Custom sports mouthguard in Dubai — protection for kids and adults

Key facts

• Custom guards fit closely and stay in during play
• Boil-and-bite guards are often thin at the front and bulky at the back
• Children's guards may need remaking as teeth change
• Guards can be designed for patients wearing braces
• A knocked-out adult tooth should be replanted or kept in milk and seen immediately

Why mouthguards matter in sport

Dental injuries are common in contact and fast-moving sports, from a chipped front tooth to a tooth knocked out completely. Front teeth, especially in children with protruding upper incisors, are most at risk. A mouthguard spreads the force of a blow across the teeth and jaw and cushions the lips and cheeks against the teeth. Many clubs and schools in contact sports recommend or require them. They are useful for sports such as rugby, football, boxing, martial arts, hockey, basketball, cricket batting without a helmet guard, and activities like mountain biking and skateboarding where falls onto the face happen.

Custom vs boil-and-bite guards

Stock guards come ready-made and are held in place by biting, so they are often loose and uncomfortable. Boil-and-bite guards are softened in hot water and moulded at home; they fit better but are often thin over the front teeth after biting and can be bulky at the back, making speaking and breathing harder. A custom mouthguard is made from a digital scan or impression of your teeth, with even thickness where protection is needed and edges trimmed for comfort. Because it fits closely, athletes are more likely to keep it in during play, which is what makes it protective.

Mouthguards for children and teenagers

Children's mouths change as baby teeth are lost and adult teeth erupt, so a guard may need remaking as the mouth grows, sometimes every season. Custom guards for children are designed with space to allow for erupting teeth. Children with braces can still wear a mouthguard; a specially designed guard or one with extra room is used so it does not catch on the brackets and can be adjusted as teeth move. Bright colours and the child's name or number on the guard can help younger players accept wearing it. Parents should check the fit regularly and replace guards that are chewed or loose.

How a custom mouthguard is made

At the first visit the dentist checks the teeth, gums and bite, notes any loose or restored teeth, and records the teeth with a digital intraoral scan or impression. The guard is then made to that model in a layered, shock-absorbing material, with thickness chosen for the sport. At the fitting visit, the dentist checks that it seats firmly, that the bite feels even, and that edges do not irritate the gums. You will be shown how to put it in and take it out, and how to tell when it needs replacing. Bringing the guard to routine check-ups lets the dentist review it.

Care, replacement and dental injuries

Rinse the guard after each use, clean it gently with a soft brush and cool water, and let it air dry in a ventilated case. Avoid hot water, car dashboards or direct sun, which can distort it. Replace it if it becomes loose, torn, thin or no longer fits after dental changes. If a tooth is knocked out during sport, handle it by the crown, rinse briefly if dirty, and try to put an adult tooth back in its socket or keep it in milk, then get to a dentist immediately. Head injury, loss of consciousness or a suspected jaw fracture needs emergency medical assessment first.

Grinding and clenching, often during sleep, wear teeth down, crack fillings and strain the jaw muscles. A custom night guard spreads the forces and protects your teeth and restorations.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Fariba Alnoory, Dr. Manhal Helfawee

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.