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Custom Mouthguards for Sports Protection and Performance
Athletic Dentistry in Palo Alto, CA
Athletic performance and oral health go hand in hand. At Denise Henderson DDS, we specialize in athletic dentistry—a branch of dental care focused on protecting the teeth, jaw, and soft tissues of active individuals. Whether you or your child are involved in high-impact sports, recreational leagues, or competitive athletics, a professionally made mouthguard can help prevent dental injuries before they happen.
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Located in Palo Alto, we serve athletes of all ages from Menlo Park, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Stanford, providing comfortable, high-performance protection for every sport and skill level.
What Is Athletic Dentistry?
Athletic dentistry focuses on preventing and managing dental injuries related to sports and physical activity. The primary tool in this field is the custom sports mouthguard, a device designed to shield the teeth, gums, lips, and jaw from trauma during contact or high-impact play.
While over-the-counter mouthguards offer basic protection, they often fall short in comfort, fit, and effectiveness. A custom-made sports guard from Dr. Denise Henderson provides superior protection, a secure fit, and easy communication during play—making it the gold standard for athletes serious about safety and performance.
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Who Needs a Sports Mouthguard?
Athletes of all ages can benefit from a professionally fitted mouthguard—especially those involved in activities where falls, collisions, or contact are likely. Sports that commonly lead to dental injuries include:
- Football
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Baseball and softball
- Lacrosse and field hockey
- Wrestling and martial arts
- Skateboarding and cycling
- Gymnastics and cheerleading
We recommend mouthguards for children, teens, and adults involved in organized sports, as well as recreational athletes looking for added protection.
Benefits of Custom-Fitted Sports Mouthguards
- Superior fit and comfort compared to store-bought options
- Enhanced protection for teeth, gums, lips, and jaw
- Reduced risk of concussions by absorbing shock
- Unrestricted breathing and speech during activity
- Longer-lasting and more durable materials
- Fewer dental emergencies and reduced treatment costs
With a proper fit and durable design, athletes can focus on their game—not on the risks of injury.
Our Athletic Dentistry Process
Getting a custom sports guard is a simple, non-invasive process that takes just one or two visits:
- Digital scan or impression of your upper and lower teeth
- Fabrication of the guard in a dental lab using high-quality, impact-resistant material
- Fitting and adjustment to ensure optimal protection and comfort
The result is a lightweight, durable appliance tailored to your bite and sport, built to withstand the demands of practice and competition.
Protecting Young Athletes in a Family-Friendly Setting
At Denise Henderson DDS, we work with student athletes and their families to ensure they’re set up for safe play throughout the season. We take the time to educate kids and parents on how to care for their mouthguard, when to replace it, and how it supports broader oral health.
If your child wears braces or other dental appliances, we can design a guard that accommodates their orthodontic treatment without compromising safety or function.
Why Choose Us for Athletic Dentistry in Palo Alto?
Dr. Denise Henderson brings years of clinical expertise and a personalized approach to each patient—whether you're a seasoned athlete or a first-time player. We combine advanced technology with hands-on attention to ensure your custom sports guard is effective, comfortable, and built to last.
Our office provides:
- Fast turnaround on custom mouthguards
- Appointments that fit around your season schedule
- Adjustments and remakes as your smile changes
- Preventive guidance to reduce injury risk during play
Schedule Your Athletic Dentistry Consultation Today
Don’t let a split-second collision derail your season—or your smile. Protect your teeth with a custom-fit sports guard designed just for you. Whether you're heading into a new school year or prepping for weekend tournaments, Dr. Denise Henderson and her team are here to help you play safe and stay confident.
Call (650) 327-4755 or book your consultation online to get started with athletic dentistry in Palo Alto.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a sports mouthguard last?
With proper care, a custom mouthguard can last one to two seasons. Kids and teens may need more frequent replacements due to growth and dental changes.
Can a mouthguard be worn with braces?
Yes. We can create a custom guard that fits comfortably over braces without interfering with orthodontic treatment.
Are custom mouthguards worth the cost?
Absolutely. While more expensive than store-bought versions, custom guards offer far superior protection, durability, and comfort—saving you from costly emergency dental care.
How do I clean and store my mouthguard?
Rinse it after each use, clean it weekly with a toothbrush or mouthguard cleanser, and store it in a ventilated case to keep it dry and bacteria-free.
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Safeguard Your Smile While You Play
Protect your teeth with professional athletic dentistry from Dr. Denise Henderson, trusted by families throughout Palo Alto, Menlo Park, Mountain View, Los Altos, and Stanford. Let’s help you stay in the game—safely.