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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Townsend
A well-fitted sports guard helps protect teeth, lips and jaws during play. Townsend athletes can learn how custom guards are made, worn and replaced.
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Caring for Townsend patients at our Port Dover office
Every dental service for TownsendProtection for every season
The best guard is one that fits well enough to keep in.
Contact sports, recreational leagues and fast-moving activities all carry a risk of dental injury. A sports guard cushions blows to the face, helping reduce the chance of chipped or knocked-out teeth, cut lips and some jaw injuries. Adults returning to hockey, ball hockey or martial arts benefit just as much as younger players.
Athletes from Townsend can be fitted for a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your teeth and bite, ask about the sports you play and recommend a design and thickness suited to the level of contact, then make sure the finished guard feels secure.
Why wear one
Guards help absorb impact that would reach the teeth.
Reducing the risk of dental injury
A sports guard spreads the force of a blow across the teeth and gums instead of letting it land on one or two front teeth. That can reduce broken and knocked-out teeth, cuts to the lips and cheeks and damage to crowns, bridges or veneers. Many leagues require or strongly recommend guards for exactly this reason, especially in sports with sticks, pucks or hard balls.
Custom versus generic options
Boil-and-bite and stock guards are easy to find and offer some protection. However, they can feel bulky, loosen mid-game or make it hard to breathe and call out to teammates, so players often take them out. A custom guard is made from impressions of your own teeth, so it tends to fit more closely and comfortably, and is more likely to stay in.
Getting fitted
A custom guard takes a short series of visits.
Assessment and impressions
The dentist will check for decay, loose teeth or dental work that could affect how the guard sits. Impressions or digital scans of your teeth are then taken, and you will talk about the sports you play, your position and how often you are on the field, court or ice. The amount of contact helps decide the thickness and design that will protect you best.
Trying the finished guard
When the guard is ready, the dentist checks that it snaps securely into place, lets you breathe and speak reasonably well and does not press into the gums. Small adjustments can be made if anything rubs. You will receive instructions on wearing, cleaning and storing it, along with advice on when the fit should be rechecked during or between seasons.
Wearing and caring
Consistent use and care keep the guard effective.
Wear it during every practice and game
Injuries happen at practices, pickup games and warm-ups as well as during competition, so put the guard in whenever you play. Keep it in a ventilated case inside your sports bag so it is always there when you need it. Encouraging teammates to wear guards helps make it the normal thing to do, particularly on youth and recreational teams.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after each use and brush it gently with cool water. Avoid hot water, dishwashers and leaving it on a car dashboard, since heat can warp the shape. Never share a guard with someone else. Check it regularly for tears, thin spots or a loose fit, and bring it to dental checkups so it can be inspected properly.
When to replace
A worn or ill-fitting guard offers less protection.
Signs a guard needs replacing
Replace your guard if it cracks, tears, has been chewed thin or no longer fits snugly when you bite. Heavy use over several seasons gradually reduces how well it absorbs impact, even if it still looks usable. Bring it to checkups so the dentist can assess its condition and let you know when it is time for a new one before the next season begins.
Changes in your teeth
New crowns, fillings, braces or shifting teeth can all change how a guard fits. Teenagers often need replacements as their teeth and jaws continue to grow. Let the dentist know about upcoming dental work or orthodontic treatment, so a new guard can be timed sensibly and you are not left playing with one that no longer protects you properly.
Planning your appointment
Getting fitted before the season.
Call our Port Dover office at 519-583-2929 and mention the sports you play and when your season starts. The team can schedule the fitting so your guard is ready in time for the first practice.
Bring your current guard if you have one, and mention any dental work, braces or recent injuries so they can be taken into account.
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
Questions about sports guards
Have a question about your situation? Our team can help you plan a visit.
Which sports need a mouthguard?
Any sport with contact, falls, flying objects or sticks carries some risk, including hockey, football, lacrosse, basketball, soccer, rugby and martial arts. Ask the dentist about the sports you play and the level of protection that makes sense for each.
Is a custom guard better than a store-bought one?
Custom guards are made to fit your teeth, so they are usually more comfortable, stay in place better and make it easier to breathe and talk. In practice, that often means they are worn more consistently, which is what actually prevents injuries.
Can I wear a sports guard with braces?
Yes, but the guard needs to allow for the brackets and for teeth that are moving. Let the dentist know about orthodontic treatment so a suitable design can be recommended. Your orthodontist may also have advice about the best type to use.
How often should I replace my sports guard?
Replace it when it is worn, damaged or no longer fits snugly. Growing teenagers may need a new one more often, sometimes every season. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can assess its condition and fit each time.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during sports?
For an adult tooth, hold it by the crown, keep it moist in milk and contact a dentist immediately, since time matters. Seek emergency medical care first if there is a head injury, loss of consciousness or heavy bleeding.
Related protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Young athletes in Townsend can be fitted for a sports mouthguard at our Port Dover office. Learn how fit, growth and care affect protection on the field or ice.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, collision or sports injury can damage teeth and gums. Learn what to do first, when to call our Port Dover office and what follow-up usually involves.