5 Tips for Protecting Braces While Playing Sports

A parent may worry that a child gets injured while playing sports with braces, braces could make the injury worse and the braces progress could be affected. Or maybe you are the one playing sports with braces. Your orthodontist in Concord will recommend wearing mouthguard to protect your teeth and braces while playing a game.

Here are 5 tips for protecting your teeth and braces while playing sports:

1. Use a Mouthguard
   1. When you are looking for a mouthguard at a sporting store, make sure you look for the one that is specific for the braces. Mouthguards can protect your child’s smile from the following dental traumas:
      1. A knocked out tooth. If an adult tooth is knocked out, clean the tooth with cold water and if possible, put it back in the tooth socket. That might not always be possible. If it is not, then keep in in a cup of milk or a solution recommended by the dentist until you can get into the office
      2. Tooth pushed into the gums. This is called a tooth intrusion and it is very important to call the orthodontist right away to be seen.

• Damage to the braces. If the wire or the bracket is bent or broken, it can cause pain and discomfort and cause unwanted teeth movement.

2. Pick the right type of mouthguard
   1. There are different types of mouthguards. You can get a custom fitted mouthguard that is made by the dentist, which is usually more expensive. The other option is, you can purchase a mouthguard that is made specific for braces at the sporting store.
3. Make wearing a mouthguard fun
   1. It takes time to get used to wearing the mouthguard when your child plays sports. You can make it fun by making or purchasing the mouthguard that is made in the colors of your child’s team or even put a logo on it. Some companies even sell flavored mouthguards.
4. Take care of your mouthguard
   1. It can be rinsed with soap or toothpaste and warm water. It is okay to place it in a mouthwash but do not boil the mouthguard because it may distort the shape and may not fit afterwards. If you are worried about your child losing the mouthguard, look for the ones that come with a strap that can be attached to a helmet. Also, when you are not using the mouthguard, place it in a case.
5. Know when to go to the emergency room
   1. How do you know when to go to an emergency room? First thing is clean the area and examine the injury carefully. Right after the injury, stop the bleeding and ice the area. If the bleeding does not stop, go to the emergency room. You may need to go to an oral surgeon if your teeth are displaced during the injury. He or she will reposition the teeth and compress the bone around the teeth so it goes back to its normal position. If you are just unconfortable and the bleeding is under control, make an appointment with the dentist and orthodontist as soon as possible. Your dentist can take x-rays to see if any of your teeth have been damages or fractured. While you are waiting to be seen, try to use wax to protect your mouth from any sharp or uncomfortable areas. Playing sports while wearing braces should not be a problem as long as you take these precautions. Contact Lee Orthodontics at 510-570-6244, best orthodontist in Concord for more information.

Author

David Lee Board Certified Orthodontist in Concord CA Metal Braces, Clear Braces, Self-ligating braces, Invisalign, Clear Aligners Serving San Francisco and East Bay area including Concord, Pleasant Hill, Bay Point, Clayton, Martinez, Walnut Creek, Pittsburg, Lafayette, Alamo, Benicia, Orinda, Moraga, Danville, San Ramon, Hercules, Berkeley, and Oakland.