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Port Dover Family Dentistry
Sports Guards in Windham Centre
Hockey, ball, lacrosse and rec leagues can all lead to dental injuries. Windham Centre athletes can learn how custom sports guards are fitted in Port Dover.
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Care for Windham Centre families at our Port Dover office
See every dental service for Windham CentreProtect your teeth in play
A well-fitted sports guard is simple insurance for your smile.
A blow to the face during sport can chip, crack or knock out teeth and injure the lips, cheeks and jaw. Sports guards absorb and spread some of that force. They are recommended for contact and collision sports, but also for activities with a risk of falls or flying equipment. Adults playing in recreational leagues need protection just as much as young athletes do.
Athletes in Windham Centre, whether they play in an organized league or a weekend pickup game, can arrange a custom sports guard at our Port Dover office. The dentist will check your teeth and bite and make a guard that fits comfortably enough to wear for the whole game.
Who needs one
Protection is worth considering for many activities.
Higher-risk sports
Hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby, boxing and martial arts carry obvious risks of facial contact. Basketball, soccer, baseball, softball, cycling and skateboarding can also lead to dental injuries through falls, elbows or stray balls. If your activity involves speed, contact or the possibility of being hit in the face, ask the dentist whether a guard would be a sensible addition to your gear.
Adults and existing dental work
Adults with crowns, bridges, veneers or implants have extra reason to protect their teeth, since damage to restorations can be costly to repair. A guard can be designed around existing dental work. People who wear braces also benefit from protection, though the guard design may differ. Let the dentist know about any dental work so the guard can be planned properly.
Custom fit
Fit affects comfort, breathing and wear.
Why custom guards help
Custom guards are made from impressions or scans of your teeth, so they fit snugly and stay in place. A good fit makes it easier to breathe, talk and drink during play, which encourages consistent use. The dentist can choose a thickness suited to your sport and bite, balancing protection and comfort for the way you actually play.
Stock and boil-and-bite options
Stock and boil-and-bite guards are widely available and better than no protection at all. However, they may fit loosely, feel bulky and be tempting to chew or remove mid-game. Some players stop wearing them because of discomfort. The dentist can explain the practical differences so you can decide which option suits your needs, budget and level of play.
Getting fitted
Two short visits usually complete the process.
Exam and impressions
At the first visit, the dentist checks your teeth, gums and bite and asks about the sports you play. Impressions or a digital scan of your teeth are taken, and the guard is then made to those measurements. If you have loose teeth, recent dental work or braces, mention it, as these can influence the design and timing of the guard.
Trying the finished guard
When the guard is ready, you try it in and the dentist checks the fit and bite, making small adjustments for comfort. You will learn how to clean and store it properly. It is a good idea to wear the guard during a practice before an important game, so you get used to how it feels and can report any problems.
Care and replacement
Good habits help the guard protect you.
Daily care
Rinse the guard with cool water after each use and let it air dry in a ventilated case. Clean it gently with a soft brush. Keep it away from hot water, car dashboards and sunny benches, which can warp it. Avoid chewing on the guard or trimming it yourself, since altering it can reduce its fit and the protection it offers.
When to replace a guard
Bring your guard to dental checkups so its condition and fit can be assessed. Replace it if it becomes loose, cracked or thin, or after dental work that changes the shape of your teeth. If you take a hit to the face while wearing it, have both the guard and your teeth checked, since an injury may still have occurred.
Planning your appointment
Get fitted before the season.
Call our Port Dover office to book a sports guard fitting, ideally a few weeks before your season begins. Windham Centre athletes can mention the sports they play and any existing dental work when booking.
Bring your current guard if you have one, so the dentist can compare its fit and condition with a custom option for you.
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 are just as likely to injure teeth during sport, and damage to existing crowns or implants can be costly to repair. A guard is a sensible precaution for many recreational activities as well as competitive leagues.
Can I talk and breathe with a custom guard?
A well-fitted custom guard usually allows easier breathing and talking than a bulky stock guard. It may take a little practice to get used to. Wearing it during training helps you adjust before important games.
How long does a sports guard last?
It depends on how often you play and how you care for it. Guards can wear, tear or loosen over time. Bring yours to checkups so the dentist can advise when a replacement is needed, especially after dental changes.
Can I wear a guard with braces?
Yes, and protection is especially important with braces. The design may differ to allow for brackets and tooth movement. Speak with both your dentist and your orthodontist about the most suitable guard for your situation.
What if I get hit while wearing my guard?
Check for head injury symptoms first and seek medical care if needed. Then have your teeth and guard examined, since a guard reduces risk but cannot prevent every injury. Call the office promptly if a tooth feels loose or sore.
Protection and injury care
Additional Services →Children’s Sports Mouthguards →
Hockey, soccer, ball and more can put young teeth at risk. Windham Centre families can learn how custom mouthguards for children are fitted in Port Dover.
Dental Trauma Treatment →
Falls, outdoor work and sport can injure teeth. Windham Centre patients can learn first steps after a mouth injury and how our Port Dover team assesses it.