As fall gets underway in Toronto, families are already getting ready for the winter sports season. Hockey tryouts are beginning, skating programs are filling up, and athletes are preparing for another season on the ice and slopes.
For families in Scarborough, Cliffside, the Bluffs and surrounding Toronto communities, now is the perfect time to get winter sports equipment ready — including an important piece of protective equipment that is sometimes overlooked: a mouthguard.
Whether your child plays hockey, skates recreationally, skis, snowboards or participates in other contact and high-impact sports, protecting their teeth should be part of their winter sports checklist.
Why Do Athletes Need a Mouthguard?
Winter sports can involve speed, falls, collisions and unexpected impacts. Even experienced athletes can find themselves taking a hard fall or getting hit by another player.
A properly fitted sports mouthguard creates a protective layer between the teeth and the surrounding soft tissues. It can help reduce the risk of dental injuries such as:
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Cracked teeth
- Damage to dental restorations
- Cuts to the lips, cheeks and tongue
- Injuries caused by contact with equipment
- Certain injuries involving the jaw
While a mouthguard cannot prevent every dental injury, it is an important part of an athlete’s overall protective equipment.
Hockey Mouthguards: Get Ready Before the Season Starts
For many families, fall means one thing: hockey season is back.
From house league to competitive hockey, players are exposed to sticks, pucks, boards, skates and contact with other players. Helmets and other protective equipment are essential, but don’t forget about protecting your child’s teeth.
A hockey mouthguard can help provide additional protection during practices and games.
If your child has used the same mouthguard for several seasons, fall is also a good time to check whether it still fits properly.
Is Your Child’s Mouthguard Still the Right Fit?
Children’s mouths change quickly as they grow and lose baby teeth. A mouthguard that fit comfortably last season may no longer fit properly this year.
Before hockey and other winter sports get fully underway, check the mouthguard for:
- Cracks or tears
- Excessive wear
- Changes in fit
- Areas that are uncomfortable
- Difficulty speaking or breathing while wearing it
- Whether it still adequately covers the teeth
If you’re unsure whether your child’s mouthguard still fits properly, your Scarborough dentist can take a look and recommend whether it should be replaced.
Custom Mouthguards vs. Store-Bought Mouthguards
There are several types of sports mouthguards available.
Stock mouthguards are pre-formed and ready to wear, but they may not provide the most secure or comfortable fit.
Boil-and-bite mouthguards can be softened in hot water and shaped around the teeth. They generally provide a better fit than stock mouthguards.
Custom mouthguards are made specifically for an individual’s mouth by a dental professional. Because they are designed around your teeth and bite, they can provide a more personalized fit.
For children who play hockey or other sports regularly, a custom sports mouthguard may be worth considering.
What If Your Child Has Braces?
Children and teenagers with braces should take extra care to protect their teeth while playing sports.
A standard mouthguard may not provide the appropriate space around orthodontic brackets. A mouthguard designed for athletes with braces can provide additional room while helping protect the teeth, lips and cheeks.
If your child has braces, speak with their dentist or orthodontist about the appropriate type of mouthguard.
Don’t Wait Until the First Game
Fall is the ideal time to schedule a dental checkup and make sure your child’s mouthguard is ready for the season.
Rather than discovering during the first practice that the mouthguard is uncomfortable or no longer fits, take care of it before your child hits the ice.
At Dorset Dental, we provide dental care for families throughout Scarborough, Cliffside, the Bluffs and surrounding Toronto communities. If you’re looking for a Scarborough dentist for your child’s dental needs, our team can help you understand your options for sports mouthguards and overall dental protection.
What Should Be on Your Winter Sports Checklist?
Before winter sports season begins, make sure your athlete has:
☑️ Helmet
☑️ Protective equipment
☑️ Properly fitting skates
☑️ Appropriate athletic gear
☑️ Mouthguard
☑️ Regular dental checkup
Protecting your child’s smile is just as important as protecting the rest of their body.
Protect Your Smile This Winter With Dorset Dental
Whether your child is getting ready for hockey season or your family enjoys skating, skiing or snowboarding, now is a great time to think about dental protection.
If you’re looking for a dentist in Scarborough, a children’s dentist near you, or information about a custom mouthguard in Toronto, the team at Dorset Dental is here to help.
📍 Dorset Dental
Serving Scarborough, Cliffside, the Bluffs and surrounding Toronto communities
Book an appointment with Dorset Dental and get your family’s smiles ready for winter sports season.
