Whether you’re chasing a soccer ball or diving for a volleyball, the last thing you want to worry about is damaging your braces. At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics, Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas are committed to helping athletes keep their teeth and braces safe while staying active. With the right precautions, you can enjoy your favorite sports without worrying about damaging your braces. Let’s kick things off by exploring the number one must-have for athletes with braces: the mouthguard.
The Importance of Wearing a Mouthguard
When it comes to protecting your braces and teeth during sports, a mouthguard is your first line of defense. Whether it’s contact sports like football or basketball or even less intense activities, the risk of a blow to the face can lead to broken brackets, bent wires, or worse—injured teeth. A mouthguard cushions the impact and helps absorb the force, keeping both your braces and your smile intact.
Types of Mouthguards:
- Boil-and-Bite: These are affordable and offer a semi-custom fit after you soften them in hot water and mold them to your teeth.
- Custom Mouthguards: For the best fit and protection, Freedman & Haas Orthodontics can create a mouthguard designed specifically for your braces and mouth.
While wearing a mouthguard is very important, choosing the right type provides maximum protection. Next, let’s explore how to pick the perfect mouthguard for braces.
Choosing the Right Mouthguard for Braces
Not all mouthguards are created equally—especially when it comes to wearing braces. A poorly fitting mouthguard can actually cause more harm than good, shifting your brackets or putting unnecessary pressure on your wires. When selecting a mouthguard, it’s important to find one that fits comfortably over your braces and allows for tooth movement throughout your treatment.
What to Look For:
- Adjustable Fit: Look for mouthguards specifically designed for braces, as they offer an adjustable fit to accommodate shifting teeth.
- Breathability: Choose a mouthguard with breathing channels so you can comfortably wear it without feeling restricted.
- Custom Options: For the best protection and fit, Dr. Freedman or Dr. Haas can create a custom mouthguard that provides a snug fit while allowing for adjustments during your treatment.
With the right mouthguard in place, you’ll have a solid defense for your braces during any game or practice. Now, let’s discuss a few extra precautions you can take to care for your braces while staying active in sports.
Caring for Your Braces During Sports
Protecting your braces during the game is only half the battle—after the final whistle blows, it’s time to make sure everything stays in top condition. Proper post-sport care is essential to keeping your braces and teeth healthy while staying active.
After-Sport Care Checklist:
- Rinse Your Mouthguard: After every game or practice, rinse your mouthguard with cool water and store it in a clean, dry case. This prevents bacteria buildup and keeps it ready for your next use.
- Brush & Floss Thoroughly: Once the game is over, brushing and flossing are necessary. Food particles and debris can easily get caught in your braces, especially after wearing a mouthguard. Make sure to clean around your brackets and wires to keep your treatment on track and avoid any oral health issues.
- Pack a Sports Kit: Having a small orthodontic emergency kit in your sports bag can save the day. Include orthodontic wax for any loose wires or irritating brackets, floss for quick clean-ups, and extra elastics if your treatment requires them.
Taking these steps will help keep your braces intact and your smile healthy. But despite all precautions, accidents can still happen. Let’s take a look at how to handle orthodontic emergencies while on the field or on the court.
Handling Orthodontic Emergencies While Playing Sports
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen during sports. Whether it’s a stray elbow to the mouth or a fall during practice, knowing how to handle orthodontic emergencies can save you a lot of stress and prevent further damage to your braces or teeth.
What to Do in Common Orthodontic Emergencies:
- Broken Bracket or Wire: If a bracket or wire becomes loose or breaks, cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax to protect your mouth from irritation. Contact Freedman & Haas Orthodontics as soon as possible to schedule a repair.
- Poked or Irritated Gums: If a wire is poking into your gums or cheeks, use the wax from your emergency kit to cover the area and reduce irritation. You can also try using a pencil eraser to gently push the wire back into place.
- Mouth Injury: If you’ve experienced a mouth injury and your teeth feel loose or damaged, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the affected area to reduce swelling. It’s important to get in touch with Dr. Freedman or Dr. Haas right away for an assessment.
Having a plan for these common issues will help keep your braces and smile safe during sports. Now, let’s go over some risky habits to avoid while staying active with braces.
Avoid Risky Behaviors During Sports
While wearing braces, it’s best to be mindful of certain habits that could damage your treatment. During sports, avoid using your mouth for tasks it’s not designed for, such as biting down on water bottles, opening packaging, or chewing on your mouthguard. These behaviors can easily bend wires, loosen brackets, or even cause injury to your teeth.
Habits to Avoid:
- Chewing on your mouthguard: This can weaken the mouthguard, making it unable to protect your teeth effectively.
- Biting hard objects: Opening bottles or chewing on pens and other objects puts unnecessary pressure on your braces, increasing the risk of damage.
- Using your teeth to open packages: This can easily cause brackets to loosen or wires to bend.
By avoiding these habits, you’ll help ensure your braces stay in good shape while playing sports and prevent any setbacks in your treatment. Taking a little extra care during your athletic activities will keep your smile safe and your progress on track!
Game On, Smile Safe!
Keeping your smile protected while playing sports doesn’t mean sitting on the sidelines. With the right mouthguard, good habits, and proper care, you can enjoy all your favorite activities without worrying about your braces. At Freedman & Haas Orthodontics, Dr. Freedman and Dr. Haas are here to help keep your treatment on track. Schedule a free consultation today at our West Palm Beach or Wellington office!