Many adolescents wear dental braces for a period of time in order to correct misaligned or crooked teeth. Since braces are often recommended during the middle school and high school years, many young people face the question of whether they can play sports during their treatment. The answer is yes, but it is important to take some precautions to protect both your mouth and your braces.
Precautions While Playing Sports with Braces
Wearing a mouthguard while playing sports, especially contact sports, is an important measure to protect your teeth. It becomes even more important if you are wearing dental braces. A specially made mouthguard will protect your braces from damage and will also reduce the likelihood of serious injury if you are struck in the face or the mouth during a game.
Although mouthguards are available over the counter, if you’re wearing braces you should have a custom-made mouthguard to provide the best possible protection for your orthodontic work.
Other Precautions to Take While Wearing Braces
Your orthodontist will provide a set of guidelines to help you ensure your braces are protected during your treatment. This includes avoiding certain foods, especially those that are hard to chew or bite and foods that are sticky. These foods can damage or dislodge the wires in your braces. You should also avoid sugary foods that can increase the likelihood of tooth decay.
Practicing good oral hygiene is extremely important during orthodontic treatment. You should brush and floss regularly. Carry a travel toothbrush with you so you can brush after meals and snacks while you are away from home. Frequent brushing is important because braces can capture food particles that will then lead to cavities. Flossing is also important to remove food particles from between the teeth and from the wires of your braces.
To find out more about keeping your braces protected during orthodontic treatment, especially while playing sports, please contact either of our convenient locations, Creekview Orthodontics or McKinney Orthodontics to schedule an appointment or a consultation. Call 972-548-8200 today.