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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Walsingham
Hockey, ball, lacrosse or martial arts? Walsingham athletes of all ages can learn how a custom sports guard is made, why fit matters and when it should be replaced.
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Serving Walsingham households from our Port Dover office
See every dental service for WalsinghamProtect your teeth in play
A well-fitted sports guard is simple protection against a painful injury.
Contact sports, recreational leagues and activities with falls or flying objects all carry a risk of dental injury. A sports guard cushions blows to the mouth and helps protect teeth, lips, cheeks and the tongue. Adults playing recreational hockey or ball are just as vulnerable as kids, and a custom guard tends to stay in place better and feel more comfortable during play.
Walsingham athletes, from teens to adults in local leagues, can have a custom sports guard made at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your teeth, discuss your sport and recommend a guard design and thickness suited to the level of contact and your dental work.
Who needs one
Many sports carry some risk to the teeth.
High-contact sports
Hockey, football, rugby, lacrosse, boxing and martial arts involve frequent contact and a higher risk of dental injury. Many leagues require guards. Even with a helmet or face shield, a guard adds an important layer of protection for teeth and soft tissues during collisions.
Other activities with risk
Basketball, soccer, baseball, mountain biking and skateboarding can also lead to mouth injuries from elbows, balls or falls. If there is a reasonable chance of a blow to the face, a guard is worth considering. People with crowns, bridges, implants or braces may have extra reasons to protect their teeth.
Guard types
Fit and comfort affect how well a guard protects.
Store-bought guards
Stock guards come ready to wear but often fit loosely. Boil-and-bite guards are softened and shaped at home, offering a better fit but can be uneven in thickness. Both can provide some protection, but bulky or loose guards are more likely to be removed during play.
Custom-made guards
A custom guard is made from an impression or scan of your teeth. It fits closely, stays in place and allows easier breathing and speaking. The thickness can be tailored to your sport. Many athletes find custom guards comfortable enough to wear consistently, which is the key to protection.
Making it
A custom guard is quick to make.
Impressions and design
The dentist checks your teeth and dental work, then takes an impression or scan. They discuss your sport, position and any specific needs, such as accommodating braces or a bridge. The guard is made to fit your upper teeth in most cases.
Fitting the guard
At the fitting visit, you try the guard in, and the dentist checks for fit, comfort and even contact. Edges can be adjusted if they rub. You will learn how to clean and store the guard. Ask how it should feel and try speaking and breathing with it in place.
Care
A clean, intact guard protects best.
Cleaning and storage
Rinse the guard after use, clean it gently with a soft brush and cool water, and let it dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water and leaving it in a hot car, which can warp it. Do not share guards. Keep it away from pets, who may chew it.
Knowing when to replace it
Check the guard for tears, holes, thinning or a loose fit. Replace it if it is damaged or no longer fits well. Dental work or tooth movement can change the fit. Bring the guard to checkups so the dentist can inspect it. Teens may need new guards more often as they grow.
Planning your appointment
Getting a guard before the season
Walsingham athletes can call our Port Dover office ahead of the season. Mention your sport and any dental work, braces or previous injuries, and ask how long the guard will take.
Bring your old guard if you have one. If several family members play sports, ask whether fittings can be scheduled together.
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 in recreational and competitive sports face the same risks as younger players. Protecting natural teeth and dental work from injury is worthwhile at any age.
Can I wear a guard with braces?
Yes. A guard designed to accommodate braces can protect both teeth and soft tissues. Talk with your dentist and orthodontist about the right option.
Does a guard prevent concussions?
Mouthguards are designed to protect teeth and the mouth. They should not be relied on to prevent concussions. Follow league safety guidelines and seek care for head injuries.
How often should a sports guard be replaced?
Replace it when it is torn, worn, loose or no longer fits. Growing teens may need new guards more often. Regular checks help determine when.
What should I do if a tooth is injured during play?
Call the dental office promptly. For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown and keep it moist in milk. Seek emergency care for serious injuries.
Protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer, ball or skateboarding? Walsingham parents can learn how a custom children’s mouthguard is fitted in Port Dover and how often growing kids need a new one.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
A fall, farm mishap or sports hit can loosen, push or break teeth. Walsingham patients can learn what to do first and how injured teeth are assessed and followed in Port Dover.