One in four parents says their child has had an injury during an organized sport resulting in a trip to the emergency room. (According to the American Association of Orthodontists – AAO.) That is why we thought February – also known as National Children’s Dental Health Month – would be great time to send this message to our patients: Be mindful of your braces and teeth while playing sports.
Just because braces can make your mouth vulnerable to injury does not mean that if you are wearing braces you cannot participate in certain activities and sports. As long as you properly care for your mouth by wearing a mouth guard when playing sports, you will reduce this chance of damage
For some contact sports, eg football or boxing, mouth guards are mandatory, not only protecting your teeth, but also by helping to prevent concussions. While low-contact sports may not pose the same danger, they still can cause dental or orthodontic injury. Some of the mouth-related injuries that can occur include broken or chipped teeth, fractured tooth roots, and damage to dental/orthodontic appliances.
If your mouth comes into contact with a ball, racket, or some other sporting equipment, the risk of damaging your teeth is just as high as if you were to fall on cement. If you’re wearing braces, this could cause damage that requires expensive repair. Here are a few tips to stay safe on the field this spring, courtesy of the AAO:
Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse. The American Dental Association (ADA) says that you’re twice as likely to incur damage to your teeth if you don’t wear a mouth guard than if you do.
Wear a helmet
Wear protective eyewear.
Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin.
Be alert, even as a spectator.
Just like with other orthodontic/dental appliances, it’s important to take good care of your mouth guard. Bacteria and fungi can grow in your mouth guard so you should thoroughly clean it with a toothbrush and toothpaste or with an anti-microbial solution, to avoid any problems.
Using a mouth guard will ensure that your teeth and orthodontic devices remain safe when participating in sporting activities. Speak to your Roos Orthodontics Treatment Manager at your next appointment, about the right mouth guard for you.
We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. Stay safe and have fun!