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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Tillsonburg
Contact and high-speed sports put teeth at risk. Guard types, fitting visits and replacement timing for teen and adult athletes from Tillsonburg.
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Tillsonburg patients are welcome at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for Tillsonburg patientsProtect your teeth on the field
A well-fitted guard can make a hard hit less damaging.
Hockey, rugby, football, basketball, martial arts, mountain biking and many other activities carry a risk of blows to the face. A sports guard cushions the teeth, lips and gums, reducing the chance of broken or knocked-out teeth. Comfort and fit matter, because a guard that feels awkward often gets left in the bag.
Athletes from Tillsonburg, including teens and adults in recreational leagues, can be fitted for a sports guard at our Port Dover office. Booking ahead of the season leaves time for the guard to be made and checked without a rush before the first game.
Choosing a guard
Fit affects both protection and comfort.
Stock and boil-and-bite guards
Stock guards come ready to wear, and boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home. Both are widely available and offer some protection. However, they can feel bulky, loosen during play or make breathing and talking harder. If you use one, bring it in so the dentist can check its fit.
Custom-fitted guards
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth, so they follow the shape of your mouth closely. Many athletes find them more comfortable and easier to breathe and speak with. Ask about thickness and design options suited to your sport and position.
Getting fitted
Fitting usually takes two visits.
Examining teeth and taking impressions
The dentist checks your teeth and existing dental work, such as crowns, bridges or braces, which may affect the design. Impressions or scans are taken. Mention your sport, how often you play and any previous mouth injuries so the guard can be tailored to your needs.
Trying the guard and fine-tuning
When the guard is ready, you try it in, and the dentist checks coverage, retention and comfort. Adjustments may be made. Practise talking and breathing with it in. Allow time for this visit so any changes can be made before you head back to Tillsonburg.
Using it
A guard only helps when it is worn.
Building the habit
Wear the guard at practices as well as games, since injuries can happen at any time. Keep a spare case in your sports bag. If the guard feels uncomfortable, contact the office instead of trimming or chewing it, which can reduce protection and fit.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use, brush it gently with cool water and let it air dry in a ventilated case. Avoid leaving it in hot cars or near heaters, which can warp it. Clean the case regularly to prevent bacteria from building up between uses.
Replacement
Guards wear out and may need updating.
Signs a guard needs replacing
Cracks, thinning, a loose fit or visible wear mean the guard may no longer protect well. Dental work, orthodontic treatment or growth in teens can change the fit. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can assess it. Many athletes need a new guard periodically.
What to do after an injury
If you take a hit to the mouth, check for chipped, loose or displaced teeth, even while wearing a guard. A knocked-out adult tooth needs urgent dental guidance. Serious head injuries or bleeding that will not stop require emergency medical care first. Call the Port Dover office for dental advice.
Planning your appointment
Get fitted before the Tillsonburg season starts.
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting. Mention your sport, any braces or dental work, and when your season begins.
Bring any guard you currently use and allow time for a try-in visit once the custom guard is ready.
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. Anyone playing a sport with a risk of contact, falls or flying objects can benefit. Adult teeth and dental work such as crowns or implants can be costly and difficult to replace after an injury, so protection is worthwhile.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, but the guard must allow for brackets and planned tooth movement. Let the team know about orthodontic treatment so they can recommend an appropriate design and explain how often the fit should be checked.
How often should a sports guard be replaced?
It depends on wear, damage and changes in your teeth. Teens may need replacements more often as they grow. Bring your guard to checkups so its condition can be reviewed and replaced when it is no longer protective.
Is a custom guard better than a store-bought one?
Custom guards usually fit more closely and comfortably, which encourages consistent use. Store-bought guards offer some protection but may be bulkier. The dentist can compare options for your sport and explain the differences.
What should I do if I injure my teeth while playing?
Check for serious injuries first. For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and seek dental help immediately. Call the office for other dental injuries.
Protection and injury resources
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Fitting a mouthguard before the season helps young Tillsonburg athletes play protected. Read about guard types, try-ins and replacing guards as kids grow.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
Falls, collisions and sports hits can loosen, crack or shift teeth. First steps after an injury and why Tillsonburg patients may need follow-up checks.