We don’t mean to be the bearer of bad news, but if the stocked shelves at Target didn’t let you know, the new school year is around the corner with sports activities that start in August. Whether your child is a seasoned athlete or this is their first go around with sports, we want to give you all the information you will need regarding sports mouthguards.

Wearing a mouthguard is the best way to protect teeth when playing a sport, hands down. They are an easy and efficient way to prevent teeth from experiencing any damage while playing a sport, especially high-contact sports like football, hockey, and lacrosse.

One of the most common questions we are asked is if student-athletes can have braces and play their favorite sports uninterrupted. Many parents and kids are worried they will have to sit out of sports while in their braces, but that couldn’t be further from the truth! Children and teens can absolutely continue playing any sport they like while wearing braces! However, it is still very easy to cause harm to your teeth and braces, so you’ll want your child to take some precautions and have some extra care for their braces while playing certain sports. By wearing a mouthguard for those high contact sports.

There are many types of mouthguards. Some mouthguards are made of thermoplastic, which is heated and then molded to your teeth. These are also referred to as the ever popular “Boil and Bite” mouthguards. These types of mouth guards are not recommended for those with braces as they will get stuck in orthodontic appliances and are not fun to remove! For those people who wear braces and play high contact sports, or would like extra protection, the best type of mouthguard is one designed to comfortably fit around their braces or orthodontic appliances. These can be made of different materials, but should all cushion your lips from bumping against your teeth and braces. Your orthodontist may also recommend a custom mouthguard depending upon the specific situation. Orthodontic mouthguards are typically a bit bigger than regular mouthguards, but they are equally as comfortable to wear.

If your mouth takes a significant hit, your best response is to reach out to your general dentist or other dental specialists such as an orthodontist (if you have braces) or an oral surgeon. Once they know your personal situation, they can determine if you need an emergency appointment or not. We can’t stress enough that the best way to defend your teeth while playing contact sports is by wearing a mouthguard. Without one, even a minor hit could lead to bleeding gums or fractured and loose teeth.

At CHT Orthodontics, we want to empower your children to continue their active lifestyle and protect their teeth while they play their favorite sports. If your child is concerned about wearing braces while playing a sport, or just wearing braces in general, feel free to contact us, and we’ll be happy to answer any of your questions clearly and compassionately. We can reassure them that they can have the best of both worlds: straight teeth and sports throughout the school year!

As always, consultations at CHT Orthodontics are completely complimentary. Visit our website at www.chtortho.com or call (630) 323 – 1201 to set up your appointment today.