Custom Sports Mouth Guards in West Hills, CA
Whether you are a weekend warrior or a competitive athlete, protecting your teeth during sports is just as important as any other piece of protective gear. At Anita Rathee DDS, we provide custom-fitted sports mouth guards for patients of all ages in West Hills, CA — offering superior protection, comfort, and performance compared to generic store-bought alternatives. Call us today at (818) 348-8898 to get fitted for your custom sports mouth guard.
Why Every Athlete Needs a Custom Sports Mouth Guard
Dental injuries are among the most common sports-related injuries, yet they are also among the most preventable. A blow to the face or jaw during athletic activity can result in chipped, cracked, or knocked-out teeth, soft tissue lacerations, jaw fractures, and even concussions. The American Dental Association estimates that athletes who do not wear a mouth guard are 60 times more likely to sustain dental injury than those who do. At Anita Rathee DDS, we strongly encourage all athletes — regardless of sport or skill level — to wear a properly fitted mouth guard during any activity that carries a risk of facial impact.
Custom sports mouth guards from Anita Rathee DDS are fabricated directly from precise dental impressions of your teeth, ensuring a snug, accurate fit that stays securely in place during even the most intense physical activity. This custom fit is what sets professional mouth guards apart from the boil-and-bite options available at sporting goods stores. Generic mouth guards are not tailored to the unique shape of your teeth and bite, which means they can feel bulky, interfere with breathing and speaking, and slip out of position when you need protection most. A custom-fitted guard is thinner, more comfortable, and more effective — and because it stays in place reliably, athletes are far more likely to actually wear it consistently.
Beyond protecting the teeth from direct impact, sports mouth guards serve several additional important functions. They cushion the jaw joint by absorbing and distributing the force of a blow to the face or chin — reducing the risk of jaw fractures and the development of TMJ disorders, which can be triggered or worsened by repeated impact or by the habitual jaw clenching that many athletes engage in during intense physical exertion. Many athletes clench their teeth unconsciously during competition, which places significant stress on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint over time. A well-fitted mouth guard helps keep the jaw in a relaxed, slightly open position, relieving this tension and allowing athletes to stay focused and perform at their best.
At Anita Rathee DDS, we offer custom sports mouth guards suitable for a wide range of activities — from contact sports like football, hockey, basketball, and martial arts to lower-impact activities like gymnastics, cycling, and skateboarding where falls and facial impacts can still occur. We tailor each guard to the specific demands of your sport and the unique anatomy of your bite. If you also grind your teeth at night, we offer separate custom night guards designed specifically for that purpose, as sports mouth guards are not intended for overnight use. Contact Anita Rathee DDS today at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page to schedule your fitting appointment in West Hills, CA .
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Mouth Guards
Who should wear a sports mouth guard?
Any patient — child or adult — who participates in a sport or physical activity that carries a risk of facial impact or falls should wear a mouth guard. This includes contact sports like football, hockey, lacrosse, boxing, and martial arts, as well as activities like basketball, baseball, gymnastics, cycling, and skateboarding. At Anita Rathee DDS, we provide custom sports mouth guards for athletes of all ages and skill levels throughout West Hills, CA .
What is the difference between a custom mouth guard and a store-bought one?
Custom sports mouth guards from Anita Rathee DDS are fabricated from precise dental impressions of your specific teeth and bite, resulting in a device that fits securely, stays in place during activity, and provides optimal protection. Store-bought boil-and-bite guards are not tailored to your anatomy, which means they can feel bulky, interfere with breathing and speaking, and slip out of position. A custom guard is thinner, more comfortable, and significantly more protective than any over-the-counter alternative.
Can a sports mouth guard help prevent concussions?
Research suggests that properly fitted mouth guards may help reduce the risk and severity of concussions by absorbing and distributing the impact forces that travel through the jaw to the skull during a blow to the face or chin. While a mouth guard is not a guaranteed concussion prevention device, it is widely accepted as an important component of overall athletic safety. Our team at Anita Rathee DDS can help you choose the right level of protection based on your sport and risk level in West Hills, CA .
Can sports mouth guards help with jaw clenching during sports?
Yes. Many athletes unconsciously clench their teeth during intense physical exertion, placing significant strain on the jaw muscles and temporomandibular joint over time — which can contribute to the development of TMJ disorders and chronic jaw discomfort. A well-fitted sports mouth guard from Anita Rathee DDS holds the jaw in a slightly open, relaxed position that relieves this muscular tension, reduces clenching, and allows athletes to stay more comfortable and focused throughout competition.
How do I care for my sports mouth guard?
After each use, rinse your mouth guard with cool water and clean it with a toothbrush and mild soap. Store it in the ventilated case provided to allow it to dry and prevent bacterial growth. Keep it away from heat, which can warp the material. Bring your mouth guard to your regular appointments at Anita Rathee DDS so our team can check its fit and condition. Call us at (818) 348-8898 if you notice any tears, warping, or changes in fit.
Can children get custom sports mouth guards at Anita Rathee DDS?
Yes. We strongly encourage custom sports mouth guards for children and teenagers who participate in sports, as their developing teeth and jaws are particularly vulnerable to injury. Because children’s mouths change as they grow, their mouth guards should be checked and replaced regularly to ensure continued protection and a proper fit. Our team at Anita Rathee DDS will advise you on the appropriate replacement schedule during your child’s routine dental exams.
How do I get a custom sports mouth guard at Anita Rathee DDS?
Getting a custom sports mouth guard at Anita Rathee DDS is quick and straightforward. Simply call our office at (818) 348-8898 or visit our contact page to schedule a fitting appointment in West Hills, CA . Our team will take precise impressions of your teeth, discuss your sport and activity level, and fabricate a custom guard that provides the best possible protection and comfort for your specific needs.
