Texas Gentle Dental makes custom sports mouth guards for children, teens and adults. A custom guard is shaped to your own teeth, so it stays in place during play and lets you breathe and talk more easily than a store-bought guard. Families in Houston visit our Copperfield Houston office on FM 529, families in Katy and Fulshear visit our Cinco Ranch office, and families from Magnolia, Tomball and The Woodlands visit our Magnolia office. Sports mouth guards are part of our pediatric dentistry services.
Custom Sports Mouth Guards in Houston TX
A mouth guard is one of the simplest pieces of protective gear an athlete can wear. It cushions a blow to the face and helps protect against:
- chipped, cracked or knocked-out teeth
- cuts to the lips, cheeks and tongue
- damage to braces and the soft tissue around them
- injuries to the jaw
Mouth guards are worth wearing in any sport where a fall, a ball, a stick or another player can hit the face, including:
- football
- basketball
- baseball and softball
- soccer
- hockey and lacrosse
- wrestling, martial arts and boxing
- skateboarding and biking
Custom Mouth Guards vs Store-Bought Guards
- Fit: a custom guard is made to fit your teeth. Stock and boil-and-bite guards come in set shapes, so they're often loose or bulky.
- Staying in place: a guard that fits snugly stays where it should when a player is hit or falls.
- Breathing and talking: custom guards are thinner, so it's easier to breathe hard and call out to teammates.
- Comfort: athletes are more likely to keep wearing a guard that's comfortable, and a guard only protects when it's in.
A sports mouth guard is different from a night guard for teeth grinding. Sports guards are built to absorb impact during play. Night guards are slimmer, made to be worn while you sleep.
Mouth Guards for Kids and Teens
Children's mouths keep changing as baby teeth fall out, adult teeth come in and the jaw grows. A guard that fit last season may not fit now. Bring your child's mouth guard to their check-ups so we can make sure it still fits, and replace it when it no longer does or when it's worn or damaged.
If your child wears braces, ask us about a mouth guard that fits over them. Braces can cut the lips and cheeks during a hit, so protection matters even more.
What to Expect
- Exam: we check your or your child's teeth and bite, and ask which sports you play.
- Impression: we take an impression of the teeth so the guard can be made to fit.
- Fitting: when the guard is ready, we make sure it fits snugly and comfortably and adjust it if needed.
- Check-ups: bring the guard to regular visits so we can check its fit and look for wear.
Caring for Your Mouth Guard
- Brush your teeth before putting the guard in.
- Rinse the guard after every use, and clean it with a soft toothbrush.
- Let it dry, and keep it in a vented case.
- Keep it out of hot cars and direct sun, which can change its shape.
- Don't chew on it or share it with teammates.
Cost, Insurance and Payment Options
We'll explain the cost of a custom mouth guard after the exam, before anything is made. We accept most major dental plans and will check your benefits for you. Payment options, including CareCredit, are available. See our financing page and insurance information.
Sports Mouth Guards Near You in Houston, Katy and Magnolia
Our Copperfield Houston office is at 17301-A FM 529, Houston, TX 77095. Our Cinco Ranch office is at 20680 Westheimer Pkwy Ste 50, Katy, TX 77450. Our Magnolia office is at 18252 FM 1488 #120, Magnolia, TX 77354. We have seven offices across the Houston area. Find the location nearest you, and ask about a custom mouth guard when you book.
Frequently Asked Questions — Sports Mouth Guards
Does my child need a mouth guard for sports?
If your child plays a sport where they could be hit in the face or fall, a mouth guard is a good idea. That includes practices, not just games.
How often should a mouth guard be replaced?
Replace it when it no longer fits, or when it's torn, worn thin or chewed. Children may need a new guard more often because their teeth and jaws are still changing. We'll check the fit at each visit.
Can my child wear a mouth guard with braces?
Yes. A mouth guard is especially helpful with braces, because it protects both the teeth and the lips and cheeks. Ask us about a guard that fits over your child's braces.
Is a custom mouth guard better than a store-bought one?
A custom guard fits better, stays in place and is easier to breathe and talk in. Store-bought guards are better than no guard at all, but they're often loose or bulky, so athletes tend to take them out.
Does insurance cover sports mouth guards?
Some dental plans cover part of the cost. We accept most major dental plans and will check your benefits before the guard is made.
Book a mouth guard visit at our Copperfield Houston office, our Cinco Ranch office or our Magnolia office.
