Game on! Just because your child is rocking braces doesn’t mean they have to sit out of the season. At Palmetto Kids General Dentistry and Orthodontics, we believe that active kids should feel confident on the field and about their smile. Whether they’re sprinting across a soccer field, diving for a volleyball, or flipping through gymnastics, there are safe ways to stay in the game while protecting their orthodontic treatment, and your investment in their beautiful smile.
Here’s everything you need to know to keep your child’s smile safe, secure, and shining during sports season.
Need to schedule your next orthodontics or cleaning appointment?
Give us a call 843.284.6497.
Can You Play Sports with Braces?
Yes! And they should! Braces shouldn’t stop kids or teens from doing the things they love. In fact, many professional athletes have gone through orthodontic treatment in their youth.
With some smart habits, your child can play confidently and safely in just about any sport. The key is taking the right precautions to prevent injury because the truth is, there is a higher chance of cuts and bruises while wearing braces.
With some smart habits, your child can play confidently and safely in just about any sport. The key is taking the right precautions to prevent injury because the truth is, there is a higher chance of cuts and bruises while wearing braces.
Why Are Braces More Vulnerable During Sports?
While braces are hard at work moving teeth into place, the added hardware inside the mouth – brackets, wires, and bands – do take up extra space making the mouth more susceptible to injury during sports, especially in contact activities. A bump, fall, or accidental elbow during a game can lead to more than just a bruised ego.
The metal of traditional braces sit along the surface of the teeth and against the soft tissues of the lips and cheeks, so even minor impacts can cause cuts, scrapes, or irritation. In more serious cases, a hit to the mouth might result in a bent wire or a broken bracket, which can delay treatment and require an urgent visit to the orthodontist. Beyond that, a strong impact can potentially damage the teeth and gums.
Additionally, teeth themselves are more sensitive and susceptible to moving during orthodontic treatment because they are already in the process of being repositioned.
How Do I Protect My Braces While Playing Sports?
Time for some good news! All of these risks can be dramatically reduced with one simple but powerful piece of protective equipment: a well-fitted mouthguard. It acts as a cushion, shielding both the braces and the soft tissues from harm, so kids can stay active and confident while their smile continues to shine.
At Palmetto Kids Dentistry, we recommend and offer custom orthodontic mouthguards because they’re specially designed to:
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Fit comfortably over braces
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Stay in place during movement
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Specifically fit to your child’s teeth
Why Store-Bought Isn’t Enough
Generic or “boil-and-bite” mouthguards often don’t fit well over braces and can become uncomfortable, especially as the teeth move. They may even damage orthodontic appliances if they press too tightly.
We offer custom-fit mouthguards at our office, made just for kids and teens undergoing treatment. Ask us during your next visit!
What Happens if You Get Hit in the Mouth with Braces?
Accidents happen. If your child takes a hit to the face while wearing braces:
- Stay calm and rinse the mouth with warm water.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Check for any bleeding or signs of damage (loose brackets, wires poking out).
- Call us right away to assess the damage and get it fixed quickly.
After-Hours Emergency?
If it’s a serious injury (broken tooth, excessive bleeding), go directly to the ER. Otherwise, call our emergency line at 843.284.6497 and leave a message. Dr. Kimberly will return your call with next steps.
Are Mouthguards Required for Youth Sports?
Yes, in many cases. Sports like football, basketball, wrestling, hockey, and even skateboarding or gymnastics carry a high risk of mouth injury. Many leagues require mouthguards for safety reasons.
Even if your child’s sport doesn’t require one, we highly recommend it. Injuries can happen anytime and the cost of repairing damaged braces (or teeth!) is far higher than investing in prevention.
How to Care for a Mouthguard with Braces
Keeping your mouthguard clean is just as important as wearing it. Here’s how:
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Rinse it after every use with cold water.
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Clean it weekly with a mild soap or a dental cleaning tablet.
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Store it in a breathable container — avoid hot cars or gym bags where it can warp.
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Replace it if it starts to feel uncomfortable, shows signs of wear, or no longer fits snugly.
Tips for Parents: Keeping Smiles Safe
When it comes to protecting your child’s smile during sports season, a little preparation can go a long way, and parents play a huge role in building healthy habits. One of the easiest ways to help is by making sure your child never heads to practice or a game without their mouthguard. Just like packing their water bottle or tying their cleats, wearing a mouthguard should become part of the routine.
It’s also a great idea to keep a backup mouthguard in their sports bag or backpack. Kids are busy, bags get shuffled, and gear can get left behind. Having a spare on hand means they won’t have to sit out or risk playing unprotected.
Just as important as the gear itself is the “why” behind it. Take a few minutes (perhaps on more than one occasion) to explain to your child that wearing a mouthguard isn’t just about protecting braces, it’s about protecting their smile for the long haul. Understanding the reason behind the rule helps kids take ownership of their health and safety.
And if your child is a little hesitant about wearing a mouthguard, try adding a bit of fun and personalization. Let them choose a bold color or decorate their storage case with stickers. When kids feel like something is theirs, they’re more likely to actually use it.
Keep That Smile Game-Ready!
Whether it’s your child’s first sports season with braces or they’ve been on the team for years, our team is here to help make sure their treatment stays on track, no matter how fast they’re running or how high they’re jumping.
If your child plays sports and wears braces, don’t wait for an injury to happen. Let’s keep that smile protected and treatment on schedule. At Palmetto Kids General Dentistry and Orthodontics, we’re happy to provide custom mouthguards, fast support in emergencies, and guidance at every step.
