A sports guard is a flexible appliance worn during athletic and recreational activities to protect the teeth and mouth from injury or trauma. At our office, we strongly recommend sports guards for both children and adults who participate in sports.

Sports guards help prevent serious dental and facial injuries, such as:

• Broken or chipped teeth
• Jaw fractures
• Neck injuries
• Cerebral hemorrhage

They also help reduce the risk and severity of concussions by absorbing and dispersing impact forces that might otherwise be transmitted to the skull and brain.

Benefits of Wearing a Sports Guard:

• Lower risk of concussions
• Protection against tooth loss and fractures
• Safeguarding of oral tissues and jaw structure

Athletes in contact and non-contact sports are at a heightened risk of injury due to collisions with other players or hard surfaces. That's why wearing a sports guard is essential.

Players involved in hockey, football, soccer, softball, martial arts, basketball, volleyball, squash, racquetball, and wrestling should wear a sports guard during practices and games.

If you are looking for a sports guard in London, Ontario, Contact our office at (519) 485-4951 today, or book an appointment with our dental team.

There are main 3 types of sports guards:

These are pre-formed and readily available at most sporting goods stores. While they are inexpensive, their one-size-fits-all design often results in poor fit and comfort. Stock guards may feel bulky, making it hard to speak or breathe, and offer minimal protection due to their loose fit.

These are slightly better than stock guards in terms of fit. After softening them in boiling water, you bite down to mold them to your teeth. Available in various colors and flavors, these universal guards are a popular choice for casual use but still do not match the fit and effectiveness of custom guards.

Custom sports guards are professionally made using impressions of your teeth. Our team at Ingersoll Dental Centre crafts guards tailored to your mouth, ensuring superior fit, comfort, and protection.

Though they are more expensive, custom sports guards:

• Provide the best level of protection
• Are comfortable and breathable
• Adapt to braces or orthodontic appliances
• Can be customized for specific sports or high-risk positions

They allow you to speak clearly, breathe easily, and perform at your best—making them the ideal choice for serious athletes.

Wearing a sports guard protects not only your teeth but also your lips, tongue, jaw, and face. The injuries sustained during sports can be painful and lead to long-term oral health problems if untreated.

Here are some specific reasons why a sports guard is essential:

A sports guard provides a cushion that absorbs impact and protects your teeth from trauma. While dental repairs are possible, it's best to avoid injury altogether.

A blow to the mouth without a sports guard can result in a knocked-out tooth. In many cases, it may not be possible to reattach the original tooth, requiring replacements like implants or bridges.

A sports guard helps maintain proper jaw alignment during impact and reduces the risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. It also helps prevent fractures to the jaw and trauma to the neck area.

Well-fitted mouthguards reduce the risk of concussions by limiting the transmission of force between the lower jaw and the skull during impact.

Sports guards provide a protective barrier for soft tissues in the mouth. They prevent the teeth from cutting into the lips, cheeks, or tongue during sudden impacts.

Wearing a sports guard is one of the most effective ways to prevent sports-related dental injuries. If you've experienced a dental injury, our clinic also offers emergency dental care to address the issue promptly and restore your oral health.