Night and Mouth Guards in Houston

Whether you’re an athlete looking to prevent injury or someone who grinds their teeth at night, a properly fitted mouth guard is essential for protecting your dental health. It is no wonder that mouth guards have become an increasingly popular way to protect teeth during sports and sleeping in Houston.

At Dr. Kamila Holistic Dental and Wellness Center, we believe quality mouth guards and night guards uniquely designed for each patient are essential for protecting dental health. With advanced 3D modeling and a holistic approach to dentistry, we craft the best Houston night and mouth guards.

Our skilled dentists go beyond simple impressions, taking the time to optimize guard comfort and effectiveness through proper bite alignment. Whether you’re an athlete looking to prevent injury or you grind your teeth at night, you can trust us to safeguard your smile by creating the ideal dental protection for your lifestyle and needs.

What is Mouth Guard?

A mouth guard is a protective device worn over the teeth during sports or sleep. The main purpose of a mouth guard is to act as a cushion and shield for the teeth, lips, cheeks, tongue, and jawbone from traumatic blows and collisions. They typically cover the upper teeth and sometimes part of the palate, though models for the lower teeth are also available.

Mouth guards are commonly made from thermoplastic materials like polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene or ethylene vinyl acetate. These pliable plastic materials can absorb and dissipate shocks from impacts to the face and mouth. This helps prevent dental injuries like cracked, displaced or knocked out teeth as well as lacerations to the lips, cheeks, gums, and tongue. Mouth guards may also provide some protection against jaw fractures and neck injuries by minimizing the force transmitted to these areas.

Beyond protection, some athletes feel mouth guards can improve performance by allowing them to clench their jaws and teeth in exertion or contact, which helps maximize power and strength. Mouth guards also prevent biting of the tongue and cheek during athletic maneuvers. This allows athletes to focus fully on performance without worrying about self-inflicted oral injuries. You can get mouth guards in Houston from the Holistic Dentistry of Dr. Kamila.

What are Different Types of Mouth Guard?

There are three main types of mouth guards, differentiated by their fit and method of fabrication:

Stock Houston night and mouth guards: These are inexpensive, preformed mouth protectors that can be purchased off the shelf at most major sporting goods stores, pharmacies, and big box retailers. They are created in a limited number of sizes meant to fit most adults or children. The user simply selects the size they feel fits best.

The advantages of stock night and mouth guards in Houston include affordability and immediate availability. However, they often do not fit very well due to their generic “one-size-fits-most” sizing. They can be bulky and loose, leading them to become easily dislodged, and they permit excessive teeth clinching and jaw movement. This compromises protection.

Stock guards also require regular trimming with scissors to size them down for better fit. Due to their drawbacks, stock Houston night and mouth guards recommended by doctors are better suited to occasional recreational play rather than serious, competitive athletics.

Boil-and-bite Houston night and mouth guards: These guards represent a step up from stock versions. They are formed out of thermoplastic material that can be carefully softened in hot water then molded to the teeth using biting pressure from the user. This allows the boil-and-bite guard to conform to the basic shape and contour of the individual’s mouth. Most sporting goods stores sell boil-and-bite guards from major brands like Shock Doctor and SISU.

The custom-molded fit of boil-and-bite guards stays more securely in place and follows the bite alignment better than stock options. However, the molding process is challenging for some users to do well at home. The fit may still permit some dental movement and clenching force transmission. This style requires periodically re-molding and replacing as the material stretches and distorts with extended use. Overall, boil-and-bite guards offer a better fit compared to stock while remaining affordable and accessible. This makes them a smart choice for many amateur and recreational athletes.

Custom-made Houston night and mouth guards: Dentists fabricate custom guards after taking imprints of the athlete’s teeth using dental impressions or digital scans of the mouth. The dentist uses these models to create a highly accurate guard tailored precisely for the individual’s dental anatomy and occlusion. This results in a comfortable, well-retained fit the user barely notices is present.

Custom guards allow minimal tooth and jaw movement, providing superior shock absorption and protection compared to other designs. They also permit easy breathing and speech. Many professional and collegiate athletes use custom guards for these reasons. However, the specialized fabrication process comes at a higher cost, though some dental insurance plans may cover part of it. Impressions and adjustments at the dental office are required as well. While custom guards have drawbacks like expense and time investment, their protection and fit are unrivaled, making them a smart choice for participants in rigorous contact sports like football, hockey, rugby, boxing, and wrestling.

When Should you Wear a Mouth Guard?

Night and mouth guards in Houston TX should be worn whenever there is a moderate or high risk of sustaining an injury to the teeth, mouth, and jaw during athletic activities or sleep. More specifically, the American Dental Association and Academy for Sports Dentistry recommend wearing a mouth guard in Houston in the following situations:

•  Contact sports with potential for blows and collisions like football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, boxing, wrestling, and rugby. A properly fitted mouth guard is crucial in these higher-impact sports.
•  Non-contact yet fast-paced sports like basketball, baseball, softball, soccer, field hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, cycling, volleyball, handball, roller derby, and racquet sports. The chances of falls, collisions, elbows, and equipment striking the mouth remain elevated.
•  Sports involving equipment like balls, pucks, sticks, bats, gloves, helmets, and skates, which can all potentially damage the teeth.
•  Weightlifting and powerlifting, since dropping weights poses a risk of injury and some athletes clench their teeth intensely while lifting.
•  Rugged outdoor activities like mountain biking, rock climbing, white water rafting, and skiing/snowboarding since falls are common.
•  Any recreational sports or children’s leagues if permitted by guidelines. Don’t assume low competitiveness equals low dental injury risk.
•  Sleep, if diagnosed with bruxism or teeth grinding. A specialized night guard helps prevent tooth wear and trauma resulting from chronic grinding and clenching.

Mouth guards are advisable in any sports environment where collisions, falls, blows, or equipment strikes above the shoulders occur frequently. Prevention of dental injury should take priority over minor discomforts of wearing protection. Don’t wait for visible damage to happen before taking precautions.

Do Mouth Guards Prevent Concussion?

While mouth guards are extremely effective at protecting against dental and oral cancer screening, they do NOT reduce the risk of experiencing a concussion when playing contact sports. A concussion is a traumatic head injury caused by the brain suddenly moving back and forth or twisting inside the skull, usually from a direct hit to the head.

Mouth guards cushion the teeth and jaws but do not stop the head’s violent motions that lead to concussions. No studies conclusively show mouth guards decreasing rates of concussions. The best methods of avoiding concussions in sports include:

•  Wearing properly fitted, high-quality helmets designed to reduce head impact forces and diffuse collision energies. Helmets with face shields add protection.
•  Using proper tackling form to avoid head-to-head hits in football and other contact sports. Initiating contact with the shoulders and the chest helps prevent concussions.
•  Strengthening neck muscles through targeted exercises. This helps stabilize the head and minimize whiplash motions.
•  Employing sports rules that penalize and eliminate dangerous head contact actions like spearing in football.
•  Allowing concussions to fully heal before returning to risky play per medical guidance.

While mouth guards have many benefits, relying on them to prevent concussions is unrealistic. But everyone should still wear appropriate protective headgear and mouth guards when participating in contact sports to reduce all injury risks like dental bonding, dental crowns, dental implants and more as much as possible.

Should Kids Wear Mouth Guard?

Absolutely yes, the American Dental Association and dental experts strongly advise children who play organized sports to wear mouth guards. Starting young with dental protection helps prevent problems and establishes lifelong habits around preventing oral injuries.

Some reasons children especially benefit from wearing mouth guards during sports include:

•  The growth and development process makes kids’ teeth more susceptible to being knocked out or displaced from the jawbone if impacted.
•  Younger children may be unable to react quickly enough to avoid collisions and blows to the mouth in fast-paced games.
•  Preteen and teenage competitors often play sports with the same intensity as adults but with poorer skills, increasing accident risks.
•  Dental injuries can disrupt the development of permanent teeth and can cause lifelong tooth damage or loss if not managed properly. This may require extensive orthodontic work.
•  Kids often grind their teeth at night, increasing the need for protection. A mouth guard cushions against harm from bruxism.

The ADA suggests a properly fitted mouth guard for young athletes participating in the following higher-risk sports:

•  Basketball
•  Field hockey
•  Football
•  Gymnastics
•  Ice hockey
•  Lacrosse
•  Martial arts
•  Skateboarding
•  Soccer
•  Wrestling

For best protection, customize boil-and-bite guards at home following instructions, or visit the best dental clinic in Houston for custom mouth guards. Replace ill-fitting stock guards, which can pose a choking hazard. With prevention, lifelong dental health is achievable.

Can your Wear Night and Mouth Guards in Houston TX for Teeth Grinding?

Yes, wearing a specialized mouth guard designed for teeth grinding (often called a night guard) can help protect against the damage frequently caused by nocturnal bruxism. Grinding and clenching the teeth places immense pressure on them while asleep. This can chip and crack enamel, fracture roots, and crowns, wear down biting surfaces, loosen teeth, and tear away gum tissue over time.

Full coverage Houston night and mouth guards effectively shield the teeth from these harmful forces and stresses generated by involuntary grinding and clenching at night. They cushion the jaws as well, helping prevent discomfort, pain, and limited motion from muscular strain and spasms of the temporal and masseter jaw muscles. Night guards may also aid the proper realignment of the jaw, reducing tension.

Custom-made, comfortable-fitting night guards often work better for teeth grinding and teeth whitening than generic boil-and-bite versions. Impressions can be taken at home or the dentist’s office for fabrication. However, any sturdy night guard worn regularly helps reduce the risks of bruxism. Look for types that permit some lateral jaw motion for comfort. With protection, teeth-grinding symptoms may resolve or be kept under control.

How do you care for your Houston Night and Mouth Guards?

Proper care and regular maintenance are essential for keeping Houston night and mouth guards clean and in good condition. Follow these tips from the ADA for caring for your mouth guard:

•  Rinse the guard thoroughly with cool, clean water before and after each use to remove debris and bacteria. Avoid hot water that could warp its shape.
•  Occasionally deep clean it by soaking the guard for 20-30 minutes in denture cleaner or a diluted bleach and water solution to sanitize it.
•  Brush it periodically with a toothbrush and toothpaste to remove plaque buildup. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
•  Store the mouth guard in a firm, perforated container to allow air circulation and avoid warping. Don’t wrap it in a paper towel long-term.
•  Avoid storing it loosely in a gym bag or expose it to hot places like car dashboards. High heat can distort the shape and material.
•  Inspect for tears or holes regularly and replace them once damaged or every 1-2 seasons following extended use.
•  Bring guards to dental visits so the dentist can examine their condition and fit.
•  Avoid chewing constantly on the guard during play to maximize its working lifespan.

 

Proper care keeps Houston night and mouth guards functioning longer while helping eliminate odors, bacteria, and unpleasant tastes that can develop with repeated use. Taking good care of sports protection equipment is essential.

How much do Mouth Guard Cost?

The cost ranges of different mouth guard types are:

•  Stock mouth guards: $10 to $40 Stock guards are the most affordable since they are mass-produced. Basic ones for youth athletes can run as low as $10, while heavy-duty, high-impact guards for adults may cost up to $40.
•  Boil-and-bite mouth guards: $15 to $50 Mid-range boil-and-bite guards usually span $15 for simple designs to $50 for premium name-brand models with special features like cut-away breathing zones and enhanced shock absorption.
•  Custom mouth guards: $80 to $300+ Custom guards are the priciest due to the office visits, dental impressions, and special fabrication methods required. Typical costs are $80 to $200 but elaborately designed guards for some pro athletes exceed $ 300. Night guards for bruxism may cost up to $ 500 or more.

 

Houston night and mouth guards costs vary based on:

•  Brand
•  Materials used
•  Special features
•  Intended sport and user age
•  Personalization with decorations or the user’s name/number
•  Whether insurance helps cover any of the amount

 

Within each category of guard, you can select more affordable or premium options based on your needs and budget. But compromising protection to save money is unwise.

Can you get Houston Night and Mouth Guards through Insurance?

Many dental insurance plans help offset some of the cost of mouth guards by considering them medically necessary for injury prevention during athletic participation. Plans classify mouth guards differently, but coverage often includes:

• •  Stock mouth guards as preventive or basic routine dental care services.
  •  Boil-and-bite guards as diagnostic services or further preventive care.
  •  Custom athletic mouth guards prescribed by a dentist as a covered percentage after deductible.
  •  Night guards for bruxism as a partially or fully covered medically necessary device similar to orthodontic treatment.

 

The exact percentage and benefit limits depend on the individual insurance policy. Providers like Delta Dental and Cigna often classify mouth guards as preventive services with partial cost coverage or negotiated dentist rates. Contact your dental insurance to learn your plan’s specific coverage provisions for mouth guards.

Using insurance savings on mouth guards is wise. Out-of-pocket costs tend to be lowest for necessary services covered under dental benefits compared to paying 100% of charges. Protecting your teeth is a dental necessity, not simply an option.

Where you can buy Houston Night and Mouth Guards in Houston?

There are many places to purchase Houston night and mouth guards of all types:

•  Major sporting goods retailers like Academy Sports + Outdoors, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Champs Sports, and Modell’s Sporting Goods. They carry a wide selection of stock and boil-and-bite guards from brands like Shock Doctor, Under Armour, Sisu, and Mueller.
•  National pharmacy chains like Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy, and Walmart Pharmacies. Their dental care sections stock popular boil-and-bite mouth guards.
•  Large retail stores like Walmart, Target, Costco, and Kroger. These stores sell affordably priced stock and boil-and-bite mouth guards.
•  Smaller local sporting goods shops. They cater specialized equipment to Houston’s sports market.
•  Dentist offices throughout Houston offer custom mouth guard fabrication along with night guards. Therefore, you can get them from a cosmetic dentist in Houston.
•  Online via Amazon, manufacturer websites like Sisuguard and Shock Doctor, and dental care sites like Colgate and Crest. Be sure to buy from a reputable site.

 

No matter which neighborhood you live in, finding a quality mouth guard or night guard in Houston is quick and convenient. Both national chains and local outlets help protect Houston athletes’ smiles.

Do Houston Texans Player Wear Mouth Guard?

Yes, all Houston Texans football players wear protective mouth guards during games and practices as mandated by NFL regulations. Mouth guard use in the NFL has been compulsory since 1962 when it became a required piece of equipment for avoiding dental trauma. They later expanded the requirement to include practices too.

The NFL does grant exemptions for kickers and punters since they rarely experience heavy physical contact. But nearly all other Texans players rely on mouth guards as an essential piece of safety gear.

Many NFL players upgrade to custom mouth guards for the superior fit and protection. Large Texans like J.J. Watt even occasionally wear two mouth guards stacked for some games when extra jaw padding is needed. Texans team colors of dark blue, red, and white are seen on many players’ guards along with their jersey number. The tight fit allows breathing, hydration, and talking without impediment, which is vital during intense games.

Mouth guards are now engrained in football culture across all levels as important protection to play smart and reduce preventable injuries. The Texans medical staff keeps a close eye on guard usage and health, as mouth safety contributes to the best on-field performance and long careers in a hazardous contact sport.

When did Houston Night and Mouth Guards become Popular?

The use of mouth protectors first became popular in the early 20th century as contact sports, especially boxing and football, grew into structured athletic competitions with safety risks.

In 1916, the Journal of the American Dental Association published an article advocating a customized “gum shield” made from moldable rubber to prevent dental injury and mucosal lacerations during sports. This sparked recognition of mouth protection benefits among dentists. Throughout the 1920s and 30s, collegiate and professional boxers began adopting early mouth protectors to reduce lip cuts and loosened teeth from blows.

The first athletic mouth guards for footballers appeared around 1930 as hard-shell helmets transformed the sport into a higher impact, head-on collision game. By 1960, the American Dental Association encouraged all football leagues to mandate mouth protectors. Usage soon spread through rugby, ice hockey, and boxing as well.

Today nearly all collision sports associations recommend mouth guards for practices and organized competitions to uphold player safety standards. Improvements in athletic mouth guard materials and designs continue progressing as sports become more intense.

Currently, participation without effective dental protection is widely viewed as an unacceptable risk at all levels.

Do Houston Night and Mouth Guards Work for TMJ?

The effectiveness of Houston night and mouth guards in alleviating problems associated with temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ) is heavily debated. The TMJ joints hinge together the jawbone with the skull. TMJ disorders involve pain and impaired motion in these jaw joints along with muscle tightness or spasms. Teeth grinding often worsens TMJ.

Some dentists believe covering the teeth with a protective night guard or splint can calm TMJ symptoms by absorbing grinding pressures and relaxing overworked jaw muscles. However, many experts argue mouth guards only act as temporary band-aids that don’t resolve core TMJ issues like joint misalignment or restricted motion.