Spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and a full calendar of sports and outdoor activities. For teens and athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment, this season can present new challenges when it comes to protecting both their smile and their braces. Whether your child plays soccer, softball, or lacrosse—or just loves joining in a neighborhood game—caring for braces during sports is essential to avoid accidents, injuries, and damage to their orthodontic appliances.
At Orthodontics of Carson, we know that orthodontic care doesn’t pause when the whistle blows. This blog will cover everything athletes need to know about protecting their braces during spring sports, including the importance of mouthguards, smart snack choices, and how to handle emergencies if something goes wrong.
Why Sports Can Be Risky for Braces
Playing sports is a great way for teens to stay active, build confidence, and have fun with friends—but contact sports and even recreational games come with risks to orthodontic appliances. A collision, fall, or stray ball could:
- Bend or break wires.
- Dislodge brackets.
- Cut or injure lips, cheeks, or gums.
- Cause teeth to shift if braces are damaged.
Even non-contact sports like tennis, gymnastics, or skateboarding can pose risks, especially if falls or accidental contact are involved. That’s why protective gear and smart habits are crucial for orthodontic athletes.
Your #1 Defense: Orthodontic Mouthguards
The single most important tool for protecting braces during sports is a mouthguard specifically designed for orthodontic patients. These aren’t the same as standard boil-and-bite mouthguards—they are made to fit comfortably over braces while providing extra cushioning to prevent cuts and absorb impacts.
What Makes Orthodontic Mouthguards Different?
- Room for Brackets and Wires: Orthodontic mouthguards are slightly larger to accommodate braces and allow teeth to shift during treatment.
- Soft and Flexible: They cushion the inside of the lips and cheeks, preventing braces from cutting soft tissues during impact.
- Remoldable Fit: As teeth move, orthodontic mouthguards can often be reshaped to match changing alignments.
Sports That Require Mouthguards
If your child participates in any of these spring sports, a mouthguard is a must:
- Soccer
- Baseball/Softball
- Basketball
- Wrestling
- Track & Field (especially if hurdles or pole vaulting are involved)
- Skateboarding and biking
Even if the sport isn’t classified as “contact,” accidents can happen, and a well-fitted mouthguard is the best protection for your teen’s smile.
Preparing for Game Day: Braces-Friendly Snacks and Hydration
Packing braces-friendly snacks is another way to protect orthodontic appliances during sports. Crunchy, sticky, or hard foods could break brackets or wires, especially when eaten quickly between games.
Best Snack Options for Athletes with Braces
- Soft cheese cubes
- Bananas or applesauce
- String cheese
- Yogurt pouches
- Soft granola bars
- Nut butter sandwiches on soft bread
Stay Hydrated
Water is always the best beverage choice for athletes with braces. Sports drinks can be acidic and high in sugar, which can erode enamel and increase plaque buildup around brackets. If your teen does drink a sports drink, encourage them to rinse with water afterward.
Post-Game Care: Clean After Every Game
Sports can leave players hot, sweaty, and hungry—but before they rush off to snack, remind your child to clean their braces and teeth. A quick rinse with water helps, but a portable orthodontic care kit is even better.
What to Pack in a Sports Orthodontic Kit
- Orthodontic toothbrush (compact or travel-size)
- Fluoride toothpaste
- Interdental brushes (for cleaning around brackets and wires)
- Orthodontic wax (in case of irritation)
- A small mirror for quick checks
- A spare mouthguard in case one gets lost or damaged
Handling Braces Emergencies After a Game
Even with the best precautions, accidents can happen. If your teen takes a hit to the mouth and their braces are damaged, follow these steps:
- Check for injuries: If there’s bleeding, rinse the mouth with warm salt water and apply a clean gauze pad to the area.
- Examine the braces: Look for bent wires, loose brackets, or anything poking into the cheeks or gums.
- Use orthodontic wax: Apply wax to any sharp edges to prevent further irritation.
- Call Orthodontics of Carson: We’ll schedule an emergency appointment if needed to repair the braces and keep treatment on track.
Pro Tip: Even if braces look fine after an accident, it’s still a good idea to schedule a checkup. A small shift could affect your teen’s treatment plan, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
What About Aligners and Spring Sports?
If your teen wears clear aligners instead of braces, a mouthguard is still important. However, aligners should be removed before playing sports, especially contact sports. Aligners aren’t designed to absorb impact the way braces are, and they could crack under pressure.
Pro Tip: Always store aligners in a sturdy case during practices and games to avoid losing or damaging them.
Why Orthodontic Safety Matters
Beyond protecting braces, mouthguards and proper care protect your child’s smile for life. Dental injuries can be painful and costly, sometimes requiring extensive treatments like root canals, crowns, or even tooth replacements. By encouraging your child to protect their smile now, you’re helping them safeguard their oral health well into adulthood.
Orthodontic Care for Spring Athletes in Carson
Spring sports season is a great time for teens to build confidence, stay active, and develop lifelong healthy habits—including protecting their orthodontic investment. With the right tools, snacks, and protective gear, your child can play with confidence, knowing their smile is safe.
At Orthodontics of Carson, we’re here to help every step of the way, from recommending the best mouthguard to providing fast emergency care if needed. If your child plays sports this spring, schedule an appointment today so we can ensure they’re equipped to keep their smile healthy, on and off the field. Let’s work together to make this spring sports season a safe and successful one for your teen’s smile!
