Dr. Dustin Putnam
Arizona Christian University’s Team Dentist!

What Are Sports Guards and Mouth Guards?

Sports guards, mouth guards and mouth protectors are different names for the same thing: a device worn over your teeth that protects them from blows to the face and head. Mouth guards are an important piece of athletic equipment for anyone participating in a sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment. This includes football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, mountain biking — any activity that might result in an injury to the mouth.

Mouth guards typically cover the upper teeth, and are designed to protect against broken teeth, cut lips and other damage to your mouth. If you wear braces or other fixed dental appliances (such as a bridge) on your lower jaw, your dentist may suggest a mouth protector for these teeth as well.

Oral injuries are very common sports-related injuries and can have serious consequences, leaving an athlete in pain and unable to play the sport they love. It is important to discuss your involvement in sports with your dentist. Sport mouth guards are the best way to prevent an oral injury and, while they can be purchased over the counter in sporting goods stores, dentist-made, custom-fitted mouth guards offer the best protection.

At Tatum Creek Family Dentistry, Dr. Dustin Putnam has experience working with athletes of all ages to create custom-fitted, comfortable and protective sport mouth guards. There are many benefits to having a custom sport mouth guard, including:

  • Comfort and Fit
  • Stability in your Mouth
  • Maximum Protection
  • Minimal to No Effect on Breathing
  • Minimal Interference on Speech

Dr. Putnam will consult throughout the entire process of receiving a custom mouth guard and address all of the important issues, such as what sport an athlete plays, the age and stage of dental growth the athlete is in, whether the athlete is having orthodontic work, or if the athlete has a history of oral injuries. Unlike a store brought mouth guard, there are advantages to having a dentist-made mouth guard. Dr. Putnam will start by taking a mold of your mouth and then create a custom mouth guard that will be designed specifically for you, the sport you play, and your personal dental history.

Feel free to contact us at (480) 488-0686 if you have any questions about sports mouth guards.