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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Normandale
A well-fitted sports guard helps protect teeth during contact and high-risk activities. Normandale athletes can learn about fit, care and replacement in Port Dover.
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See every dental service for NormandaleGear for your teeth
A sports guard is part of your equipment, just like a helmet or pads.
Contact sports, martial arts, racquet sports, cycling and other activities carry a risk of impact to the face. A sports guard cushions blows and helps protect teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue from injury. Adults as well as children benefit, particularly in recreational leagues where protective gear is sometimes overlooked. The key is a guard that fits well and stays in place.
Whether you play hockey in winter or paddle and cycle along the shoreline in summer, our Port Dover team can help Normandale athletes find a suitable sports guard. We assess your teeth, discuss your sport and fit a custom guard when appropriate.
Why wear one
Guards reduce the risk of dental injury.
Protecting teeth and soft tissues
A blow to the face can chip, crack, loosen or knock out teeth, and lacerate the lips and cheeks. A sports guard spreads the force of impact and provides a barrier between teeth and soft tissues. Injuries can still happen, but their severity is often reduced with proper protection.
Choosing the right sports
Hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, boxing and martial arts are common sports where guards are recommended. Activities like cycling, skateboarding and climbing can also involve falls. Ask the dentist whether a guard is advisable for your activities and level of play.
Guard options
Fit affects both protection and comfort.
Stock and boil-and-bite
Stock guards come ready to wear, while boil-and-bite guards are softened and molded at home. Both are widely available and inexpensive. However, they may fit loosely, feel bulky or make breathing and speaking harder, which can discourage athletes from wearing them consistently.
Custom-made guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth. They tend to fit closely, stay in place and allow easier breathing and speech. The dentist can adjust thickness and design for your sport. If you have braces or dental work, a custom guard can accommodate them.
Fitting
A custom guard takes two short visits.
Taking impressions
The dentist checks your teeth and any dental work, then takes impressions or a scan of your upper teeth. You can discuss colour options and any specific needs for your sport. If you are undergoing orthodontic treatment, mention it so the design can allow for tooth movement.
Trying the guard
When the guard is ready, you try it in to check fit and comfort. It should snap into place, stay secure when you open your mouth and allow you to breathe and speak reasonably well. The dentist makes any needed adjustments and explains care instructions.
Care
Look after your guard so it is ready when you need it.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and brush it gently with cool water. Let it dry and store it in a ventilated case. Keep it away from heat, such as hot cars or sunny windowsills, which can warp the material. Avoid chewing on the guard or sharing it with others.
When to replace
Replace a guard that is torn, worn thin, loose or no longer fits after dental work. Children and teens need replacements more often as their teeth change. Bring your guard to checkups so the dentist can assess its condition and fit.
Planning your appointment
Sports guard fittings for Normandale athletes
Call our Port Dover office a few weeks before your season to allow time for impressions and fitting. Mention your sport and whether you have braces, crowns or other dental work.
If you have an old guard, bring it so the dentist can see how it has worn and how it fit.
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 contact or high-risk sports benefit from protection just as children do. Injuries to adult teeth can be costly and complex to repair.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes. A guard can be designed to accommodate brackets and allow for tooth movement. Let the dentist know about your orthodontic treatment.
How long does a custom sports guard last?
It depends on use, care and changes to your teeth. Adults may use a guard for several seasons, while growing children need replacements more often.
Will a guard affect my breathing during play?
A well-fitted custom guard usually allows easier breathing than bulky generic options. The dentist can adjust the design for comfort.
What should I do if I injure a tooth while playing?
Call the office promptly. For a knocked-out adult tooth, time matters. Seek emergency care first for head injuries or breathing difficulty.
Protection and injury resources
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
A well-fitted mouthguard can help protect young athletes. Normandale parents can learn about custom guards, fit checks and replacements at our Port Dover office.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, collision or sports knock can injure teeth and gums. Normandale residents can learn what to do first and how our Port Dover team assesses dental trauma.