Sports has always been one of the best activities for kids to develop social and physical skills. So Dr. Ray is here to review how to protect your braces and teeth from any potential sports injuries.

What Sports should a mouthguard be worn for while having braces?

Contact sports like football and basketball are a must to have a mouthguard on while having braces and even if you do not have braces. It is safest to have a mouthguard on even for non-contact sports just to be safe.

What dental injuries can happen while playing sports?

Dental injuries from sports are one of the most common causes of injuries for kids. From a piece of a tooth chipping, to loosing a whole tooth, to cuts and bruises to the lips and cheeks, there can be serious and painful dental injuries that happen while playing sports. That is why it is imperative to protect your teeth while you are wearing braces.

What options do you have to protect your teeth while having braces and playing sports?

If you have braces on, there are two types of Orthodontic mouthguards that are available. The first option is the regular mouthguard that molds to fit your teeth exactly. This mouthguard is not ideal to be worn while having braces on, because the braces will get in the way of the tight fitting mouthguard. The molded mouthguard will be fitted to your teeth while they are crowded/spaced. When you get braces, the braces will start to align your teeth/close spaces. Therefore, after a while the molded mouthguard will not fit due to the moving of your teeth.

A more ideal option is the Orthodontic mouthguard while having braces on. The Orthodontic mouthguard has a little extra space between the braces and the mouthguard to allow for room for the braces.This will allow your braces to move your teeth as needed, while protecting them.

How to take care of your mouthguard?

When any kind of appliance is worn in your mouth, it will get covered with different forms of bacteria. There are a few options for cleaning them. First, you can brush them with a soft bristle toothbrush and toothpaste. Second, you can leave them in a cup overnight with a denture cleaning tablet. It is imperative to keep your mouthguards clean!

If you have any questions about mouthguards, braces, or Invisalign treatment, please feel free to reach out to Dr. Ray at 323-597-1712 (Montebello location) or 661-480-5555 (Palmdale location).