Patient video
Welcoming and Wonderful Practice
A patient shares the welcoming atmosphere and positive experience they found at our Port Dover office.
★★★★★
Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Silver Hill
Hockey, ball or martial arts: a fitted sports guard helps protect teeth from impact. Silver Hill athletes can learn about options, fitting and upkeep.
New patients welcomeCDCP accepted
Let’s get you smiling
Book an appointment
Tell us how we can help. Our team will follow up to confirm a time.
Silver Hill patients are cared for at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Silver HillProtection that stays in place
A well-fitted guard lets you focus on the game.
Sports injuries to the mouth can chip or knock out teeth, cut lips and cheeks or even injure the jaw. A sports guard cushions impacts and helps spread the force of a blow. Guards are useful for contact sports and for activities where falls or collisions are common, whether you play competitively or just for fun on weekends.
Athletes of all ages from Silver Hill can have a custom sports guard made at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your teeth and any dental work, take impressions and design a guard that fits snugly, allows you to breathe and speak, and suits the sport you play.
Who should wear one
Any sport with contact or falls can justify a guard.
Sports with higher risk
Hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, boxing and martial arts carry obvious risks, but basketball, soccer, baseball, volleyball, skateboarding and mountain biking can also lead to dental injuries. Some leagues require guards, while others leave it to players. Adult recreational athletes are at risk too, not just children and teens.
Special considerations
People with braces, crowns, bridges or implants may need a guard designed to protect that dental work. If you have had a previous dental injury, a guard is especially important. Mention any dental work and your sport when booking so the dentist can plan an appropriate design for your needs.
Comparing guards
Fit makes a big difference in comfort and protection.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards are ready to wear and inexpensive but often fit loosely, which can make breathing and speaking difficult and tempt people to remove them. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and shaped by biting, improving fit somewhat. Both can provide some protection, though they may wear or lose shape quickly.
Custom-fitted guards
Custom guards are made from impressions of your teeth and fit closely, so they tend to stay in place and feel more comfortable. Thickness and materials can be chosen to suit the level of impact in your sport. The dentist can explain how a custom guard compares for your activity and dental work.
Getting fitted
A custom guard usually takes two short visits.
Impressions and design
At the first visit, the dentist checks your teeth and takes impressions or scans. You can discuss colour preferences and any league requirements. The guard is then made to fit your mouth. If you play several sports, ask whether one guard can be used for all of them or whether different designs are better.
Trying it in
At the second visit, the guard is tried in. The dentist checks that it fits securely, does not press on gums and allows comfortable breathing and speech. Adjustments can be made. You are shown how to insert, remove and clean the guard, and how to tell when it might need replacement.
Looking after it
A clean, intact guard provides the best protection.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse your guard after each use and brush it gently with cool water. Store it in a ventilated case and keep it out of hot cars and direct sunlight, which can warp it. Do not chew on the guard or share it with others. Bring it to dental checkups so its condition can be checked.
When to replace
Replace the guard if it becomes worn, torn, loose or uncomfortable. Children and teens may need new guards more often as their mouths grow. If you have dental work done, such as a new crown, the guard may need to be adjusted or remade to keep the fit secure.
Planning your appointment
Getting ready for the season
Contact our Port Dover office before your season starts so there is time for impressions and fitting. Let us know your sport, any league rules and whether you wear braces or have dental work.
Bring your current guard if you have one. Players travelling in from Silver Hill can ask about booking both visits around practice schedules.
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 playing recreational or competitive sports can injure their teeth just as easily as children. A guard is worthwhile for any activity with a risk of falls, contact or flying objects. Adults with crowns, bridges or implants may especially benefit.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, and it is important because brackets can cut the lips and cheeks during an impact. The dentist can design a guard that accommodates braces. Let the team know about your orthodontic treatment when booking your fitting.
How long does a custom sports guard last?
It depends on how often you use it, the sport and how well you care for it. Adults may use one guard for several seasons, while children often need replacements as they grow. Have it checked at dental visits.
Will a guard affect my breathing or speech?
A well-fitted custom guard is usually easier to breathe and speak with than a loose stock guard. There may be a short adjustment period. Tell the dentist if the guard feels bulky or restricts breathing so it can be adjusted.
What should I do if a tooth is injured during play?
Call the office promptly. For a knocked-out adult tooth, hold it by the crown, keep it moist in milk or in the socket and seek help immediately. Seek emergency care for head injuries, heavy bleeding or breathing difficulties.
Related protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer, baseball or skating: Silver Hill parents can learn how a properly fitted child’s mouthguard is made in Port Dover and when to replace it.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, a kick or a ball can loosen, push or break teeth. Silver Hill patients can learn which injuries need fast attention and how they are monitored.