If you have kids that need braces, they are probably facing the disappointment of having to give up certain habits. In addition to the embarrassment that comes from being the kid with braces in middle school or high school, there are many things you cannot eat or do comfortably because of them. Fortunately, playing sports isn’t one of them.
The little athlete in your family may be concerned about playing sports with braces. Damaging their braces is a possibility, especially if your kid is involved in a high contact sport with elevated risks of getting hit in the face. While you will have to make some considerations for your child’s safety, getting braces will not put an end to their athletic aspirations. The answer may be as simple as finding the right mouthguard for sports with braces. Here are our orthodontist approved tips for playing sports with braces.
Play on
There are some sports that may endanger your child’s braces more than others. A mouthguard is recommended if you intend on engaging in:
- Baseball
- Softball
- Football
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Rollerblading
- Karate
- Winter Sports (hockey, skiing, etc.)
These activities put you at the highest risk of falling on or having something hit your mouth, which could damage both your braces and your teeth. You could also experience injuries from your braces coming into contact with your lips and gums during the incident.
In order to protect your braces and teeth, you will need a mouthguard that is made to be worn with braces. A regular mouthguard conforms closely to the teeth and does not have space to accommodate the brackets or allow for tooth movement. That’s why we advise you to stick to the orthodontist recommended mouthguards that include extra material to cover your braces as your teeth change position.
Broken braces
Playing sports without a mouthguard is a one way ticket to broken braces, mouth pain, and a whole host of other problems. Avoid those issues before they happen by talking to your orthodontist about the recommended mouthguard options. Once your child has their braces, it is important to follow up with the orthodontist regularly, either in person or maintaining with virtual progress visits to minimize office time.
Having trouble finding a new orthodontist? Don’t let that discourage you from getting your child the dental care they need. Until you find someone more permanent, you can schedule an emergency orthodontist appointment to address any immediate concerns. Contact Dr. Mario Paz for a remote consultation to help you and your family begin your dental health journey.