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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Hagersville
A properly fitted sports guard helps protect teeth, lips and jaws during play. Hagersville athletes can learn about custom guards and how to care for them.
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A well-fitted sports guard is simple, effective protection.
Dental injuries are common in contact sports, but they also happen in activities like basketball, cycling, skateboarding and recreational hockey. A sports guard cushions blows to the face, reducing the risk of broken or knocked-out teeth and cuts to the lips and cheeks. The best guard is one that fits properly and is comfortable enough to wear every time you play.
Athletes of all ages in Hagersville can arrange a custom sports guard through our Port Dover office. Planning ahead of your season gives time for the guard to be made and adjusted before games and practices begin.
Why wear one
Protection matters in more sports than you might think.
Sports that carry dental risk
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, boxing and martial arts are well known for dental injuries. Basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, mountain biking and skateboarding also carry risk from falls, elbows, balls and equipment. Recreational players are just as vulnerable as competitive athletes, and adult leagues often see their share of chipped teeth.
What a guard protects
A guard absorbs and spreads the force of an impact, protecting teeth from chipping, cracking or being knocked out. It also helps prevent the lips and cheeks from being cut against the teeth. If you have braces, crowns, bridges or implants, a guard can protect that dental work too, helping avoid costly repairs.
Choosing a guard
Fit and comfort determine whether a guard is worn.
Store-bought options
Stock guards come pre-formed and are often bulky and loose. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and moulded at home, giving a better fit, but thickness can vary and they may not cover all teeth evenly. They are better than nothing but can be uncomfortable, making athletes less likely to keep them in.
Custom-fitted guards
Custom guards are made from an impression or scan of your teeth, so they fit closely and stay in place. Thickness can be designed for your sport. They usually allow easier breathing and speaking. The dentist checks the fit and adjusts any areas that rub. Many athletes find a custom guard much more comfortable to wear.
Getting fitted
A custom guard usually takes two short visits.
Taking impressions
At the first appointment, the dentist examines your teeth and takes impressions or a digital scan. Tell the dentist which sports you play, whether you wear a helmet with a face cage and any colour preferences. If you have braces or are expecting dental work, mention this, as it affects the guard design.
Fitting and checking
When the guard is ready, you try it in and the dentist checks the fit, coverage and bite. It should feel snug without pressing on the gums. Practise talking and drinking with it in. If anything rubs during your first few sessions, contact the office so it can be adjusted before your next game.
Care and replacement
A clean, well-maintained guard protects better.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and brush it gently with cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it away from heat, such as a hot car or dashboard, which can distort it. Do not chew on the guard or share it. Bring it to dental checkups so the fit and condition can be reviewed.
Knowing when to replace it
Replace the guard if it cracks, tears, loosens or no longer fits snugly. Teens and children may need new guards more often as their teeth change. After any dental work, check that it still fits. If you take a hard hit to the mouth, check your teeth and guard, and call the office about any injury.
Planning your appointment
Getting game-ready from Hagersville.
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting, mentioning your sport, season dates and any braces or dental work. Booking early allows time for the guard to be made and adjusted.
If you have an old guard, bring it. Mention any league requirements for colour, thickness or strap attachments when you book the appointment.
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. Adults in recreational and competitive sports face the same risk of dental injury as younger athletes. A guard can protect natural teeth and dental work such as crowns, bridges and implants during play.
Can I wear a guard with braces?
Yes, but it should be designed to fit around the braces without interfering with tooth movement. Tell the dentist and your orthodontist that you play sports so the guard can be made appropriately.
How long does a sports guard last?
It depends on how often it is used, how it is cared for and whether teeth are still changing. Adults may use the same guard for a few seasons, while children often need replacements more frequently.
Does a sports guard prevent concussions?
A sports guard is designed to protect teeth and soft tissues. It should not be relied on to prevent concussion. Follow your sport’s helmet and safety guidelines, and seek medical care for any head injury.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during play?
Hold the tooth by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty and try to replant it or store it in milk. Call a dental office immediately. Seek emergency care for any head injury or heavy bleeding.
More on protecting teeth
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer or lacrosse in Hagersville? Learn how a properly fitted children’s sports mouthguard is made and cared for through our Port Dover office.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, collision or sports injury can loosen, push or break teeth. Hagersville patients can learn first steps and when to call our Port Dover office.