Mouthguards Houma, LA
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries in the United States, and the vast majority of them are preventable with the right protection. A properly fitted mouthguard absorbs and redistributes the force of impacts that would otherwise fracture teeth, lacerate soft tissue, or damage the jaw. At Porche Dental Care in Houma, Louisiana, Dr. Corey Porche provides custom-fabricated sports mouthguards for athletes of all ages throughout Terrebonne Parish — from youth recreational leagues to adults who stay active year-round.
According to the American Dental Association, athletes who do not wear mouthguards are significantly more likely to suffer dental injuries than those who do. The ADA recommends mouthguards for all contact and collision sports, as well as many non-contact activities where falls or impacts to the face are possible.
Why a Custom Mouthguard Matters
There are three types of mouthguards available — and they are not equal in how well they protect you. Understanding the difference helps you make the right choice for your situation:
A custom mouthguard from Porche Dental Care is fabricated from flexible, durable material molded to the exact contours of your teeth and gums. Because it fits precisely, it stays in place during play — it does not shift, gag you, or restrict airflow. Over-the-counter options that do not fit properly can actually cause their own problems during contact, which is why Dr. Porche always recommends a custom-fit appliance for any patient who needs regular protection.
Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?
The ADA recommends mouthguards for anyone participating in activities where contact with other players, equipment, or hard surfaces is possible. Sports where mouthguards are strongly recommended include basketball, boxing, football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, rugby, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling, as well as individual sports like gymnastics, racquetball, skateboarding, and skiing. If there is any chance of impact to the face, a mouthguard is worth wearing.
Beyond sports, patients in the following situations benefit from mouthguards fitted at our Houma office:
- Athletes with braces or orthodontic appliances — a custom guard can be designed to protect both the teeth and the hardware
- Patients with dental crowns, bridges, veneers, or implants that need impact protection
- Children in youth sports, where proper protection during tooth development is especially important
- Adults in recreational leagues, pickup sports, or fitness activities with contact potential
If you also experience nighttime teeth grinding or jaw clenching, that is a separate concern addressed with a nightguard rather than a sports mouthguard — but both are available at Porche Dental Care. Dr. Porche will evaluate your situation and recommend the right appliance for your needs.
Getting Your Custom Mouthguard at Porche Dental Care
Caring for Your Mouthguard
A custom mouthguard is a dental appliance that rewards proper care with a longer lifespan and better performance. Follow these guidelines to keep yours in top condition:
- Rinse your mouthguard with cool water before and after each use, then brush it gently with a soft toothbrush and mild soap or toothpaste
- Store it in its protective case between uses — never leave it loose in a bag or exposed to direct sunlight or heat, which can warp the material
- Do not chew on or bite pieces off of your mouthguard, as this degrades the material and compromises protection
- Bring it to your routine dental appointments at Porche Dental Care so Dr. Porche can check for wear and ensure it still fits correctly
- Replace it at the start of each new sports season, or sooner if it shows signs of significant wear, thinning, or a loose fit
- If you wear braces, do not wear your sports mouthguard with a retainer — the two serve different purposes and should not be used simultaneously
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouthguards
Is a custom mouthguard really better than a store-bought one?
Yes, significantly. A custom-fit mouthguard made from precise impressions of your teeth stays in place, allows normal breathing and speech, and absorbs impact far more effectively than boil-and-bite or stock options. Over-the-counter mouthguards that do not fit properly can shift during contact, leaving teeth exposed and even causing jaw problems. For any athlete who participates regularly, a custom appliance from a dentist is the right choice.
What sports require a mouthguard?
The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for all contact and collision sports, including basketball, boxing, football, hockey, lacrosse, martial arts, rugby, soccer, volleyball, and wrestling. Mouthguards are also recommended for non-contact activities with fall risk, such as gymnastics, skateboarding, skiing, and racquetball. If there is potential for impact to the face during an activity, a mouthguard is worth wearing.
Can I get a mouthguard if I have braces?
Yes. In fact, wearing a mouthguard is especially important with braces, since a blow to the mouth can drive the brackets and wires into the lips and cheeks. Dr. Porche can design a custom mouthguard that accommodates your orthodontic appliances, providing protection for both your teeth and your braces without interfering with treatment.
How long does a custom mouthguard last?
With proper care, a custom sports mouthguard typically lasts one to three years, depending on how heavily it is used and whether your dental anatomy changes significantly. Dr. Porche checks your mouthguard at routine visits and will let you know when it shows signs of wear or no longer fits correctly. Children’s mouthguards may need more frequent replacement as their teeth develop.
What is the difference between a sports mouthguard and a nightguard?
Sports mouthguards are designed to absorb and distribute the force of external impacts during athletic activity. Nightguards are designed to cushion the teeth from the internal force of nighttime grinding or clenching (bruxism). While they may look similar, the materials and thicknesses are optimized for different purposes. If you need both, Dr. Porche can evaluate and fit you for each type separately. Learn more on our nightguards page.
How do I know if my mouthguard needs to be replaced?
Replace your mouthguard if it has become thin or worn through, if it no longer fits snugly and stays in place on its own, if it has visible tears or cracks, or if it has changed shape from exposure to heat. As a general rule, replace it at the start of each new sports season. Bring it to your dental appointment and Dr. Porche will inspect it and confirm whether it still provides adequate protection.
