Sports Mouthguards in North York
A stick, ball or elbow to the face can chip or knock out a tooth in a second. A well-fitted mouthguard helps cushion that blow.
Sports mouthguards in North York at Emerald Forest Dental are custom-made from a model of your teeth to fit closely and stay in place during play. They help cushion blows that can chip, crack or knock out teeth and cut the lips. Custom guards are made for children, teens and adults in contact and fast-moving sports.
- Typical time
- Two short visits: impression or scan, then fitting
- Who it's for
- Kids, teens and adults who play contact or high-speed sports
- Coverage
- Coverage varies widely; some plans include custom sports guards
- Recovery
- None
About sports mouthguards
Dental injuries are common in sports like hockey, lacrosse, football, rugby, basketball, soccer, martial arts and skateboarding. Even in sports where contact is not expected, a fall or collision can happen. A mouthguard sits over your upper teeth and spreads the force of a hit across a wider area, which helps protect the front teeth, the lips and the cheeks.
There are three main kinds of guards. Stock guards come ready to wear and are often loose. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and pressed onto the teeth, which gives a closer fit but can be uneven in thickness. A custom guard is made on a model of your teeth, with a set thickness and edges shaped to your mouth. Because it fits well, it stays in place, and most athletes find it easier to talk and breathe with.
Children and teens need extra thought. Their jaws are growing and new teeth keep coming in, so a guard may need to be remade as the mouth changes. If your child wears braces, ask us about a guard that leaves room for the brackets. You can also choose colours, which can make younger players more willing to wear it. Bring your guard to your checkups so we can make sure it still fits.
Who should wear a mouthguard
- Players in hockey, football, lacrosse, rugby or boxing
- Kids and teens in basketball, soccer, baseball or martial arts
- Anyone who has already chipped or lost a tooth in sport
- Athletes wearing braces or with crowns or bridges
- Skateboarders, cyclists and others at risk of falls
Benefits
- Helps cushion blows to the teeth, lips and cheeks
- Stays in place better than stock or boil-and-bite guards
- Easier to breathe and talk with during play
- Made in a range of colours
What to expect
- Quick checkYour dentist looks at your teeth and asks about your sport and any braces or dental work.
- Impression or scanA model of your upper teeth is made so the guard can be built to fit.
- Choose a styleYou can pick colours and talk about the thickness suited to your sport.
- Fit and trimAt the fitting, we check comfort and trim any edges that rub.
Aftercare
- Rinse your guard after each use and let it air-dry in a vented case.
- Keep it out of hot cars and away from boiling water, which can change its shape.
- Replace it if it is torn, chewed through or no longer fits snugly.
Other options
Boil-and-bite guards from a sporting goods store are a reasonable short-term option, especially for young children whose teeth are changing quickly. Some protection is far better than none. A full face shield or cage on a helmet adds extra protection in sports like hockey.
Cost and coverage
The fee for a custom sports guard covers the impression or scan, the lab work and the fitting, and is usually based on the ODA suggested fee guide. Insurance coverage is mixed: some plans pay for a custom guard, others do not. We can check your plan for you before you decide. If you have coverage through the Canadian Dental Care Plan, ask our front desk how it may apply. You can also ask about LendCare payment plans for a custom guard.
Our promise: we confirm your coverage and explain the cost before treatment.
Your dental team
Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Ye Zhang, DDS
General Dentist
Dr. Kasra Badii, DDS
General Dentist
Treatment is provided by our dentists. Dr. Ardeshir Ranjbari is a registered specialist in periodontics; our other dentists are general dentists. Some complex cases may be referred to a specialist.
Sports Mouthguards FAQ
Why get a custom guard instead of a store-bought one?
A custom guard fits your teeth exactly, so it stays in place, feels less bulky and is easier to talk through. Players are more likely to keep it in during the game. Store-bought guards still offer some protection if a custom one is not an option.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, and it is important that they do. Braces can cut the lips during a hit. We can make a guard that leaves room for brackets and tooth movement, or suggest an option made for braces.
How often should a sports mouthguard be replaced?
Adults may get several seasons from a guard if it is cared for. Growing children often need a new one every season or two as their teeth and jaws change. Bring it to your checkups and we will tell you.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out during a game?
Pick it up by the crown, not the root, rinse it briefly and try to put it back in the socket. If you cannot, keep it in milk and call us right away. Time matters with a knocked-out tooth.
Do I need a guard for non-contact sports?
It depends on the risk of falls, balls or sticks. Many dentists suggest a guard for basketball, soccer, baseball, gymnastics and skateboarding too. Your dentist can help you decide.
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Sports Mouthguards near you
We see patients from across North York and nearby areas, including North York, Don Mills, Parkway Forest, Henry Farm, Willowdale, Scarborough, Richmond Hill, Markham.
This page is general information and is not a substitute for an exam. Your dentist will recommend what's right for you. Reviewed by: Dr. Hamed Jannati, DDS. Last updated 2026-10-26.
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New patients welcome. We'll confirm your coverage before treatment.