If you've just had braces fitted, you may worry about how it'll affect the things you love - especially sport. The good news is that braces don't have to put your sporting life on hold; you just need to take a little extra care.
Risks of Wearing Braces While Playing Sports
With or without braces, playing sport carries a real risk of dental injury - in fact, up to 39% of all dental injuries are sports-related. Contact sports in particular put your teeth at risk.
Braces can increase that risk because the teeth aren't quite as stable as they were before treatment. A collision or even a minor accident on the pitch can cause damage or discomfort, so taking sensible precautions matters.
How to Protect Your Teeth During Sport
There's no need for treatment to keep you off the field, but it's worth wearing the right protective gear. The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) recommends a mouthguard for any contact sport - football, rugby, basketball, hockey and so on.
A mouthguard worn over your braces protects your braces, teeth and mouth. Fitted properly, it'll feel comfortable and secure, and reduce the risk of dental injury significantly. Ortho-guard or custom-made mouthguards offer the most protection and can be re-moulded to accommodate movement as teeth shift through treatment.
Your mouthguard should be thick enough to absorb knocks and should cover all vulnerable areas. If it gets damaged or feels uncomfortable, speak to your orthodontist about a replacement.
What Happens if You Don't Protect Your Teeth?
A blow to the face can damage both your teeth and your braces. Broken brackets, wires or dislodged braces disrupt your treatment and may mean extra appointments. Understanding the risk is the first step in taking it seriously.
Looking After Your Mouthguard and Oral Hygiene
Oral hygiene matters even more once you're combining braces with sports kit. Physical activity tends to increase plaque build-up too, so regular brushing and flossing become essential - otherwise you risk gum disease, cavities and (worst-case) tooth loss. Regular check-ups also let your orthodontist make sure everything's progressing as planned.
Care for the mouthguard itself: rinse in cold water before and after use, wash in cool soapy water, and store in a firm, perforated container away from heat and direct sunlight.
Consult Your Orthodontist for Advice
If you're playing or thinking about playing contact sport, talk to your orthodontist first. They'll understand your specific needs and make sure your teeth, gums and mouth are properly protected while treatment continues.
Cheshire Orthodontics: A Specialist Orthodontist in Sandbach
Here at Cheshire Orthodontics we provide the specialist-led care you need so sport and your braces can coexist. To speak to us, book a consultation today.