How to Protect Your Braces During Sports Activities

Proper mouth protection is recommended when you participate in any sports activities. While fast moving contact sports such as football, rugby, ice hockey, martial arts and basketball are considered the highest risk for dental, facial and head injuries, soccer, field hockey, baseball, and softball also have the potential to cause significant injuries. Injuries to your mouth can not only damage your teeth, but your braces could break and cut open your lips and cheeks.  Furthermore, a properly worn mouthguard provides important protection against concussions and head injuries.

Full Facial Guards

Full facial guards are often used in football and ice hockey offering protection to your mouth from most injuries. Even with full facial protection, you may benefit from additional mouth protection. While your face is protected from outside impact, you could still suffer from cuts or damage to your braces from internal impact.

Mouth Guards

A variety of mouthguards are available to be used while wearing braces.  We provide a simple style of mouthguard, free-of-charge to our patients – just ask!  There are other types of mouthguards available at sports retailers and hockey shops specific to athletes with braces.  Getting the right mouthguard and the right fit is a trial and error process, but an essential process!  It is no different than finding the right mouthguard without braces on.

No matter what type of sport you participate in, a mouthguard can protect your braces. Even an activity as seemingly harmless as table tennis can result in a contact injury. The Academy for Sports Dentistry states that a properly fitted mouthguard should not interfere with any athletic activity.

We will be glad to answer any questions you have so you can continue the activities you enjoy with little concern. If you do suffer any injuries to your mouth or braces during sporting activities, please contact us immediately. The sooner we can care for your mouth, the better the results will be.

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