Many kids wear braces, and many kids play sports. Whether your child likes soccer, basketball, football, baseball, gymnastics, or another athletic activity, protecting their braces is just as important as wearing the right equipment. With a few simple precautions, young athletes can continue participating in the sports they love while keeping their orthodontic treatment on track.
Always Wear a Mouthguard
The most important piece of protective equipment for a child with braces is a mouthguard. A blow to the face can damage brackets and wires while also causing cuts to the lips, cheeks, and gums. A properly fitting mouthguard acts as a cushion, reducing the risk of injuries to both the braces and the mouth.
Your pediatric dentist or orthodontist can recommend a mouthguard that’s designed to fit comfortably over braces. Because teeth gradually move throughout orthodontic treatment, these mouthguards provide room for shifting teeth while still offering excellent protection.
Children should wear their mouthguard during practice as well as games, as injuries can happen during either.
Follow Good Oral Hygiene Habits
Busy sports schedules often mean eating on the go, but it’s still important to maintain excellent oral hygiene. Food can easily become trapped around brackets and wires, increasing the risk of cavities, gum inflammation, and staining.
Encourage your young athlete to brush after meals whenever possible and floss every day using orthodontic flossers or other tools recommended by their dental team. Keeping braces clean helps ensure a healthier smile once treatment is complete.
Be Careful with Sports Snacks
Many athletes reach for quick snacks before or after games, but some foods can damage braces. Hard candies, popcorn kernels, ice, chewy caramels, and sticky gummies can all bend wires or loosen brackets.
Instead, go with braces-friendly snacks: yogurt, bananas, applesauce, smoothies, cheese, soft sandwiches, or cut-up fruit. These nutritious options provide energy without putting unnecessary stress on orthodontic appliances.
Staying hydrated with water is also an excellent choice, helping wash away food particles and supporting good oral health.
Know What to Do If an Accident Happens
Even with the best precautions in place, accidents can occur. If a bracket becomes loose or a wire breaks during sports, don’t panic. If a wire is irritating the inside of your child’s mouth, orthodontic wax can provide temporary relief until they can be seen by their dentist or orthodontist.
If your child experiences significant pain, heavy bleeding, or a tooth injury, contact your pediatric dental office as soon as possible for guidance. Timely care can help prevent additional complications and keep orthodontic treatment moving forward.
Braces don’t have to keep your child on the sidelines. With a properly fitted mouthguard, good oral hygiene, smart food choices, and quick action if an injury occurs, young athletes can safely enjoy their favorite sports while protecting their smiles. Your pediatric dental team is always happy to recommend the best ways to keep braces and growing smiles safe throughout the season.
About the Practice
Whether your child is an athlete or not, if they could benefit from traditional braces, you’ve come to the right place. Dr. Bassell Dulli is a board-certified pediatric dentist with more than 20 years of experience, and Dr. Abdelrahman Salem is our in-house, board-certified orthodontist with more than 15 years’ experience creating beautiful smiles. Start by scheduling a consultation either online or by calling our Naperville office at (630) 717-5437.