Sports Mouthguards in Murrieta

Sports mouthguards, also called sportsguards, are an absolutely essential piece of sports safety equipment. Unfortunately, despite the fact that thousands lose or injure teeth every year while participating in sports, sportsguards are often overlooked or underutilized by athletes.

We are strong advocates of preventive dental care, which is why we create custom sportsguards for athletes of all ages. Many patients or their parents think that mouthguards are only for contact sports where athletes may be hitting or running into each other, such as hockey & football. However, there are dozens of sports for which we recommend sportsguards, some of which are considered “solo” or non-contact sports. For example, we recommend sportsguards for volleyball, soccer, gymnastics, mountain biking & rollerblading.

What Is A Sports Mouthguard?

A mouthguard is a piece of molded plastic in the form of an arch that fits over the top teeth. A sports mouthguard protects the mouth & face in several ways. The guard shields the upper teeth from damage from impacts or blows to the face. Top & bottom teeth are prevented from impacting each other directly as a result of a collision or blow. It also protects the soft tissues of the mouth, especially the cheeks, from impacts with the teeth.

There are three types of sportguards: ready-made, boil-&-bite & custom. We want all our patients to be aware of the differences between types of sportsguards so they can make an informed decision.

Ready-Made Sportguards

This type of sportsguard is sometimes referred to as over-the-counter or stock because they are available at many drugstores or pharmacies. Ready-made guards are usually made from plastic or hard rubber in a U shape with a trough for the teeth to fit in & a lip that goes up above the gum line to protect the gums. While these sportsguards often come in a few basic sizes, that’s as customized a fit as you’re going to get. These are the most affordable but least comfortable type of sportsguards.

Boil-&-Bite Sportsguards

This type of sportsguard is also available at drugstores or pharmacies. Rather than being ready to go out of the package, the guard must be heated (usually in boiling water) until it becomes soft & pliable. While it is still soft but cooled down enough to handle, the athlete bites into the guard so it shapes around their teeth. While this does create a slightly better fit than the ready-made sportsguards, boil-&-bite guards do not count as custom-made. The plastic they are made from tends to be less durable than custom guards because it needs to be soft enough to bite into. This means it won’t last as long & can fall apart if the athlete has a tendency to chew on the mouthguard.

Custom Sportsguards

This type of sportsguard is prescribed & produced by a Murrieta dentist to fit a patient’s mouth exactly. The process begins by taking a mold of the patient’s teeth. This involves biting down briefly into a tray of paste. From that mold we create a stone model of the teeth over which the sportsguard is formed. The guard is made from durable plastic that is either poured into a mold or vacuum formed. Because they are built from a model of a patient’s mouth, custom sportsguards offer the more secure & comfortable fit. The guard is more likely to stay in place & allows the athlete to speak & breathe normally. The custom production process does mean that this is the most expensive type of sportsguard. We believe it is also the best, because when a mouthguard works well & feels comfortable, athletes are more likely to wear it when they should!

Meet Your Murrieta Dentist

Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS – Daniel B. Pulsipher, DDS, is a graduate of the University of Loma Linda School of Dentistry. He has also received extensive training in cosmetic dentistry, rotary endodontics and removable prosthodontics (dentures). Dr. Pulsipher is a member of the American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry, California Dental Association, International Association for Orthodontics & the Tri-County Dental Society.

Recognition & Certifications

5-Star Murrieta Dental Services

Pediatric Dentistry

We make it fun for children to visit their dentist in Murrieta.

Sedation Dentistry

Get relief from dental anxiety for comfortable dental procedures.

Orthodontic Solutions

Straighten teeth with a wide-range of options from Invisalign to traditional braces.

Gum Lift

Reshape your gum line with gum contouring to fix gummy smiles and small teeth.

Dental Implants

Replace a missing tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch of teeth with All-on-4 dental implants.

Endodontics & Periodontics

Diagnotics and solutions for tooth and gum infections including root canals and gum disease treatment.

At Springs Dental, we have convenient hours that won’t make you miss work or school.

Prefer to call? 951-461-2310

Visit Springs Dental

Dentist Murrieta, CA

39755 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. STE A110, Murrieta, CA 92563

We are located in the Murrieta Springs Professional Park off Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

951-461-2310

springsdental@hotmail.com

Hours

Mon. – Thur. 8AM–6PM

Friday 8AM–2PM

Sat & Sun. Closed

~ Daily lunch break 12:30px–1:30pm

5-Star Google Reviews

    
 
 
      Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I can’t say enough great things about Springs Dental and Dr. Pulsipher! From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and a team that truly cares. Dr. Pulsipher is not only incredibly skilled, but he also takes the time to explain everything and make you feel completely at ease. The entire team is professional, friendly, and genuinely dedicated to making your experience as comfortable and positive as possible. I would highly recommend anyone looking for a dentist to visit Springs Dental – you won’t be disappointed!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Angela Young 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I've been a patient at Springs Dental for over 20 years. I’ve tried two other dental offices due to insurance issues, but I always come back, even when I have to pay out of pocket.

Springs Dental operates with integrity, which is uncommon these days. They genuinely care about their patients rather than simply focusing on making money.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Renee Fonseca 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great service as usual.  Great staff and Dr Dan is the best!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Bill Cherry 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Friendly staff & always with smiles to welcome their patient’s.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Coy Capacia 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff. Very thorough in all explanations of cost and procedures.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Betty Dalton 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Great staff!!!!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Rosi Sanchez 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent dental care.  Friendly and very competent.
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Louis Fetherolf 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Everyone at this dental facility treated me with so much care. I have had bad dental experiences in the past that left me terrified. I felt safe, comfortable and in capable, professional hands. This was the best dental experience I have ever had in 40 yrs! The technology in this office is like no other. They gave me a crown in a few hrs. Simply amazing! God bless Springs Dental!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Persephonie Saucier 
 
 
 
 
     Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent experience!!!!
  
  Posted on Google  
 
    
   Cecilia Hernandez

Insurance & Financing

Insurance

We love your insurance and respect your budget and busy schedule. There are little to no out-of-pocket costs for most insured patients on cleanings, exams and x-rays.

Financing

0% financing is available on approved credit. While most insured families receive the majority of preventive services for FREE, we offer many different payment options, including CareCredit, so uninsured patients can still receive the dental care they need in a manner that fits their budget.

Blog Articles

October 1, 2026

How Much Do Porcelain Veneers Cost, and Are They Worth It?

You have been looking at that chipped tooth or coffee-stained smile for a while now.

September 1, 2026

What to Expect During All-on-4 Dental Implant Treatment, and Why Murrieta Patients Choose It

Losing most of your teeth, or being told your remaining teeth have to go, is

August 1, 2026

Is Invisalign Right for You? A Guide for Murrieta Adults Considering Clear Aligners

You had braces as a teen, skipped the retainer, and now your front teeth have

July 1, 2026

Dental Implants vs Dentures: Which Is the Better Long-Term Investment for Murrieta Residents?

Losing one tooth, several teeth, or an entire arch can affect much more than your

June 1, 2026

Oral Surgery Without The Drama: What To Expect And How To Heal Well

For many people, hearing the words “oral surgery” immediately creates anxiety. It is easy to

May 1, 2026

Missing Teeth? Dental Bridges Are a Cost-Effective Solution

Living with missing teeth can affect more than just your appearance. It can change how