When it to comes sports or recreational activities protecting your teeth and mouth is absolutely essential. Mouth guards will protect and minimize injury to the teeth, inner lining of the cheek and lips and also the tongue during active play. Many people consider a mouthguard only essential in contact sports however Dr. Woody and Dr. Joe recommend mouth guards for gymnastics, skiing or skating as well. A mouth guard can be a single preventive piece of gear that help an athlete avoid or minimize expensive dental work should any injury occur.