Staying active is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, but many sports come with a higher risk of dental injuries. A simple fall, collision, or contact during play can lead to chipped or broken teeth, cuts to the lips and gums, or even tooth loss. At Fernandez, DMD in Punta Gorda, FL, we provide custom sports mouth guards designed to protect your smile while keeping you comfortable on the field, court, or gym floor.
Our goal is to help athletes of all ages enjoy the sports they love while reducing the risk of preventable dental injuries. Whether you play recreationally or competitively, a well-fitted sports mouth guard can make a big difference.
A sports mouth guard is a removable dental appliance worn over the upper teeth during physical activity. It works by absorbing and distributing the force of impact, helping to protect the teeth, gums, jaw, and surrounding tissues from injury. Without this protection, even a minor hit to the face can result in serious dental damage.
While there are several types of sports mouth guards available, custom-made guards from a dentist provide the highest level of comfort, fit, and protection. Because they are specifically shaped to your teeth and bite, they stay in place much better than store-bought options and feel more natural to wear.
Dental injuries during sports are more common than most people realize. Athletes are at risk for cracked teeth, knocked-out teeth, fractured roots, and soft-tissue injuries to the lips and cheeks. Some injuries can require extensive dental treatment or even surgery, which may have lifelong effects.
A sports mouth guard creates a protective barrier that helps cushion blows to the mouth and jaw. It can even help lower the risk of jaw fractures and may reduce the severity of concussions by absorbing shock. For young athletes with developing teeth and jaws, the protection is especially important.
Sports mouth guards aren’t only for football and hockey players. They are recommended for anyone participating in activities where contact, falls, or fast-moving equipment are involved. This includes sports like basketball, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, wrestling, martial arts, skating, biking, gymnastics, and more.
Adults, teens, and children all benefit from wearing a mouth guard. Even if a sport isn’t traditionally considered “contact,” accidents still happen. If there’s a chance your face could be hit, a mouth guard is a smart and simple investment in your oral health.
You’ve probably seen boil-and-bite or ready-made mouth guards sold in sporting goods aisles. While they may be inexpensive, they often don’t fit well, can feel bulky, and may not provide full coverage or stability. This can make it harder to breathe and speak comfortably, which leads many athletes to stop wearing them altogether.
A custom sports mouth guard from Fernandez, DMD, is created using an impression of your teeth. This allows the guard to fit securely, evenly, and comfortably. The snug fit helps ensure the appliance stays in place during play, while still allowing you to talk and breathe normally. Custom guards are also made from durable materials that hold up well to repeated use.
Children and teens are especially vulnerable to sports-related dental injuries because they are still growing and often participate in high-energy activities. A properly fitted sports mouth guard helps protect their developing teeth and can prevent long-term damage.
If your child wears braces or orthodontic appliances, a mouth guard becomes even more important. Not only does it protect their teeth and gums, but it can also reduce the risk of injuries caused by brackets and wires during impact. We can help fit a guard that safely fits over braces without interfering with orthodontic treatment.
The process of getting a custom sports mouth guard is simple and comfortable. We begin by taking an impression or digital scan of your teeth. This allows us to create a precise mold that is then used to design your custom-fit guard. Once it is ready, we’ll check the fit, make any adjustments needed, and review how to wear and care for it properly.
Most patients find that their custom mouth guard feels much more natural than any over-the-counter version they’ve tried before, which means they are far more likely to use it regularly.
Like any dental appliance, a sports mouth guard needs regular care. It should be rinsed or gently brushed after each use, stored in a ventilated case, and kept away from heat to prevent warping. It’s also a good idea to bring it with you to your dental visits so we can check the fit and condition. If it becomes worn, damaged, or uncomfortable, it may be time for a replacement.
A custom sports mouth guard is a simple way to protect your teeth, gums, and jaw during athletic activity. Whether you’re a weekend player or a year-round athlete, protecting your smile helps you stay healthy, confident, and focused on the game.
If you’d like to learn more about sports mouth guards or schedule a fitting, we’re here to help. We are located at 502 E. Olympia Ave., Punta Gorda, FL 33950, and can be reached by phone at 941-639-1124. Contact us today to get started and keep your smile protected both on and off the field.
