Did you know that roughly five million teeth are knocked out each year? Since many smile-related injuries like this are the result of participation in sports, you may naturally wonder if the beginning of your child’s orthodontic treatment means the end of their time on the field, rink, or court. Don’t worry – that’s not the case. It is important, however, to be aware of how to protect your child’s teeth and their braces in the meantime. So, keep reading!
Here’s What You Need to Know About Traditional Braces and Sports
Since traditional braces have metal brackets and wires that can easily irritate your child’s gums and soft tissue, it’s of the utmost importance that they wear a mouthguard during practice and games. While there are standard ones available at your local sporting goods store, it’s better to opt for a custom-made one from their orthodontist. That way, the appliance fits comfortably over their teeth and their braces, protecting their mouth from harm.
Here’s What You Need to Know About Invisalign and Sports
With Invisalign, wearing a mouthguard is also crucial. After all, the aligners aren’t thick enough to protect your child’s teeth from significant impact. Since they’ll need to remove their aligners beforehand, there is an increased risk of misplacing them, which is why it’s helpful to keep a designated storage case in their bag. It’s also crucial that they remove their trays before drinking anything other than water, including sports drinks.
Here’s What to Do If Your Child Sustains a Dental Injury
If your child knocks out a tooth, bites down on their tongue hard, or sustains another dental injury, the first step is always to assess the damage. If the bleeding is uncontrollable, your child is having difficulty breathing, or they have fractured their jaw, then call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. If the dental injury is more “straightforward,” like a loose tooth, then call their dentist right away.
The good news is that the start of orthodontic treatment won’t mean the end of your child playing sports. It’s just important to take a few extra measures to ensure their teeth (and their braces!) don’t get damaged in the process!
About the Practice
With a pediatric dentist and orthodontist in-house, Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is here to help your child’s growing smile thrive. From routine checkups and smile-transforming braces to emergency dentistry, you can rely on our skilled, talented, and compassionate team for it all. If you want to learn more about how to protect your child’s teeth during sporting events or you’d like to schedule an appointment to find out if they’re a candidate for braces, then don’t hesitate to visit our website or call (978) 612-6222.