If you or your child wears braces and plays sports, you might wonder how to keep your smile safe during practices and games. While braces help create a straighter, healthier smile, they can also be vulnerable to impact injuries. The good news is that with the right precautions, you can continue to play the sports you love while keeping your teeth and braces protected.
The Risks of Playing Sports with Braces
Sports-related dental injuries are common, and for athletes with braces, the risk increases. Without proper protection, a hit to the mouth can lead to:
- Cuts and abrasions – Brackets and wires can cut the lips, cheeks, or tongue if impacted.
- Broken brackets or wires – A direct hit can damage your braces, leading to discomfort and unexpected trips to the orthodontist.
- Tooth injuries – Forceful impacts can cause chipped, loosened, or even knocked-out teeth.
How to Protect Your Braces and Teeth
1. Wear a Mouthguard – Your Best Defense
The best way to protect your teeth and braces while playing sports is by wearing a properly fitted mouthguard. A mouthguard acts as a cushion, reducing the risk of injury from direct blows to the face.
Types of Mouthguards:
- Stock Mouthguards – These are pre-made and available in most sports stores. While they offer some protection, they tend to be bulky and don’t always fit well over braces.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards – These can be softened in hot water and molded to fit your teeth. They provide better protection than stock options but may not accommodate braces perfectly.
- Orthodontic Mouthguards – Specially designed for athletes with braces, these provide extra room for brackets and wires while still offering excellent protection.
- Custom-Fit Mouthguards – Made by your orthodontist or dentist, these offer the best fit and protection. They are especially recommended for high-contact sports like football, hockey, and boxing.
2. Choose the Right Helmet or Faceguard
For sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse, a helmet with a faceguard adds an extra layer of protection. Faceguards can shield your mouth from direct impact, reducing the chances of an injury to your braces.
3. Avoid Hard or Sticky Snacks on Game Day
Chewing gum, sports bars with nuts, or hard candy can damage braces. Stick to softer snacks and stay hydrated with water instead of sugary sports drinks to maintain good oral health.
4. Have a Braces Emergency Kit
Keep a small kit in your sports bag in case of minor braces-related issues. Include:
- Orthodontic wax to cover poking wires or brackets
- A small mirror to check for damage
- Lip balm to prevent dryness and irritation
- Over-the-counter pain relievers if needed after impact
What to Do If You Get Hit in the Mouth
Despite your best precautions, accidents can happen. If you experience a blow to the mouth:
- Check for damage – Look for broken brackets, loose wires, or injuries to the lips and cheeks.
- Apply ice – If there is swelling, use ice to reduce inflammation.
- Use orthodontic wax – If a wire is poking, temporarily cover it with wax until you can see your orthodontist.
- Contact Grafton Orthodontics – If braces are damaged or teeth feel loose, schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Keep Smiling and Stay in the Game
Wearing braces shouldn’t stop you from playing the sports you love. With the right mouthguard and safety precautions, you can protect your teeth while staying active. If you’re unsure which mouthguard is best for you, ask us for recommendations or call 262.377.8950.
Your smile is worth protecting—play smart, stay safe, and keep scoring those goals!