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 Glen Meyer
Hockey, ball, rugby or mountain biking, a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth from impact. Glen Meyer athletes can learn about options, fit and replacement.
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.
Seeing patients from Glen Meyer and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
Browse all dental services for Glen MeyerProtection for every season
A comfortable guard is one you will actually wear in the game.
Sports guards cushion the teeth, lips and jaw against blows from sticks, balls, elbows and falls. They can reduce the risk of chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth and soft tissue injuries. Many adult recreational athletes skip them, yet injuries can happen in pickup games and weekend leagues as easily as in competitive play.
Teens and adults in Glen Meyer who play contact or high-risk sports can ask about custom sports guards at our Port Dover office. The team can discuss your sport, any dental work and how a guard can be designed to stay comfortable during play and practice.
Who needs one
Risk depends on the sport and how you play.
Sports with higher risk of dental injury
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, boxing and martial arts carry obvious risks, but basketball, soccer, baseball, cycling and skateboarding can also lead to mouth injuries. Even recreational players can be hit unexpectedly. Consider how often you play, the position you play and whether you have had previous injuries when deciding whether a guard is important for you.
Factors that increase vulnerability
Crowns, bridges, implants, veneers and orthodontic appliances can be damaged by impact and may need special consideration in guard design. Protruding front teeth may also be more vulnerable. Mention any dental work or concerns, so the dentist can recommend a guard that protects both natural teeth and restorations appropriately. Repairing damaged dental work after an injury is usually far more involved than preventing it.
Choosing a guard
Fit affects comfort, breathing and protection.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come ready to wear, and boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home. They are widely available and better than no protection, but they can feel bulky, loosen during play or make speaking and breathing harder. Some athletes end up chewing on them or leaving them on the bench, which reduces their usefulness.
Custom-fitted guards
A custom guard is made from impressions or scans of your teeth to fit closely and evenly. It can be designed with thickness and coverage suited to your sport. Many athletes find custom guards more comfortable and easier to keep in. The dentist can explain whether the benefits are worthwhile for your situation and level of play.
The fitting process
A few steps help achieve a good fit.
Impressions and design
The dentist or team records the shape of your teeth and bite. This is usually quick. Let the team know about your sport, position and any dental work, so the guard can be designed accordingly. If you have braces or expect orthodontic changes, mention this, since the guard may need to allow for tooth movement.
Trying it in and adjusting
When the guard is ready, you will try it in to check fit, comfort and retention. It should stay in place without clenching and allow you to breathe and speak reasonably well. Small adjustments may be made. Ask how to insert, remove and store the guard, and how to clean it after games and practices.
Care and replacement
A well-maintained guard protects better.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it gently as instructed. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it away from heat, such as a hot car or direct sunlight, which can warp the material. Avoid chewing on the guard, and do not share it with teammates. Bring it to dental checkups so its condition can be assessed.
When to replace your guard
Guards wear out over time and may develop holes, tears or thinning. Changes in your teeth, new dental work or orthodontic treatment can affect fit. If the guard feels loose, uncomfortable or damaged, it may need replacement before the next season. For teens who are still growing, guards may need to be refitted more often than for adults.
Planning your appointment
Getting game-ready from Glen Meyer
Call our Port Dover office a few weeks before your season starts to ask about a custom sports guard. Mention your sport, any dental work and whether you wear braces or other appliances.
Bring your current guard if you have one, and ask whether the fitting can be combined with a regular checkup or cleaning.
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?
Yes. Dental injuries can happen at any age during contact and high-risk sports, including recreational leagues. A guard can help protect natural teeth and dental work. The dentist can help you decide whether a guard is advisable for your activity.
Is a custom guard worth it?
Many athletes find custom guards more comfortable and secure, which makes them more likely to wear them consistently. The dentist can compare custom and store-bought options and help you decide what suits your sport and budget.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, but the guard should be designed to accommodate brackets and wires. Ask the dentist or orthodontist which type of guard is appropriate, so it protects your teeth without interfering with orthodontic treatment or progress.
How often should I replace my sports guard?
It depends on wear, damage and changes in your teeth. Inspect it regularly for holes, tears or thinning, and bring it to checkups. Teens may need replacements more often as their mouths grow and change.
What should I do if I injure a tooth while playing?
Call the dental office promptly and describe what happened. For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown and seek immediate professional guidance. Seek emergency medical care first for a serious head injury, uncontrolled bleeding or any breathing difficulty.
Protection and injury resources
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer, ball or biking, a well-fitted mouthguard helps protect young teeth. Glen Meyer families can discuss custom guards and refits as children grow.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, sports hit or farm accident can loosen, push or break teeth. Glen Meyer patients can learn first steps after mouth injuries and why follow-ups matter.