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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Jarvis
Hockey, rugby, ball hockey or martial arts? A custom sports guard helps protect teeth and soft tissue. See how Jarvis athletes are fitted and how to maintain the guard.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
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Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Seeing Jarvis patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Jarvis patientsProtection for active players
A comfortable guard is one you’ll keep in during play.
Sports injuries to the mouth can chip, crack or knock out teeth and cut the lips and tongue. A mouthguard absorbs and spreads the force of an impact. Custom guards, made from a model of your teeth, tend to fit more securely and comfortably than boil-and-bite versions, making it easier to breathe, speak and stay focused.
Adult and teen athletes from Jarvis can be fitted at our Port Dover office. Let us know your sport, any dental work and whether you wear braces so the guard can be designed appropriately.
Who needs one
Many sports carry a risk to the teeth.
Contact and collision sports
Hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, boxing and martial arts involve frequent contact and a clear risk of dental injury. Many leagues require mouthguards. Even with a face shield, a guard can reduce the force transmitted to teeth and jaws during impacts.
Other activities with risk
Basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, cycling and skateboarding also carry risk from falls, elbows and balls. Adults returning to recreational leagues may not think of protecting their teeth, but injuries can be costly and painful. Consider a guard for any activity where a blow to the face is possible.
Getting fitted
Custom fitting involves two short visits.
Recording your teeth
The team takes impressions or a scan of your teeth. The dentist checks your bite and any existing dental work, such as crowns or bridges, that may need extra protection. Thickness and material are selected based on your sport and level of contact.
Try-in and adjustments
When the guard is ready, you try it in. It should fit snugly, stay in place without biting down and allow you to breathe and speak reasonably well. The dentist can make small adjustments for comfort. Ask about colour options if those are available.
Wearing it
Consistent use provides the protection.
Making it a habit
Wear the guard at every practice and game, not just in competition. Keep it in your sports bag so it is always available. Avoid chewing on it or cutting it down, which reduces protection. A well-fitted guard becomes something you barely notice during play.
Signs it needs replacing
Replace the guard if it is torn, has holes, no longer fits snugly or feels uncomfortable. Dental work, tooth movement or orthodontic treatment can change the fit. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can assess wear and advise when a new one is needed.
Care and injuries
Good habits keep the guard clean and effective.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with cool water and let it dry. Store it in a ventilated case away from heat, such as a hot car or direct sunlight, which can warp it. Clean the case regularly too.
If an injury happens
If you take a blow to the mouth, check for chipped, loose or missing teeth and call the office. A knocked-out adult tooth needs immediate attention: hold it by the crown and keep it in milk. Seek emergency care first for head injuries, confusion or breathing difficulty.
Planning your appointment
Fitting a sports guard from Jarvis
Call our Port Dover office to book a fitting before your season starts. Mention your sport, any braces and recent dental treatment.
Bring your current mouthguard if you have one, so the team can compare fit and discuss improvements.
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.
Why choose a custom guard?
Custom guards fit your teeth closely, which usually means better comfort, retention and ease of breathing and speaking. That makes them easier to wear consistently.
Can I wear a guard with braces?
Yes, but the design matters. Let the team know about your braces so an appropriate guard can be recommended that protects both teeth and appliances.
How often should I replace it?
It depends on wear and changes in your teeth. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can assess it. Replace it when it is damaged or no longer fits snugly.
Will it affect my breathing?
A well-fitted custom guard generally allows reasonable breathing and speech. If it feels bulky or restrictive, the dentist can make adjustments.
What if I lose a tooth during a game?
Hold it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty and keep it in milk or replant it gently. Call the office immediately. Seek emergency care for head injuries.
Protection and injury resources
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer or ball season ahead? Jarvis parents can arrange a custom-fitted children’s mouthguard at our Port Dover office and learn how to keep it fitting as kids grow.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, collision or sports hit can loosen, crack or move teeth. Jarvis patients should check for serious injury first, then call our Port Dover office for dental advice.