What Is a Sports Guard?
A sports guard is a mouth guard worn during sports to help protect the teeth, lips, cheeks, gums, and jaw area from injury.
A custom sports guard is made to fit your teeth. It should feel secure enough to stay in place during activity while allowing the athlete to breathe and speak more comfortably than many bulky store-bought guards.
Who Should Wear a Sports Guard?
Sports guards are useful for children, teens, and adults who play sports where mouth injury is possible.
A sports guard may be recommended for:
- ✓Hockey
- ✓Basketball
- ✓Football
- ✓Soccer
- ✓Martial arts
- ✓Lacrosse
- ✓Rugby
- ✓Wrestling
- ✓Baseball or softball
- ✓Skateboarding
- ✓Gymnastics
- ✓Any sport with falls, contact, or flying objects
Even non-contact sports can lead to dental injuries from falls or accidental impact.
Custom Sports Guard vs Store-Bought Mouth Guard
Store-bought guards may be loose, bulky, or uncomfortable.
A custom sports guard is made from your teeth, so it usually fits more securely. This can help the athlete keep it in place, breathe more easily, and avoid constantly chewing on the guard.
Custom sports guards may offer:
- ✓Better fit
- ✓Better comfort
- ✓More stable protection
- ✓Less bulk
- ✓Easier breathing
- ✓Easier speaking
- ✓Better compliance for children and teens
Sports Guards for Children and Teens
Children and teens may need sports guards as their teeth and jaws develop.
A custom guard should be checked regularly because growing mouths change. If the guard becomes loose, tight, damaged, or uncomfortable, it may need adjustment or replacement.
Parents should bring the guard to dental visits so the dental team can check the fit.
What Happens During a Sports Guard Appointment?
Dental Check
The dentist checks the teeth, bite, gums, and whether any dental work needs protection.
Impression or Scan
A scan or impression may be taken so the guard can be made to fit your teeth.
Guard Fabrication
The sports guard is made from the records taken at the appointment.
Fit Check
The guard is checked for comfort, stability, and ease of use.
Care Instructions
You receive guidance on cleaning, storage, and when to replace the guard.
How to Care for a Sports Guard
Sports guard care tips:
- ✓Rinse after use
- ✓Brush gently as instructed
- ✓Let it dry before storing
- ✓Keep it in its case
- ✓Do not leave it in heat
- ✓Do not chew on it
- ✓Bring it to dental visits
- ✓Replace it if it is loose, cracked, worn, or too tight
A damaged sports guard may not protect properly.
Cost and Coverage Information
The cost of a sports guard depends on the type of guard, material, scan or impression, and fit check.
Sports guards may or may not be covered by insurance. CDCP coverage for sports guards may be limited and depends on eligibility and plan rules.
Bring your benefit information so our team can review estimated costs before treatment begins.
Related Services
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sports guard?+
A sports guard is a mouth guard worn during sports to help protect the teeth, gums, lips, cheeks, and jaw area.
Who needs a sports guard?+
Anyone playing sports with contact, falls, sticks, balls, elbows, or collision risk may benefit from a sports guard.
Is a custom sports guard better than a store-bought guard?+
A custom sports guard usually fits more securely and comfortably because it is made from your teeth.
Can kids wear custom sports guards?+
Yes. Children and teens can wear custom sports guards, but the fit should be checked as they grow.
How long does a sports guard last?+
It depends on growth, wear, chewing habits, and damage. Replace it if it becomes loose, cracked, worn, or uncomfortable.
Book a Custom Sports Guard in Grimsby
Need a custom sports guard for hockey, basketball, soccer, martial arts, or another sport? Book a sports guard appointment at Grimsby Lake Dental.