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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Nixon
From hockey to rec-league ball, a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth and lips. Nixon athletes of all ages can learn how guards are made, worn and replaced.
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Serving patients from Nixon and the surrounding countryside at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for NixonPlay hard, protect your smile
A comfortable guard is one you will actually wear.
Sports guards cushion the teeth, lips, cheeks and jaw from impacts during contact sports and activities with a risk of falls. Hockey, football, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, martial arts and even recreational ball games can lead to dental injuries. A well-fitted guard that allows clear breathing and speaking is more likely to stay in during play.
Athletes from Nixon, whether youth or adult, can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. The team will check your teeth, take impressions or scans and discuss the design that suits your sport. Planning ahead of the season leaves time for fabrication and fitting.
Why custom fit
Fit matters as much as material.
Fit affects consistent use
Guards that are loose, bulky or uncomfortable often end up in a bag or pocket instead of the mouth. A custom guard follows the shape of your teeth closely, which usually makes it easier to breathe, talk and drink during play. When a guard feels natural, players are more likely to wear it consistently at practices and games.
Matching the guard to the activity
Different sports carry different risks. A hockey player faces different impacts than a basketball or soccer player. Tell the team which sports you play and your position, if relevant. The thickness and design of the guard can be adjusted to balance protection with comfort, particularly for long games, weekend tournaments or players who need to call plays clearly.
Getting fitted
A short process creates a guard made for you.
Checking teeth first
Before a guard is made, the team checks your teeth and gums. Any decay, loose teeth or orthodontic appliances are noted, since these affect the guard’s design. If treatment is needed, it may be best to address it before the guard is completed. Let the team know about braces, recent dental work or past injuries.
Impressions and fitting
Impressions or scans capture the shape of your teeth. The guard is fabricated and then tried in at a fitting appointment, where the team checks comfort and coverage. Small adjustments may be made. You will learn how to wear and clean the guard. Book a few weeks before your season to avoid playing without protection.
Special cases
Some situations need extra planning.
Guards with orthodontic treatment
Braces increase the risk of cuts to the lips and cheeks during impacts. Athletes in orthodontic treatment may need a guard designed to accommodate brackets and allow for tooth movement. Talk with both your dentist and orthodontist about the best type of guard and how often it should be checked or replaced during treatment as the teeth move.
Growing athletes
Children and teens grow quickly, and their teeth change as baby teeth are lost and adult teeth arrive. A guard that fit well last season may be too tight or loose now. Bring the guard to dental checkups so the team can assess the fit and recommend replacement when needed for continued protection each season.
Care and replacement
A clean, intact guard protects you best.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and clean it gently with a soft brush, cool water and mild soap. Hot water can warp it, so avoid leaving it in a hot car or near a heater. Store it in a ventilated case and wash the case regularly. Do not share guards, since this spreads germs and the fit will not suit another person.
When to replace it
Check the guard for cracks, holes, sharp edges or a loose fit. Chewing on a guard can wear it down quickly. Replace it if it is damaged or no longer fits well. Adult athletes may also need replacement after dental work such as crowns or bridges that change the shape of the teeth or the bite.
Planning your appointment
Get game-ready from Nixon.
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting. Mention your sport, any braces or recent dental work, and when your season starts so the team can plan the timeline.
Bring your old guard if you have one, so the team can see how it has worn and whether the fit or design should change.
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 too?
Yes. Adults playing contact sports or activities with fall risks can also injure their teeth. A custom guard can help protect natural teeth and dental work. Recreational athletes benefit just as much as competitive players.
Are store-bought guards good enough?
Boil-and-bite guards can offer some protection, but their fit varies and they may feel bulky. A custom guard is designed around your teeth, which often makes it more comfortable to wear consistently. The team can explain the differences.
How often should a sports guard be replaced?
It depends on wear, damage and changes in your teeth. Children may need new guards more often as they grow. Bring your guard to dental checkups so the team can advise when replacement is needed.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during play?
Pick up the tooth by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty and try to replant it or store it in milk. Contact a dentist immediately. Seek emergency medical care for head injuries, heavy bleeding or difficulty breathing.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, and it is often recommended, since brackets can cut the lips and cheeks during an impact. A guard designed for orthodontic treatment can protect both teeth and brackets while allowing for tooth movement. Discuss options with your dentist and orthodontist before the season.
Protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer or ball season ahead? Nixon parents can learn how a custom children’s mouthguard is fitted, when to replace it as teeth grow and how to clean it.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
Falls, sports or accidents can loosen, push or break teeth. Nixon patients can learn first steps after a dental injury and why follow-up checks matter.