Getting braces doesn’t mean your child has to sit on the sidelines. At John Redmond Orthodontics, we know young athletes want to stay active during orthodontic treatment. And they should. With the right precautions, kids can safely participate in most sports while wearing braces.
Why Orthodontic Protection Matters
Braces make your child’s mouth more vulnerable during physical activity. Think about it. Those brackets and wires can cut into soft tissue if your child takes a hit to the face. It’s not pretty, and it hurts.
But there’s more to worry about than immediate pain. A sports injury can damage the orthodontic appliances themselves. That might mean extended treatment time. It definitely means additional appointments to repair what broke.
We want your child to stay active and healthy. That’s why taking steps to protect both their smile and their investment in orthodontic care really matters.
Choosing The Right Mouthguard
Not all mouthguards work the same way with braces. Some don’t work at all.
Standard mouthguards, like those over-the-counter mouthguards from sporting goods stores, seem convenient. However, they often don’t fit properly over braces. Your child will likely find them uncomfortable. Worse, they typically don’t provide adequate protection.
Orthodontic mouthguards are designed specifically for kids with braces. They are designed to cradle the brackets and wires of braces, while still protecting teeth and soft tissue. The material is typically more flexible and includes extra coverage for the upper arch.
As a Laguna Niguel pediatric orthodontist, we can create custom mouthguards that fit your child’s unique orthodontic setup. They offer the best protection and comfort by far, but they do cost more up front.
Sport-Specific Considerations
Different activities carry different levels of risk. You’ve got to consider what your child’s actually doing out there.
- High-contact sports like football, hockey, and wrestling require heavy-duty protection
- Moderate-contact sports such as basketball, soccer, and baseball still need mouthguards despite less frequent collisions
- Low-contact activities like tennis or track may not require mouthguards, but accidents can still happen
We recommend mouthguard use for any sport where contact is possible. Even non-contact sports can result in unexpected falls or collisions. We’ve seen it happen too many times.
What To Do After An Injury
If your child experiences a mouth injury while wearing braces, check for any loose teeth or obvious damage to the orthodontic appliances first. Rinse the mouth with warm salt water to clean the area and reduce swelling. A wire poking into the cheek or gums? You can temporarily cover it with orthodontic wax until you can reach our office.
Contact us as soon as possible after the injury. Even if everything looks fine, we may want to examine your child to make sure no hidden damage occurred. Some issues aren’t immediately visible but can affect treatment progress if they’re left unchecked.
Teaching Good Habits
Protection only works when your child actually uses it. Getting them to consistently wear a mouthguard can be a battle.
Make the mouthguard part of the uniform. Just like shin guards or a helmet, it should be non-negotiable before your child steps onto the field or court. No mouthguard means no play. Let your child help choose their mouthguard. When kids have input on colors or designs, they’re more likely to wear it consistently. It’s a small thing that makes a real difference. Lead by example. If you’re active in sports yourself, wear your own protective gear and talk about why safety matters. Kids watch what we do more than they listen to what we say.
Adjusting Mouthguards As Treatment Progresses
Braces change the shape of your child’s mouth over time. That’s the whole point of orthodontic treatment. But it also means that mouthguards need periodic adjustments or replacement to maintain proper fit and protection.
As a Laguna Niguel pediatric orthodontist, we can assess whether your child’s current mouthguard still provides adequate protection during regular adjustment appointments. Don’t hesitate to mention if the fit feels off or uncomfortable. We’d rather fix it now than deal with an injury later.
Stay Active, Stay Protected
Orthodontic treatment’s a temporary phase in your child’s life. We don’t want braces limiting their participation in activities they love. Sports are too important for physical health, social development, and confidence.
With proper protection and awareness, young athletes can safely compete while working toward their best smile. Your child shouldn’t have to choose between straight teeth and the sports they’re passionate about.
If you’ve got questions about sports safety for your child’s specific situation or need help finding the right protective gear, reach out to us. We’re here to support your child’s active lifestyle throughout their orthodontic treatment.
