Braces don’t hold you back from doing the sports or physical activities you love! Fortunately, braces will not keep you from any sport or physical activity. However, braces are an investment in getting your best smile, so you have to take a little extra special care of your teeth while in treatment. To be sure you’re doing everything you can to protect your mouth during athletic activities, be sure to read on for some advice from Dr. Laurie McNamara McClatchey and Dr. James A. McNamara at McNamara Orthodontics.
Play Safe, Play All Season
In general, it is not uncommon for an athlete to experience injuries to the mouth and jaw area. Anyone ever taken a soccer ball to the face? A fixed orthodontic appliance, such as braces, does increase your risk of oral injuries. Common oral injuries include: lacerations to the cheeks, lips, and tongue, chipped or broken teeth, TMJ, and root fractures. Have no fear, you can easily protect your teeth, mouth, and braces while playing sports by investing in a mouthguard. While it is suggested that braces patients invest in an orthodontic model, a basic mouthguard will provide more protection than nothing at all.