Medically reviewed by Dr. Yasmin Kottait, MSc Pediatric Dentistry, IBCCES Certified Autism Specialist, with over 20 years caring for children’s smiles.
Quick Answer
Summer camp is full of active, contact-based sports, and that is exactly when children are most likely to knock, chip, or lose a tooth. A well-fitted mouthguard is a soft shield that cushions the teeth, lips, and jaw from these sudden knocks. The best option for a growing child is a custom-fitted mouthguard made by a Pediatric Dentist in Dubai, because it fits properly, stays in place, and lets your child breathe and talk with ease. A little bit of protection now can save your child from painful injuries and costly treatment later.
Why Summer Camp Sports Carry a Real Risk to Little Teeth
Summers in Dubai send most children indoors for camp, and many of those camps are packed with fast, physical activities like football, basketball, martial arts, hockey, and rugby. These are wonderful for keeping kids fit and happy, but they also bring plenty of quick movement, close contact, and the odd accidental knock.
A single bump to the mouth can chip a front tooth, cut a lip, or in some cases push out a whole tooth. Because children are still growing, an injury to a baby tooth or a young permanent tooth can also affect the teeth developing underneath. Protecting your child’s smile during these busy summer weeks with the support of the trusted Pediatric Dentist near me is one of the simplest things you can do as a parent.
What a Mouthguard Actually Protects
A good mouthguard does far more than cover the teeth. Worn correctly as recommended by a Children’s Dentist near me, it helps guard your child against several common sports injuries.
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Teeth that are knocked loose or knocked out completely
- Cuts to the lips, tongue, and inside of the cheeks
- Injuries to the jaw joint from a hard blow
- Damage to braces, and cuts caused by braces during impact
Without this cushion, the full force of a knock lands straight on the teeth and soft tissues. With one in place, that force is spread out and softened, which often turns what could have been a serious injury into a harmless bump.
The Three Types of Mouthguards, and which one is best
Not all mouthguards offer the same protection, so it helps to know the difference before your child heads off to the summer camp.
- Stock mouthguards come ready-made in a few sizes and are the cheapest option. Sadly, they fit poorly, feel bulky, and can make it hard to breathe or speak, so children often refuse to wear them.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards are softened in hot water and then moulded at home. They fit a little better than stock ones, but they wear down quickly and rarely hold a proper shape on a child’s changing mouth.
- Custom-fitted mouthguards are made by your Pediatric Dentist from an exact mould of your child’s teeth. They fit comfortably, stay firmly in place, allow easy breathing, and give the strongest protection. For a child playing regular contact sports, this is the option Dr. Yasmin Kottait recommends.
Why a Custom Mouthguard is Worth It for a Growing Child
A mouthguard only works if your child actually wears it, and comfort is the key to that. A custom mouthguard made at the clinic is shaped to your child’s exact bite, so it does not slip, gag, or get in the way of talking to teammates. Because it feels natural, children are far more likely to keep it in for the whole session.
There is a growth factor too. Children’s teeth and jaws change quickly, and shop-bought guards do not keep up. During a check-up, Dr. Yasmin Kottait, the best Dentist for Kids in Dubai, can see how your child’s mouth is developing and make sure the guard still fits well. If your child wears braces or any other appliance, a custom guard can be designed to protect the mouth safely around them.
What to do if your Child Chips or Knocks Out a Tooth at Camp
Even with the best care, dental accidents can sometimes happen. Knowing what to do can make a big difference. Try to stay calm, as your child will take comfort and reassurance from you.
If your child chips a tooth, save any broken pieces you can find, gently rinse their mouth with water, and contact your dental clinic.
If a permanent tooth is completely knocked out, handle it carefully by the white crown (the top part of the tooth), never by the root. Rinse it gently if needed, and if possible, place it back into the socket. If that cannot be done, keep the tooth in a cup of milk and seek urgent dental care.
Visit a good Pediatric Dentist in Dubai as soon as possible, ideally within an hour, because quick action can greatly improve the chances of saving the tooth.
If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to put it back into the socket. However, your child should still be seen by a Pediatric Dentist promptly for advice and care.
You can reach out to Dr. Yasmin’s clinic for pediatric dental emergencies, and if a front tooth is damaged, gentle repair options such as tooth-coloured crowns can restore your child’s smile.
Caring for your Child’s Mouthguard Over Summer
A child’s mouthguard lasts longer and stays hygienic with a little simple care. Rinse it in cool water before and after every use, and brush it gently now and then with a toothbrush. Let it dry, then store it in a firm, ventilated case rather than loose in a sports bag. Keep it away from hot places like a sunny car, since heat can warp the shape.
Check the guard every few weeks for tears or thin spots, and bring it along to your child’s next visit so Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a reliable Childrens Dentist near me, can confirm it still fits as your child grows.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should my child start wearing a mouthguard?
As soon as they begin playing contact or high-impact sports, which for many children is around preschool or early primary age. If your child is joining an active summer camp, it is worth arranging one beforehand under the guidance of a Pediatric Dentist near me.
Which sports really need a mouthguard?
Any sport with contact or a hard ball, stick, or fall. Football, basketball, hockey, rugby, martial arts, and skating are common examples, yet even friendly games can lead to knocks.
Are custom mouthguards really better than the ones from a sports shop?
Yes, shop-bought or ready-made guards fit loosely and are often left out because they feel uncomfortable. A custom guard fits properly, protects better, and is far more likely to actually be worn.
Can my child wear a mouthguard with braces?
Yes, in fact, it is even more important with braces, since a knock can injure the lips against the brackets. Dr. Yasmin Kottait, specializing in Pediatric Dentistry in Dubai, can make a guard designed to fit safely over your child’s braces.
How much does a custom mouthguard cost in Dubai?
The cost depends on the type of guard and your child’s needs. To know the clear estimate and information for the custom-designed mouthguard, Dr. Yasmin and team can analyze and share the same.
How often should a mouthguard be replaced?
It varies with how fast your child is growing and how much wear the guard takes. Many children need a fresh one each season or once their teeth have shifted, so it is best to have the fit checked at regular visits with a good Pediatric Dentist Dubai.
Give Your Child a Safer & Happier Summer with Dr. Yasmin Kottait!
Sports should be all about fun, friends, and happy summer memories, not a trip to the emergency dentist in Dubai. Getting a custom mouthguard takes just one quick visit, and it gives you peace of mind for the whole camp season.
Dr. Yasmin Kottait, a Pediatric Dentist with over 20 years of experience in Dubai, will fit your child with a guard that feels comfortable enough to wear every game, and she will make sure their teeth are strong and ready for an active summer. Her gentle and child-friendly approach means even nervous little ones leave with a smile.
Give your child the freedom to play their hardest, knowing their smile is well protected.
