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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Port Ryerse
Adult hockey, ball games or cycling can all lead to dental injuries. Port Ryerse athletes can arrange a properly fitted sports guard at our Port Dover office.
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Caring for Port Ryerse patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Port RyerseProtect your teeth in play
A guard you forget you are wearing is the one that works.
Adults play recreational hockey, basketball, ball hockey, martial arts and other sports where a stray elbow, stick or fall can break or knock out teeth. A sports guard cushions blows and helps protect teeth, lips and cheeks. The challenge is finding a guard comfortable enough to wear every time, which is where fit becomes so important.
Athletes of any age from Port Ryerse can have a sports guard made through our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your teeth and existing dental work, then discuss thickness and design based on your sport and how much contact it involves.
Why wear one
Prevention is far easier than repair.
Injuries guards help prevent
Without a guard, an impact can chip or fracture teeth, push them out of position or knock them out. Soft tissues can be cut against teeth. Treatment for these injuries can involve root canals, crowns or implants and may take months. A guard reduces the likelihood and severity of such injuries.
Protecting dental work
If you have crowns, bridges, veneers or implants, a guard helps protect that investment. People with braces also benefit, though the guard must accommodate the brackets. Mention any dental work so the guard can be designed to provide appropriate coverage.
Choosing a guard
Fit determines comfort and protection.
Stock and boil-and-bite
Ready-made guards come in set sizes and are inexpensive but often loose and bulky, making it hard to breathe or talk. Boil-and-bite guards are moulded at home and fit somewhat better. Either may be better than no guard, but many athletes find them uncomfortable enough to leave them out.
Custom-fitted
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your teeth for a close, secure fit. Thickness can be adjusted to the level of contact in your sport. Breathing and talking are usually easier, which encourages consistent use. The dentist can explain material and design choices.
The fitting
Two quick visits are usually enough.
Exam and impressions
The dentist examines your teeth and gums and takes an impression or digital scan of the upper teeth. If you play a sport that involves heavy impacts, mention it so the guard can be thicker or layered. Discuss whether you wear a helmet or cage that affects the design.
Trying it on
At the fitting, you bite into the guard and the dentist checks retention, comfort and bite. Practise breathing, talking and drinking with it in. Minor adjustments can be made. You will receive instructions for cleaning and storing it between games.
Care and replacement
Look after your guard like any equipment.
Keeping it clean
Rinse the guard after use and clean it with a soft brush and cool water or mild soap. Let it dry and store it in a ventilated case. Avoid leaving it in hot cars or direct sunlight, which can warp it. Do not share it with teammates.
When to replace it
Replace the guard if it becomes torn, thin, loose or no longer covers your teeth properly. New dental work or tooth changes may affect fit. Bring it to dental checkups so the dentist can check its condition and fit.
Planning your appointment
Getting a sports guard from Port Ryerse.
Call our Port Dover office before your season starts and mention your sport. Ask how long a custom guard will take so it is ready when you need it.
If you have recent dental work or braces, mention it when booking so the guard can be designed accordingly.
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.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Contact and collision sports such as hockey, football, rugby, basketball, lacrosse and martial arts carry a high risk. Cycling, skateboarding and other activities with fall risks may also warrant one.
Is a custom guard better than store-bought?
Custom guards usually fit better and are more comfortable, which makes people more likely to wear them. The dentist can discuss whether a custom guard suits your sport and budget.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, but it must be designed to allow for brackets and tooth movement. Ask the dentist or orthodontist about suitable options.
How long does a sports guard last?
It depends on how often you use it and how hard you bite on it. Many last a season or more. Replace it if it is damaged or no longer fits properly.
What if I injure a tooth while playing?
Seek medical attention for head injuries first. For dental injuries, call the dental office promptly. A knocked-out permanent tooth should be kept moist, ideally in milk, and seen quickly.
Protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer or summer on the water, a well-fitted mouthguard helps protect a child’s teeth. Port Ryerse families can arrange one at our Port Dover office.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, collision or blow to the mouth can loosen, crack or displace teeth. Port Ryerse patients should call our Port Dover office for prompt guidance after injury.