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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Pine Grove
A custom sports guard helps protect teeth, lips and jaws during play. Pine Grove athletes of all ages can learn about fit, comfort, care and replacement.
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Caring for Pine Grove patients at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for Pine GroveGear for your teeth
A guard that fits well protects teeth without getting in the way.
Sports guards cushion the teeth and soft tissues from impacts during contact sports, falls and collisions. They can help prevent chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth and cut lips, and may reduce the force transferred to the jaw. Adults playing recreational hockey, basketball or martial arts can benefit as much as young athletes.
Athletes from Pine Grove can be fitted for a custom guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will consider your sport, any dental work and how your teeth meet when designing it.
Why wear one
Protection is simpler than repairing damage.
Injuries a guard helps prevent
Without a guard, a blow to the face can break teeth, push them out of position or knock them out, often requiring extensive and ongoing treatment. Lips and cheeks can be cut against the teeth. A well-fitted guard absorbs and spreads the force, reducing the chance and severity of these injuries.
Sports that carry risk
Hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, boxing and martial arts carry obvious risks. Basketball, soccer, baseball, cycling, skateboarding and skiing also involve falls and collisions. If your sport involves any chance of impact to the face, a guard is worth considering, even if it is not required by your league.
Choosing a guard
Fit and comfort affect whether a guard gets worn.
Custom-made guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth. They fit closely, stay in place and allow easier breathing and speaking. Thickness can be tailored to your sport. Because they are comfortable, athletes are more likely to wear them consistently, which is the key to effective protection.
Ready-made options
Stock and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and better than nothing. They may be bulky, loosen during play or make talking difficult. If you use one, make sure it covers all your upper teeth and stays in place. Bring it to a checkup for the dentist to assess.
Fitting
A custom guard takes two short visits.
Impressions and design
The dentist checks your teeth and takes impressions or a scan. Tell the dentist which sports you play, your position and how often. Mention braces, bridges or other dental work, as these influence the guard’s design. The guard is then made in a laboratory to your specifications.
Trying it in
When it is ready, you will try it in to confirm a snug, comfortable fit. You should be able to breathe and speak reasonably well. The dentist will make adjustments if needed and show you how to clean and store it. Wear it during practice as well as games.
Care
A clean, intact guard protects best.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse your guard before and after each use, brush it gently with cool water and let it air dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, direct sunlight and leaving it in a hot car, which can warp it. Do not share guards. Keep it away from pets, which often chew them.
When to replace
Replace your guard if it cracks, tears, becomes loose or no longer fits after dental work. Chewed edges reduce protection. Teens and children may need new guards as their teeth change. Bring your guard to checkups so the dentist can assess its condition.
Planning your appointment
Getting fitted from Pine Grove
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting. If your season starts soon, mention the date so the team can explain the timeline and appointments involved.
Bring any guard you currently use and details of your sport and position. Mention braces, crowns or recent dental injuries.
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 sports with risk of impact or falls can injure their teeth just as easily. A guard is worthwhile protection regardless of age.
Can I wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and it is especially important because brackets can cut the lips. The guard design may need to allow for tooth movement. Ask the dentist or orthodontist about suitable options.
How long does a custom sports guard last?
With good care, it may last a season or longer for adults. Children and teens may need replacements as their mouths grow. Check for wear and fit regularly.
Will a guard affect my breathing or speech?
A well-fitted custom guard usually allows comfortable breathing and reasonable speech. Bulky or poorly fitting guards are more likely to interfere. Report any issues so the fit can be adjusted.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
For an adult tooth, hold it by the crown, keep it moist in milk or saliva and contact a dentist immediately. Seek emergency care for head injuries.
Related protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
A well-fitted mouthguard helps protect young athletes’ teeth. Pine Grove parents can learn about custom and store-bought options and fitting as children grow.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A blow to the mouth can loosen, push or break teeth. Pine Grove patients can learn what to do right after an injury and how trauma is assessed and followed up.