This is a question that I am frequently being asked, particularly by parents who are concerned with their children and adolescents taking part in contact sports whilst undergoing teeth straightening (orthodontic) treatment. The short answer is yes, you can still enjoy your favourite sports whilst wearing braces to straighten your teeth. However, there are some guidelines that you do need to follow in order to protect your teeth and braces.
As it is National School Sports Week from the 24th to 28th June, we thought it would be the perfect opportunity for me to share some guidance.
What are the risks?
Do you know that 25% of children in the UK injure or lose a front tooth at some stage? Or that up to 39% of all dental injuries are sports related?
All contact sports present a potential threat to the teeth. This is because when opponents come into physical contact with one another can result to an impact such as a knock or fall that could lead to damage to the mouth area. When wearing fixed braces, this risk is greater and there is also an opportunity the braces can become damaged or cause harm to the teeth.
How to protect your teeth and braces whilst playing sports
The British Orthodontic Society (BOS) advises all individuals having fixed braces treatment to wear mouthguards over their braces when they play contact sports, such as rugby, football, basketball and hockey. In fact, many dentists and orthodontists are lobbying to have mouthguards wear to become mandatory for all school children and club players. Dental research and evidence based dentistry have shown that wearing a mouthguard during contact sports can significantly reduce the risk of dental injury.
Wearing a mouthguard over your braces can provide protection to your braces, teeth and mouth. The impact-absorbing materials of the mouthguard can minimize resistance to abrasion as well as being sufficiently durable to last the whole season. Ortho-guard and custom-made mouthguards are the most appropriate choice when wearing a fixed brace as the former can be remoulded to accommodate your moving teeth while the latter should fit precisely over your teeth.
It is important that your mouthguard fits comfortably over your teeth. It should also have adequate thickness and coverage of all the vulnerable areas. If it becomes damaged or uncomfortable to wear you should have it replaced.
Tips for looking after your mouthguard:
- Rinse in cold water or mouthwash before and after use
- Wash in cool soapy water and rinse every now and then
- Store in a firm, perforated container when not in use or in a sports bag
- Protect from high temperatures and store away from direct sunlight
What to do in an emergency
If you receive a knock or a blow whilst playing sports and believe that your teeth or braces may have become damaged, please contact us or your dentist immediately.
For more information on “wearing a mouthguard over your braces”, or “how to look after your braces” in general, please visit our braces care page or contact us on 020 7129 7878.
FAQs
Can I Play Sports with Braces? The short answer is yes; you can play sports and wear braces simultaneously. However, there is an increased risk of mouth injury with the possibility of getting hit in the face with a ball, colliding with other players, etc.
What activities can you not do with braces? ›
Things You Should Avoid While Wearing Braces
- Avoid chewy, sticky, or very hard foods. To avoid problems with your wires and brackets, avoid these types of foods: ...
- Don't bite down on ice or hard objects like pencils. ...
- Don't use your teeth as a tool. ...
- Protect yourself from getting hit in the mouth. ...
- Avoid grinding your teeth.
The short answer is yes, you can still enjoy your favourite sports whilst wearing braces to straighten your teeth. However, there are some guidelines that you do need to follow in order to protect your teeth and braces.
Can you play in the NFL with braces? ›
If you or your child are concerned about how braces will affect an athletic lifestyle, don't worry: you can play sports with braces.
Can we play with braces? ›
You can stay active, exercise and play sports while wearing braces. Ask your orthodontist if you should wear a mouth guard or lip protector. Depending on the sport, it may be a good idea to wear one of these protective devices – so the braces don't cut the inside of your mouth.
Can I play sports with braces? ›
Can I Play Sports with Braces? The short answer is yes; you can play sports and wear braces simultaneously. However, there is an increased risk of mouth injury with the possibility of getting hit in the face with a ball, colliding with other players, etc.
How much do braces hurt on a scale of 1 to 10? ›
Getting braces is a breeze, ranking at a mere 1 on the pain scale for 80% of people. Embarking on your first orthodontic treatment journey doesn't have to be painful, although some procedures are more uncomfortable than others.
Is it OK to wrestle with braces? ›
While brace wearers can participate in most any sport, there are a few exceptions, such as boxing and wrestling, they should not partake in since the risk of getting hit in the mouth is so high. A hard hit can cause damage not just to your teeth and gums, but also to the inside of your cheek and tongue.
Is it OK to wear a brace all day? ›
Wearing a brace too long can be counterproductive. If a brace is worn too long, that can cause muscle weakening (atrophy) and de-conditioning of the surrounding ligaments, joints, and muscles; especially if daily exercises to strengthen the area are not done.
Can I run with braces? ›
Low impact activities which have minimal contact are far safer and can be enjoyed throughout your orthodontic treatment. Swimming, running, and dance are all great examples of sports which are entirely safe for people with braces. Basically, anything without a ball involved will be very low risk.
For sports that require a lot of lateral movements and quick direction changes, like basketball or soccer, wearing ankle braces is more common. These braces can help with sudden shifts in weight and direction, reducing the risk of rolling or twisting an ankle.
Can you play in goal with braces? ›
Damage to your braces caused by a collision with another player, hockey stick, or goal post, can be painful and costly. You may not be able to prevent an accident, but you can reduce the risk to your braces and teeth by ensuring you wear adequate mouth protection.
Is braces not allowed in NBA? ›
A guard, cast or brace made of hard and unyielding substance such as, but not limited to, leather, plaster, plastic, or metal shall not be worn on the elbow, hand, finger, wrist or forearm, even though covered with soft padding. b. Hard and unyielding items (guards, casts, braces, etc.)
What are you not allowed to have when you have braces? ›
Generally, avoid all foods that are sticky, hard, or chewy. Soft foods are most recommended for those who wear braces because they are gentler on braces hardware.
What are the do's and don'ts with braces? ›
The Do's and Don'ts in Brace Care
You should eat a balanced diet and avoid sticky foods such as caramel, taffy, hard candy, nuts, popcorns, Fritos, pretzels, and jelly beans. You should also avoid sugary foods and drinks because they can lead to tooth decay.
Can I do physical activity with braces? ›
Don't Give Up Playing Sports Because of Braces!
There is no reason to avoid physical activities because of braces. We are happy to talk with you about any of your questions or concerns about playing sports at your initial orthodontic consultation or during one of your regularly scheduled appointments.
