Braces and Sports: How to Protect Your Smile During Athletic Activities
Staying active is an important part of growing up, and wearing braces does not mean your child needs to give up the sports they love. From soccer and basketball to lacrosse, baseball, and gymnastics, kids can continue enjoying their favorite activities while undergoing orthodontic treatment. At Bae Orthodontics in Cerritos, CA, we encourage young athletes to take a few simple precautions to keep their teeth, braces, and soft tissues protected.
Why Mouthguards Are Essential With Braces
Sports can involve unexpected falls, collisions, or contact with another player. A direct hit to the mouth can damage brackets and wires or cause the lips, cheeks, and gums to become irritated or injured by the braces. Wearing a properly designed mouthguard creates a protective layer between the braces and the soft tissues inside the mouth. It can help absorb some of the force from an impact while reducing the chance of orthodontic damage or oral injuries.
Finding a Mouthguard That Fits Braces
Athletes with braces need a mouthguard that provides enough room for their orthodontic appliances and allows for normal tooth movement throughout treatment. Some options include:
- Orthodontic mouthguards: Made with braces in mind, these provide extra space around brackets and can accommodate changes as treatment progresses.
- Boil-and-bite mouthguards: These can be molded at home and may be a convenient option, although they may need to be replaced as your child’s teeth move.
- Stock mouthguards: These are designed as a general fit and typically do not provide the space or comfort needed for children wearing braces.
Dr. Bae can help you determine which type of mouthguard is most appropriate based on your child’s sport, braces, and stage of treatment.
What to Do If an Orthodontic Injury Happens
Even with a mouthguard, accidents can occur. Knowing what to do can help keep a minor problem from becoming more uncomfortable.
- Loose or damaged bracket: If a bracket becomes loose, avoid picking at it and contact our office for guidance. Orthodontic wax can help cover anything that feels sharp.
- Irritated cheek or lip: Rinse the mouth gently with warm salt water and use orthodontic wax over the area causing irritation.
- Wire causing discomfort: If a wire is poking the cheek or gum, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief until your child can be evaluated.
- Knocked-out or seriously injured tooth: Seek emergency dental or medical attention immediately. Once the urgent injury has been addressed, contact our office so we can determine whether orthodontic care is also needed.
Keeping a small orthodontic care kit in your child’s athletic bag with wax, a mirror, and the orthodontic office’s contact information can also be helpful.
Keep Coaches in the Loop
Before the season begins, let your child’s coach know they are wearing braces. Coaches and athletic staff can reinforce the importance of wearing a mouthguard during practices and games and can be prepared to respond appropriately if an injury occurs. It is especially helpful to make sure your child understands that a mouthguard should be worn consistently during activities where there is a risk of contact or impact.
What About Non-Contact Sports?
Mouth protection is not limited to traditional contact sports. Activities such as gymnastics, skateboarding, cycling, and even certain recreational activities can involve falls or unexpected collisions. If there is a reasonable possibility of an impact to the mouth, wearing appropriate protection can be a smart precaution. Preventing an injury is much easier than dealing with a damaged appliance or dental trauma afterward.
Braces Shouldn’t Keep Your Child on the Sidelines
Orthodontic treatment and an active lifestyle can easily go hand in hand. With a properly fitted mouthguard and a little extra awareness, your child can continue participating in sports while working toward a healthier, more confident smile. If you have questions about mouthguards, sports safety, or protecting your child’s braces, Bae Orthodontics in Cerritos, CA is here to help. Dr. Bae can recommend appropriate protection for your child’s treatment and provide guidance if an orthodontic issue occurs during sports.