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 Teeterville
From hockey to mountain biking, a well-fitted sports guard helps protect teeth. Teeterville athletes can compare guard types and learn about fitting and care.
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.
Care for Teeterville households, provided at our Port Dover office
Browse every dental service for TeetervilleProtection for active mouths
A guard you are comfortable wearing is the one that protects you.
Sports and recreational activities carry a risk of dental injury, from chipped front teeth to teeth knocked out completely. A mouthguard cushions blows to the face and helps protect teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue. Adults playing recreational hockey, ball or martial arts benefit just as much as young athletes, and a good fit makes the guard far more likely to be worn.
Teeterville athletes of all ages can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will consider the sport, your bite, any dental work and whether you wear braces before recommending a design that balances protection, breathing and everyday comfort.
Why wear one
Dental injuries are common, and many are preventable.
Injuries a guard can reduce
A blow to the face during play can chip, crack, loosen or knock out teeth and cut the lips and cheeks against sharp edges. Dental injuries often require ongoing treatment, sometimes for years. A guard absorbs and spreads the force of an impact, reducing the chance and severity of damage. It is a small investment compared with treating a serious injury.
Activities where guards make sense
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, boxing and martial arts are obvious examples, but basketball, soccer, baseball, skateboarding and mountain biking also carry risk. If you play pickup games or recreational leagues, protection is still worthwhile. A guard does not replace helmets and face shields, but it adds an important layer of protection for the teeth and mouth.
Comparing guards
Fit makes a major difference in comfort and protection.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come pre-formed in a few sizes and are often loose and bulky, making breathing and talking difficult. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and moulded by biting, which improves the fit somewhat. They are widely available and better than nothing, but they can be uneven in thickness and may need frequent replacement.
Custom-made guards
Custom guards are made from an impression or scan of your teeth. They fit closely, stay in place and can be designed with appropriate thickness for your sport. Many athletes find them easier to breathe and speak with, which encourages consistent use. The dentist can explain how a custom guard compares for your particular needs.
Getting fitted
A custom guard is made in a couple of short visits.
Impressions and design choices
At the first visit, the dentist examines your teeth and takes an impression or scan. Mention your sport, position and level of contact, as this can influence thickness and design. If you wear braces or have dental work planned, let the dentist know. Ask how long fabrication takes so you can schedule your return from Teeterville before the season starts.
Fitting and adjustment
At the fitting, the dentist checks that the guard seats firmly, covers the right teeth and allows you to breathe and speak reasonably well. Small adjustments can be made if it rubs or feels tight. Practise wearing it during training before a game so you get used to the feel before it really counts on game day.
Care and replacement
A clean, intact guard offers the best protection.
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 direct sunlight, which can warp it. Avoid chewing on the guard, which can create thin spots that reduce its protective ability over time.
Knowing when to replace it
Replace your guard if it becomes torn, loose, thin or no longer fits after dental work. Teens may need new guards as their teeth and jaws continue to grow. Bring your guard to checkups so the dentist can assess its condition. If you take a hit to the mouth, have your teeth checked even if the guard was worn.
Planning your appointment
Getting a sports guard from Teeterville.
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting. Mention your sport, the season start date and any braces or dental work, and the team can plan the impression and fitting visits.
Bring your current guard if you have one, and let the team know about any past dental injuries or teeth that feel sensitive.
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 contact or recreational sports face the same risks of dental injury as younger players. A properly fitted guard can help reduce that risk and protect existing dental work such as crowns, bridges and veneers.
Can I breathe and talk with a custom guard?
Custom guards are designed to fit closely, which usually makes breathing and speaking easier than with bulky stock guards. There may still be an adjustment period, so practise wearing it during training before game day.
How often should I replace my sports guard?
Replace it if it is damaged, thin, loose or no longer fits after dental work or growth. Many athletes replace their guard each season or two. Have it checked at regular dental visits to know when replacement is needed.
Can I wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and protection is especially important because brackets can cut the lips during impact. Special guards are designed for braces. Ask the dentist or orthodontist which type is suitable during your treatment and how often to replace it.
Does a mouthguard prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are mainly designed to protect teeth and soft tissues. They should not be relied upon to prevent concussions. Helmets, proper technique and following safety rules remain essential parts of injury prevention for every player.
Protection and injury pages
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer or ball season ahead? See how a mouthguard protects a Teeterville child’s growing teeth, how fit is checked and when to replace it.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A blow to the mouth can loosen, crack or move teeth. Teeterville patients can learn what to do first, when to call 911 and how injuries are followed up.