Braces and Sports: How to Protect Your Teeth While Staying Active

Braces and Sports: How to Protect Your Teeth While Staying Active

By Cosmodental, 25 May 2022
Braces and Sports: How to Protect Your Teeth While Staying Active


You're in the middle of a thrilling gully cricket match on a sunny Sunday afternoon. The bowler hurls a bouncer, and you misjudge it by a second. WHAM! The ball doesn't just knock the bat out of your hand—it comes flying straight for your face.

Now, picture the same scene, but with braces on. Scary, right?

Much like how a wicket-keeper wears protective gear to guard against unexpected blows, athletes with braces need similar safeguarding. After all, your smile-in-progress needs as much defense as your cricket pads!

At Cosmodental Clinic, we often see young athletes and active adults concerned about how their orthodontic treatment will impact their performance. And truth be told, with the right steps and precautions, you don't have to choose between straight teeth and sports. You can have both!

This guide is for every sports enthusiast undergoing braces treatment in Wanowrie—a comprehensive playbook to protect your teeth, braces, and confidence while staying in the game.

Can You Play Sports with Braces?

Absolutely, yes!

Braces don't prevent you from participating in your favorite activities. Many national and international athletes have competed (and won!) while wearing braces. From cricket and football to kabaddi and taekwondo, braces won't hold you back as long as you're taking precautions.

What matters is protecting your teeth, gums, and orthodontic appliances from trauma. Sports come with physical risks, and a direct impact on your mouth can lead to injuries like:

  • Cuts to the cheeks, lips, or tongue
  • Dislodged brackets or wires
  • Broken brackets
  • Tooth damage or fractures
  • Jaw injuries

But don't worry—these can easily be prevented with something as simple as a mouthguard.

The Mouthguard: Your Smile's Best Defense

Think of a mouthguard as a helmet, but for your teeth.

When you're wearing braces, your teeth are already under pressure to move into better alignment. Any force from outside—like a punch, a bouncer, or a fall—can cause much more damage than it would to someone without braces.

That's why a custom orthodontic mouthguard is a must-have if you play contact or high-risk sports.

Types of Mouthguards:

1. Stock Mouthguards- Pre-formed and ready to wear. Affordable, but may not fit well over braces.

2. Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards - Softened in hot water and shaped to fit your teeth. Better than stock, but still not ideal for braces.

3. Custom-Fit Mouthguards (Recommended)- Made by your dentist or orthodontist. These offer the best protection and comfort.

At Cosmodental Clinic, we offer specially molded mouthguards for individuals undergoing braces treatment, allowing you to play safely without compromising your orthodontic progress.

Which Sports Need Special Precautions?

1. Contact Sports

If your sport involves body contact, flying balls, elbows, or sticks, mouthguards are non-negotiable.

  • Boxing
  • Wrestling
  • Karate / Martial arts
  • Football / Rugby
  • Hockey
  • Kabaddi

2. Semi-Contact & Recreational Sports

Even in sports with less physical contact, accidental injuries can still occur.

  • Cricket
  • Basketball
  • Volleyball
  • Skating
  • Cycling
  • Gymnastics

Moral of the story? If there's even a chance of impact, wear a mouthguard. /p>

What Happens If You Get Hit While Wearing Braces?

Injuries during sports can happen even when you're careful. If you get hit in the mouth:

  • Stop Playing Immediately
    Don't "tough it out." Check for bleeding, swelling, or loose brackets.
  • Inspect Your Braces
    Look for:
    • Broken or bent wires
    • Loose brackets or bands
    • Cuts inside your mouth
  • Rinse Your Mouth
    Use cold water or an antiseptic rinse, if available, to soothe the wounds.
  • Apply Ice
    Reduces swelling and numbs pain.
  • Call Your Orthodontist or Dentist
    At Cosmodental Clinic, we accommodate urgent appointments for such cases. Whether it's a poking wire or a bracket knocked loose, we'll fix it fast so your treatment doesn't go off track.

How to Maintain Braces if You're an Athlete

Here's a checklist for sporty brace-wearers:

  • Always wear your mouthguard during practice and matches.
  • Carry orthodontic wax to smooth out wires that poke during play.
  • Avoid hard foods like chikki or energy bars, as they can damage your braces.
  • Keep a small first-aid kit in your sports bag (wax, mirror, rinse).
  • Use fluoride toothpaste and rinse to protect enamel.
  • Go for regular check-ups at your trusted dental clinic to monitor your braces and teeth health.

Are Clear Aligners a Better Option for Athletes?

If you're a non-contact sportsperson looking for a more flexible treatment option, clear aligners like Invisalign may be a good fit.

Advantages include:

  • No brackets or wires to damage
  • You can remove them during matches.
  • Easier to clean
  • Less risk of cuts from impact

That said, not all orthodontic issues can be treated with aligners alone. During your consultation, your dentist will evaluate your sports routine and dental needs to suggest the most suitable braces treatment for your lifestyle.

Parents, Here's What You Can Do

If your child is into sports and also wearing braces:

  • Consult with your orthodontist about a custom-fitted mouthguard for sports.
  • Ensure they store their mouthguard properly after use.
  • Teach them how to clean it daily, especially after a sweaty practice session.
  • If they're shy about wearing a guard, remind them: champions wear protection!
  • Schedule regular follow-ups to ensure the braces remain in good condition.

Myth Buster: "Braces Will Make Me Sit Out the Season"

Not true.

Whether you're a badminton champ or a budding football star, braces won't hold you back unless you let them. With the right gear, awareness, and a responsive dental team (hello from us at Cosmodental Clinic 👋), your journey to a straighter smile and a sports medal can go hand in hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I wear a regular mouthguard over braces?

Not recommended. Regular mouthguards aren't designed for the shape and pressure of braces. Go for a custom-fit guard specifically for brace wearers.

2. What if my braces break during a match?

Don't panic. Rinse your mouth, cover any sharp wires with orthodontic wax, and see your dentist as soon as possible. They will take care of it perfectly.

3. Is a sports mouthguard expensive?

The cost is far lower than treating dental trauma. At Cosmodental Clinic, we offer affordable custom guards and include advice for their care, so you can play your game like a pro!

4. How often should I replace my mouthguard?

Kids and teens should get new ones annually (as teeth and braces change). For adults, a guard may last longer, but regular checks are important.

5. Can clear aligners be worn during sports?

It depends. For non-contact sports, aligners can remain in place, but for contact sports, they should be removed and replaced with a mouthguard.

Protect Your Smile, Stay in the Game
Wearing braces doesn't mean giving up your passion for sports. It just means playing smart. With custom mouthguards, good habits, and a bit of preparation, you can run, dive, tackle, or swing without worry.

At Cosmodental Clinic, we specialize in braces treatment in Wanowrie that fits around your active lifestyle, not the other way around. Whether you're a student-athlete, a weekend cricketer, or a gym warrior, we'll help you stay in the game while working toward a winning smile.

Ready to elevate your smile and sports performance?

Still searching for the best dental clinic for braces treatment in Wanowrie? Come on, Cosmodental Clinic is the place for you! Let's make every smile and goal count!