without pain.
Planning your appointment
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard appointment, ideally before the season starts. Let the team know your sport and any orthodontic treatment or dental work you have.
If you already have a guard that is not working for you, bring it along so the dentist can see what to improve in the new design.
Before you book
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Any sport with a risk of falls, collisions or flying objects can benefit, including hockey, football, basketball, soccer, lacrosse, martial arts and skateboarding. Ask the dentist about your specific activity and level of play, including practices.
Yes, but the guard must accommodate brackets and moving teeth. Discuss options with the dentist and orthodontist. A guard designed for braces helps protect both your teeth and your orthodontic appliance. It may need replacing as teeth move.
It depends on how often you use it and how much wear it gets. Adults may use the same guard for a few seasons, while teens may need replacements more often due to growth. Check it regularly for damage.
Mouthguards are designed mainly to protect teeth and soft tissues. Evidence that they prevent concussions is limited. Follow your sport’s safety guidelines, including helmet use and concussion protocols. Seek medical care for any suspected head injury.
For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and call a dentist immediately. For other injuries, call the office promptly. Seek emergency care for head injury or breathing problems.
A well-fitted mouthguard helps protect a young athlete’s teeth. Fishers Glen families can discuss custom guards, growing mouths and braces in Port Dover.
A fall, collision or sports injury can loosen, push or break teeth. Learn what Fishers Glen patients should do first and when to call our Port Dover office.
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