protège-dents
In French, the English phrase 'mouth guard' is translated as protège-dents.
The term refers to a protective device worn over the teeth to prevent injury during sports or medical treatments.
What does it mean word for word?
The word protège-dents is a compound consisting of the verb protéger (to protect) and dents (teeth), literally meaning 'protects-teeth'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun is masculine, so you use the masculine article un when referring to a single device. The term is invariable in number. It remains protège-dents whether you are talking about one mouth guard or multiple mouth guards.
Did you know?
- In a medical setting, a mouth guard for grinding teeth is called a gouttière, which is the same word French speakers use for a roof 'gutter'.
- If you are watching professional rugby or boxing in France, the commentator might ignore the French protège-dents entirely and use the English word 'mouthguard' instead.
- The verb protéger found in protège-dents is versatile enough to describe both physical safety and the 'protection' of a digital file with a password.
Examples in context
- Les athlètes portent souvent un protège-dents pendant les compétitionsAthletes often wear a mouth guard during competitions
- N'oublie pas de mettre ton protège-dent avant le matchDon't forget to put on your mouth guard before the match
- Pendant un match de hockey, il est important de porter un protège-dentsDuring a hockey match, it is important to wear a mouth guard
- Les boxeurs utilisent souvent des protège-dents pour éviter les blessures aux mâchoiresBoxers often use mouth guards to prevent jaw injuries
- Après une chirurgie dentaire, le médecin peut vous conseiller de porter une gouttière buccaleAfter dental surgery, the physician might advise you to wear a mouth guard
- Mon dentiste m'a recommandé de porter un protège-dents sur mesure pour mieux protéger mes dentsMy dentist recommended that I wear a custom-made mouth guard to better protect my teeth
- N'oublie pas ton protège-dents pour le match.Don't forget your mouth guard for the match.
- Il faut acheter un nouveau protège-dents.We need to buy a new mouth guard.
- Ce protège-dents est très confortable.This mouth guard is very comfortable.
Example conversation
In a locker room before a rugby training session.
- ManonNathan, est-ce que tu as ton protège-dents ?Nathan, do you have your mouth guard?
- NathanOui, il est dans mon sac.Yes, it is in my bag.
- ManonC'est mieux, la sécurité est importante.That's better, safety is important.
- NathanTu as raison, Manon.You are right, Manon.
