Braces are life-changing for many positive reasons. A lot of kids and parents worry that wearing braces will affect the child’s ability to play sports. The fact is, you can continue to play sports with braces as long as you take certain precautions to protect the mouth. Learn more about how to play sports safely while wearing braces.
It is not an irrational fear to worry about your child playing sports with or without braces. However, it is no riskier to play with braces than without. It is estimated that about 25% to 50% of kids need braces or other orthodontic treatment. If no one could play sports while wearing braces, there would be much fewer players on the field.
Sports injuries are unfortunately a common occurrence. Dental injuries specifically are very common among young and old athletes. It is estimated that four out of ten sports injuries are to the face, mouth, and head.
Wearing braces has little to do with why sports injuries occur. However, they can compound the nature of the injury. There is an easy solution to continue playing sports safely while on the road to a perfectly straight smile.
It is essential that certain safety precautions to protect the mouth from impact while playing sports are in place. The impact to the mouth when wearing braces can be painful and cuts on the lips and mouth. It can also damage the braces.
As a matter of fact, any child that participates in sports should wear a mouthguard because oral injuries are so common. Proper oral safety while playing sports is beneficial for everyone.
A mouthguard can provide the protection that is needed. Mouthguards are devices that fit snugly over the braces (or the teeth when there are no braces) and provide a cushion.
Your dentist can fit your child or you for a custom mouthguard. A custom mouthguard will be formed specifically to your child’s mouth which will increase comfort and protection. The child simply slips the mouthguard in when they are on the field and can take it back out when they leave the field. If you have further questions, our orthodontists can share more tips for good oral safety. Give us a call today!
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