Dentists and orthodontists alike are often concerned about the oral health of student-athletes (for good reason). Sports can get rough, and when you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, you want to be sure that you’re protecting your braces while you’re on the field or court. Here are a few key ways to protect your braces while you’re playing.
1. Always Wear a Mouthguard
According to NewsMedical, there are currently more than 10 different kinds of braces to choose from when seeking orthodontic care, and each of these needs to be protected when you’re playing sports. If you have braces and participate in sports of any type, dentists recommend that a mouthguard always be worn. This will help to protect your teeth from impact from balls, other players, or injury. There’s no question about it—when you have braces, you should always wear a mouthguard. Choose an option that provides the protection you need, depending on the sport you’re playing. High-contact sports will require more complex guards than those that are less intense.
2. Take Proper Care of Your Mouthguard
Once you have selected the right guard for your sport and have committed to wearing it all the time, you’ll need to learn how to care for it properly. After every use, be sure to rinse your guard with soap and warm water. If there’s a concern about the guard being lost, choose an option with a strap that connects to helmets, or find one that comes with an easy-to-spot carrying case. Parents can also purchase an extra guard to ensure that there’s never a time when a mouthguard isn’t available.
3. Know When Injuries Require Immediate Medical Attention
If your child is playing sports while wearing braces, you’ll need to know when an injury requires immediate medical attention. Apply ice to the injured area. If your child is in a lot of pain, or if they have any bleeding that won’t stop, seek medical attention right away. If the bleeding stops and the pain is manageable, schedule an appointment as soon as possible. When it comes to mouth injuries in young people, it’s often best to err on the side of caution and seek immediate, emergency dental attention.
Dentists and orthodontists are here to help student-athletes protect their braces and overall oral health. If you’re looking for more guidance on how to stay safe while playing sports, give Four Corners Orthodontics & Dental a call. We’re here to help!