Mouthguards

Playing Sports with Braces

You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it's recommended that you wear a mouthguard in order to protect your teeth and your appliances.

According to the American Dental Association and the National Sports Foundation for the Prevention of Sports Injuries, athletes playing contact sports are 60% more likely to suffer dentofacial injuries when not wearing mouthguards, and will be among the 15 million cases reported each year in the United States. Medical and Dental experts agree that mouthguards absorb and redistrubute the force of the blow; thereby, lessening the severity of the impact associated with concussions.

An athletic mouthguard is a simple, inexpensive way to protect your child's teeth and gums against injury... and the braces against damage. Your athlete's most important piece of athletic equipment may be a mouthguard. We will be happy to advise you and supply the right mouthguard for the best protection.

In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and your appliances for any damage that may have occurred. If you notice any loose teeth, or if your appliances have been damaged, please contact our office immediately through our 24 hour answering service. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort with wax or by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water.