Sports Mouth Guards

Most sports are dangerous for teeth. High-impact sports, such as football, basketball, soccer, and hockey, can lead to tooth damage and tooth loss.

A sports mouth guard is designed to be worn while playing to protect the teeth, bones, and soft tissues of the oral cavity. The guards can be referred to as sports guards, mouth guards, or mouth protectors. The function is the same – protection.

Any mouth trauma can lead to injury that could require immediate attention. A sports guard is an extremely important piece of athletic equipment. A custom-made guard is also important for better protection of the entire oral cavity. The form-fitting guard is more secure in the mouth and provides better cushioning to prevent cut lips and broken teeth (or any other injuries that may happen).

If the athlete has any fixed dental appliances (braces, bridges, etc.), a sports guard is even more important and may require a guard for both upper and lower teeth. Typically, only the upper teeth are covered.

Sports guards should be replaced after each season. Over time, they will wear down and become less effective. Additionally, adolescent athletes are still growing, and the mouth changes as they develop into adulthood. When multiple sports are played, new sports guards are sometimes recommended every six months.

Dr. Francisco Mondragon offers custom-made sports guards in his office in Bonita, California.