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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Forestville
Hockey, ball hockey, rugby or mountain biking, a fitted guard helps protect teeth and lips. Forestville athletes can learn about custom guards in Port Dover.
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Teeth are part of the equipment worth protecting on game day.
Dental injuries are among the more common sports injuries, and many happen in activities where people do not think to wear protection. A stick, elbow, ball or fall can chip a tooth, knock one loose or cut the lips and cheeks. A well-fitted sports guard cushions the impact and spreads the force across the teeth, lowering the chance of serious damage.
Adults and teens in Forestville who play recreational or competitive sports can be fitted for a custom guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist considers your sport, your bite and any dental work, and explains how a guard should fit, feel and be cared for.
Choose protection
Many sports carry a risk to the teeth.
Contact and collision sports
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, boxing and martial arts are well known for dental injuries, and many leagues require guards. Players in these sports benefit from a guard that stays in place, allows clear breathing and lets them communicate with teammates. A custom fit can make it more comfortable to wear throughout an entire game or practice session.
Activities people often overlook
Basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, skateboarding, mountain biking and even recreational ball hockey can also lead to falls and collisions. Adults returning to sports after years away sometimes forget about mouth protection. If an activity involves speed, contact or flying objects, it is worth asking the dentist whether a guard makes sense for you and your sport.
Guard options
Fit affects both comfort and protection.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come ready to wear and are inexpensive, but they often fit loosely and can make breathing and speaking harder. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped by biting, giving a somewhat better fit. Both offer some protection, though athletes frequently remove them during play because of discomfort, which defeats their purpose entirely.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or a scan of your teeth, producing a close, secure fit. It can be designed with a thickness suited to your sport and is typically more comfortable for long periods. The dentist explains the design options and how the guard can accommodate crowns, bridges or orthodontic appliances you may already have.
The fitting
A short process produces a guard made for your mouth.
Impressions and bite records
At the first visit, the dentist examines your teeth and takes impressions or a digital scan. If you have loose teeth, untreated cavities or planned dental work, those may affect timing. Bring your helmet or face cage if you would like to confirm the guard works alongside it. Mention the sport and position you play, since that influences design.
Trying the finished guard
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it stays in place, does not rub the gums and allows normal breathing. Small adjustments can be made. Aim to complete fitting before the season starts so you have time to get used to wearing it. Scheduling both visits together helps reduce trips from Forestville during a busy season.
Care and replacement
A clean, intact guard protects best.
Cleaning and storing your guard
Rinse the guard after every use and brush it gently with cool water and mild soap. Let it dry fully before storing it in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and leaving the guard in a hot car or on a heater, which can warp it. Never share guards with teammates, and wash the case regularly to prevent buildup.
When to replace it
Check for tears, thinning, chewed edges or a loose fit. A damaged guard offers less protection. Bring it to regular checkups so the dentist can assess it. Replace it after significant dental work, a dental injury or when it no longer fits securely. Teens may need replacements more often as their mouths continue to develop.
Planning your appointment
Get fitted before the season from Forestville.
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting. Let the team know your sport, when the season starts and whether you have braces, crowns or other dental work.
Bring your current guard if you have one, and a helmet with a face cage if you want to check how the new guard works with it.
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.
Are custom sports guards better than store-bought?
Custom guards usually fit more securely and comfortably, which makes them easier to wear throughout play. Store-bought guards still provide some protection. The dentist can discuss which option suits your sport, budget and how consistently you are likely to wear it.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, but the guard needs to accommodate brackets and moving teeth. Talk with the dentist and your orthodontist about the best design. Some guards are made specifically for use during orthodontic treatment and allow room for tooth movement.
How long does a sports guard last?
It depends on how often you play, how you care for it and whether your teeth change. Adults may use one for several seasons, while teens often need replacements sooner. Bring it to checkups to have its condition and fit assessed.
Does a sports guard prevent concussions?
Research on this question is mixed, and a mouthguard should not be relied on to prevent concussions. Its main role is protecting the teeth, lips and jaw from injury. Helmets and safe play remain essential for reducing head injury risk.
What should I do if I injure a tooth while playing?
Check for head injury first. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, handle it by the crown, rinse gently and replant it or store it in milk. Call the dental office immediately for guidance on what to do next.
Protection and injury care for Forestville
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer, baseball or biking down country roads, kids’ teeth need protection. Forestville families can ask about custom-fitted mouthguards in Port Dover.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
Falls, sports hits and accidents can loosen, push or break teeth. Forestville families can learn what to do first and when to call our Port Dover office.