Braces & Sports: Protecting Your Smile While You Play

Why You Need to Protect Your Braces When Playing Sports

Do you have braces? Do you like to play sports? You need to keep your teeth safe!

When you have braces, your teeth have metal parts on them. These parts can hurt your mouth if you get hit in the face. Sports can be fun, but they can also be rough.

Did you know that 13-39% of all tooth injuries happen during sports? [^1] That’s a lot! When you wear braces, you have an even bigger risk – about 40% more chance of getting cuts inside your mouth if you get hit.

But don’t worry! You can still play the games you love. You just need the right gear to keep your smile safe.

Special Gear to Protect Your Braces

Mouthguards – Your Teeth’s Best Friend

The most important thing you need is a mouthguard. This is like a soft shield for your teeth.

A good mouthguard can lower your risk of hurting your mouth by 60-90%! That’s huge!

There are three main types:

1. Store mouthguards – You buy these at the store. They are cheap but don’t fit very well.
2. Boil-and-bite mouthguards – You warm these up and then bite down so they fit your teeth better.
3. Custom mouthguards – A dentist makes these just for you. They fit the best!

Custom sports mouthguards are made to fit over your braces perfectly. They keep your lips from getting cut on the metal parts.

Top Brands for Braces Mouthguards

Here are some good brands to look for:

• ShockDoctor – They make special braces mouthguards
• SISU – These are thin but strong
• OPRO – Many sports teams use these

More Protection: Helmets and Face Guards

Some sports need more than just a mouthguard. You might also need:

• Helmets with face cages – For football, hockey, and baseball
• Face shields – Clear plastic that covers your whole face

Don’t Forget the Wax!

Orthodontic wax is your best friend when you play sports with braces. This soft wax covers sharp parts of your braces so they don’t cut your mouth. Using wax can cut down mouth cuts by 72%!

Put wax on before you play, and keep some in your sports bag.

Which Sports Are Safe With Braces?

Some sports are riskier than others when you have braces. Let’s look at which ones need extra care:

High-Risk Sports – Be Extra Careful!

These sports have the most mouth injuries:

• Football – Lots of hitting and tackling
• Hockey – Fast pucks and sticks near your face
• Rugby – No helmets and lots of contact
• Boxing – Getting hit in the face is part of the game!
• Basketball – Did you know? Basketball causes more braces emergencies than most sports!

For these sports, you absolutely need a mouthguard. And maybe a face shield too!

Medium-Risk Sports – Still Need Protection

These sports still need mouthguards, but have fewer face injuries:

• Soccer – Watch out for elbows and balls to the face
• Baseball/Softball – Balls and bats can hit your face
• Volleyball – Balls can hit your face
• Wrestling – Lots of close contact

Low-Risk Sports – Safer Options

These sports are usually safer for people with braces:

• Swimming (just don’t dive into shallow water!)
• Track and running
• Tennis
• Golf

Even with these safer sports, a mouthguard is still a good idea!

What To Do When Accidents Happen

Even with the best protection, accidents can happen. Here’s what to do if your braces get hurt during sports:

If a Bracket Breaks

1. Find the bracket if it came off
2. Use wax to cover any sharp edges
3. Call your orthodontist as soon as you can
4. Don’t try to fix it yourself

If a Wire Pokes You

1. Use wax to cover the poking wire
2. Try using the eraser end of a pencil to gently push the wire flat
3. Call your orthodontist if it still hurts

If Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out

This is an emergency!

1. Find the tooth
2. Don’t touch the root part
3. Put it in milk if you can (this helps keep it alive!)
4. Go to a dentist right away – within 30 minutes if possible

Did you know? About 80% of orthodontic emergencies during sports are about loose bands or poking wires. Most of these could be prevented!

Before You Play: Your Safety Checklist

Do these things before every game or practice:

• [ ] Check your braces for loose parts
• [ ] Put on orthodontic wax on sharp spots
• [ ] Wear your mouthguard (make sure it fits well!)
• [ ] Bring extra wax in your sports bag
• [ ] Tell your coach you have braces

What Coaches and Parents Should Know

Coaches and parents can help keep kids with braces safe:

• Remind kids to wear their mouthguards
• Check equipment before games
• Know where the nearest dentist is located
• Keep an emergency kit with wax, gauze, and contact info for the orthodontist

Smart Tips From Orthodontists

Orthodontists (braces doctors) give these tips:

1. Get braces adjusted before sports seasons start so wires aren’t new and poky during games
2. Avoid hard sports snacks like pretzels, nuts, and hard candy that can break brackets
3. Replace your mouthguard every season because it wears out
4. Rinse your mouthguard after each use to keep it clean
5. Tell your orthodontist you play sports so they can give you specific advice

Common Questions About Braces and Sports

When to Call Your Orthodontist Right Away

Some problems need fast help. Call your orthodontist if:

• Your tooth feels loose after getting hit
• You have a lot of pain that doesn’t go away
• Your gums bleed a lot
• A big piece of your braces breaks
• You can’t close your mouth properly

Did you know? Athletes with braces who get injuries might need 1-2 weeks to fully recover. That’s a lot of missed practice!

The Feelings Part

Having braces and playing sports can be tough sometimes. You might:

• Feel worried about getting hurt
• Feel embarrassed about how you look
• Feel frustrated if you have to sit out

These feelings are normal! Remember:

• 30% of athletes with braces say they feel less confident
• 45% worry about getting hurt during games

Talk to your coach, parents, or friends if you feel this way. You’re not alone!

True Stories

Jake’s Basketball Story: Jake was playing basketball without a mouthguard. He got hit in the mouth and broke a bracket. The wire poked his cheek and made a cut. He had to miss three games while his mouth healed. Now he always wears his mouthguard.

Sara’s Soccer Success: Sara’s team made a rule that everyone with braces must wear mouthguards. They had zero dental emergencies all season! Her coach keeps extra mouthguards and wax in the team first aid kit.

Make a Protection Plan

Let’s make your personal protection plan for sports with braces:

1. Get a good mouthguard – custom sports mouthguards are best!
2. Use wax before every game
3. Keep extra supplies in your sports bag
4. Know what to do if something breaks
5. Tell your coaches and teammates about your braces

Compare Your Protection Options

After Your Braces Come Off

When your braces are finally off, you’ll get a retainer. Retainers keep your teeth straight.

You still need to protect your smile! 90% of orthodontists recommend fixed retainers over removable ones for athletes.

You’ll still need a mouthguard to protect your perfect new smile. A hard-soft night guard might be good for sports too.

Your Smile Is Worth Protecting!

Your braces are helping make your smile beautiful. Protect all the hard work and money that’s going into your smile!

Remember:

• Wear your mouthguard
• Use wax before games
• Be careful in high-risk sports
• Know what to do if accidents happen

With the right protection, you can enjoy sports AND have a great smile with braces!