Is your teen a part of their school’s football, basketball, or track team? Do they participate in a sport in their free time, like gymnastics, dance, or soccer? Don’t worry – the start of their time with braces doesn’t mean the end of their days playing sports. Of course, you will have to take a few additional measures to help protect their braces (and their teeth!) from damage. To learn how to avoid broken braces while playing sports, keep reading.
First, Wearing a Mouthguard Is a Must!
Knocked-out teeth are one of the most common sports-related injuries. In fact, roughly five million teeth are avulsed each year! With braces, your teen is vulnerable to other complications as well, such as a broken bracket or soft tissue injury. That’s why it’s crucial that they wear a mouthguard both at practices and at games.
Why a Custom-Made Mouthguard Is Better Than Store-Bought Ones
Store-bought mouthguards may be convenient and cheap. Unfortunately, they aren’t the most effective and, in some cases, they can be a choking hazard. For these reasons, the best course of action is to get your teen a custom-made one from their orthodontist. This will ensure that it fits over their teeth and braces snugly, and that it provides the necessary amount of protection based on the sport they participate in.
How to Make Wearing a Mouthguard Fun
The habit of actually wearing the mouthguard may take some time to develop. To encourage this best practice, there are a few things you can do:
- Get a fun color – Instead of opting for a standard clear mouthguard, think outside the box! The color of your child’s sports team is a great place to start.
- Choose a unique flavor – There are also mouthguards that are bubblegum or strawberry flavored, making them significantly more enjoyable to wear.
- Keep it clean – No one wants to wear a stinky mouthguard. So, help your teen keep it clean! Fortunately, this doesn’t require anything too extensive. Simply use clean water and a soft-bristled toothbrush to clean it before and after each use.
Fortunately, your child can participate in their sport of choice throughout their orthodontic treatment. The one “rule” is that they should wear a mouthguard consistently to help prevent damage to their braces and their teeth!
About the Practice
Simply Orthodontics is a top-rated orthodontic office in Hopkinton that offers numerous teeth-straightening treatments, including traditional braces and Invisalign. We also offer devices and appliances like custom-made mouthguards, which are designed to protect your teen’s smile both on and off the court, field, and stage. If you want to learn more about how to protect your child’s smile or you’d like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (508) 435-1200.