Mouth Guards

Anyone who participates in a sport that carries a significant risk of injury should wear a mouth protector. Sports like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, and volleyball all pose risks to your gum tissues, as well as your teeth. We usually think of football and hockey as the most dangerous to the teeth, but nearly half of sports-related mouth injuries occur in basketball and baseball.

A helmet can prevent serious injuries such as concussions, cerebral hemorrhages, incidents of unconsciousness, jaw fractures and neck injuries by helping to avoid situations where the lower jaw gets jammed into the upper jaw.   Mouth guards are effective in moving soft tissue in the oral cavity away from the teeth, preventing laceration and bruising of the lips and cheeks, especially for those who wear orthodontic appliances.

Mouth protectors, which typically cover the upper teeth, can cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. If you wear braces or another fixed dental appliance on your lower jaw, a mouth protector is available for these teeth as well.

A properly fitted mouth protector may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouth protector also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, limiting the risk of soft tissue injuries. Although mouth protectors typically only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouth protector on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth too. If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.

Types of mouth guards

There are three types of mouth protectors:

  • Stock - Inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don't fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.
  • Boil and bite - Can be bought at many sporting goods stores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They should be softened in water, then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. If you don't follow the directions carefully you can wind up with a poor-fitting mouth protector.
  • Custom-fitted - Made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive than the other versions, but because they are customized, they can offer a better fit than anything you can buy off the shelf.

Our Location

Find us on the map

Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 am-12:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

See What Our Patients Are Saying

  • "Our whole family comes here because the care from beginning to end is the highest quality, and you can trust the diagnosis Dr. Eggnatz makes."
    E R.
  • "Dr Eggnatz has always been responsive to his patients needs with excellent technicians a staff. The office is orderly, impeccably maintained and each staff members treats you kindly and with respect. Highly recommend"
    Perfecto P.
  • "The level of care and professionalism is top-notch, and delivered without pretense. Very friendly staff who are honest with you, who follow-up well, and seem genuinely interested in the patients. They are always up to date with technology and information."
    Barbara C.
  • "I love everything about this office! Everyone is so kind and companionate!. Kristy and Marian (front desk) always, always greet you with a smile. I have had my teeth cleaned by both hygienist. Maydel and Maureen and they are BOTH professional and thorough. Dr E and his assistants (Nora, Laura and Úrsula) are probably the nicest team ever. I wouldn’t go anywhere else."
    A G.
  • "De Egnatz is one of the most professional doctor ever had. Always very concern about his patients. Our entire family of 4 have been with Dr Egnatz for 20 years. Dedicated polite and knows very clear how to explain and how to take care of the patient concern. He is the best. God bless him and he staff."
    Cristina P.
  • "I appreciate Dr. Eggnatz and his staff for many reasons. Dr. Eggnatz practices compassionate and conservative care. His recommendations are always based on the most recent evidence based practice, combined with his years of experience. Also, the office staff is very professional and patient. Lastly, their sanitary practices are impeccable. I have 100% confidence in the care I have received (for at least 48 years because Dr. Michael Eggnatz's father was my dentist too) from Dr Eggnatz and his staff."
    Lisa S.
  • "Dr Eggnatz is THE BEST. All the superlatives are his. You will absolutely look forward to keeping your appointment. Kudos to his staff as well. We love him!"
    Connie S. B.