Protecting your smile while playing sports is essential when you have braces. Mouthguards help protect your teeth and gums from injury. If you participate in basketball, boxing, hockey, football, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, racquetball, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, or wrestling, it is recommended by the American Association of Orthodontists that you wear a mouthguard.
Types of Mouthguards
Choosing the right mouthguard is essential. There are three basic types of mouthguards: the pre-made mouthguard, the "boil-and-bite" fitted mouthguard, and a custom-made mouthguard from your orthodontist. When you choose a mouthguard, be sure to pick one that is tear-resistant, comfortable and well fitted for your mouth, easy to keep clean, and does not prevent you from breathing properly.
Pre-made mouthguards and boil-and-bite mouthguards can be purchased at most sporting goods stores, while custom-made mouthguards are specially designed by your orthodontist to provide optimal protection against mouth injuries. If you wear braces or a retainer, it is imperative for you to wear a mouthguard during contact sports. Your doctor can show you how to wear a mouthguard properly and how to choose the right mouthguard to protect your smile.
Taking care of your mouthguard
Similar to a retainer, braces, or any other special dental appliance, it is important to take care of your mouthguard by storing it properly and keeping it clean, as well as knowing when to replace your old mouthguard with a new one. Here are a few simple ways to keep your mouthguard clean and working correctly:
- Gently scrub your mouthguard after each use with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
- Store your mouthguard in a protective case.
- Do not leave your mouthguard in the sun or in hot water, because it may melt or become deformed.
- Replace your mouthguard at the beginning of every new sports season. You should also replace your mouthguard if you notice it has become worn and no longer fits properly.
- Do not wear a retainer with your mouthguard. If you wear braces, your dentist will help design a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your braces.
- Do not chew on or cut pieces off of your mouthguard. Mouthguards come in different shapes and sizes; ask your dentist which is best for you.
- Bring your mouthguard to each dental checkup, so your dentist can check to make sure it's still in good shape!
Sports-related injuries to the mouth and jaw are some of the most common injuries incurred by athletes. Our goal is to help minimize your chances of a sports-related injury to your smile. Be sure to ask your doctor about mouthguards at your next appointment — GO TEAM!
Daniel S. Martin Orthodontics Reviews
Dr. Martin and his staff are the best!
Everything and everyone was perfect
We had a wonderful experience at Dr. Martin’s Office. My son KREW is starting Invisalign, and the entire process from the initial examination to discussing the treatment plan was easy to understand and very well explained. The staff was incredibly friendly, welcoming, and patient, making us feel comfortable every step of the way.We chose Invisalign because of my son’s busy basketball schedule. Since he plays year-round, we felt Invisalign was a safer option for the surrounding soft tissues in his mouth while playing sports. Unlike traditional braces, there is less risk of brackets and wires causing injuries to his lips and cheeks if he gets bumped during a game.Dr. Martin took the time to answer our questions and made sure we understood what to expect throughout treatment. The office is professional, organized, and truly cares about their patients. We are excited to begin my son’s Invisalign journey here and highly recommend Dr. Martin’s office to anyone looking for orthodontic care! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Attention to detail and friendly care are top tier. All three of our children have gone through orthodontic treatment with Dr. Martin, and we’ve been pleased with the results.
We had a great experience. Daughter 9 needed braces and has had lots of dental trauma. They were very kind and made her feel at ease. My only struggle is they are busy, so can be hard sometimes to get timings and days needed. However this also speaks to how good they are.
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