As spring approaches, sports practices kick into high gear—and if your child wears braces, you may be wondering how to keep their orthodontic treatment on track while protecting their smile. Between fast-paced games, rough contact, and packed schedules, active kids need extra care when it comes to dental health.
The good news? With a few simple steps, your child can stay safe on the field and continue making progress with their orthodontic treatment.
Orthodontic Care & Athletics Need to Work Together
Orthodontics is all about guiding teeth into better alignment, but that progress can be easily disrupted by sports-related injuries. A stray elbow or a fall on the field could damage brackets, bend wires, or worse—cause injury to the lips, cheeks, or gums.
While kids might bounce back quickly from a scraped knee, dental injuries can delay treatment and require emergency care.
Spring sports like baseball, soccer, lacrosse, and track come with a lot of movement—and often, a lot of contact. Even non-contact sports can lead to unexpected bumps or falls. That’s why it’s so important to be proactive.
At Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we want every child to enjoy their sport and their smile at the same time. With the right gear and a little awareness, both are totally possible.
Mouthguards: The Key for Active Kids in Braces
A properly fitted mouthguard is the single most important tool for protecting your child’s teeth and orthodontic appliances during sports. Unlike generic guards you can buy at a sporting goods store, an orthodontic mouthguard is designed specifically to fit over braces, leaving room for brackets and wires while still absorbing impact.
These specialized guards cushion the teeth and soft tissues, helping prevent cuts inside the mouth and damage to orthodontic hardware. They’re also made of softer material than standard guards, which reduces pressure against the brackets.
Our team can help recommend or provide the right type of mouthguard for your child’s needs, whether they’re starting a new season or already deep into competition.
Signs Your Child May Need a New Mouthguard
Mouthguards don’t last forever—especially with growing mouths and ongoing orthodontic adjustments. It’s important to check your child’s mouthguard regularly for wear and tear, improper fit, or irritation.
If it’s tight, uncomfortable, or causing pressure on brackets, it may be time for a replacement. Bring it to your child’s next orthodontic visit and ask your provider to check the fit. Keeping the mouthguard updated ensures it continues doing its job: protecting your child’s mouth and preserving their progress.
Managing Orthodontic Discomfort During Game Time
It’s not uncommon for kids in braces to experience a little soreness after adjustments, and that can feel more noticeable when they’re active. If your child is gearing up for a tournament or multi-day event, timing their orthodontic appointments around key competitions can help.
If they’ve just had a tightening and their teeth feel sensitive, encourage softer snacks during practice and consider having them wear their mouthguard during non-contact drills to minimize irritation.
Orthodontic wax can also be helpful to smooth over any brackets or wires that are rubbing during movement—especially if your child is wearing a helmet or protective face gear.
Orthodontic First Aid Tips
Accidents happen, even with the best precautions. If your child breaks a bracket, loosens a wire, or injures their mouth during a game, here’s what to do:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp edges.
- If a wire pops out and is poking, try gently tucking it in with a clean pencil eraser or cuticle stick.
- Avoid pulling or cutting wires at home unless instructed by your orthodontist.
- Call your dental office to schedule a repair as soon as possible.
We offer emergency appointments when needed, and our team is always happy to guide you through a situation if you’re unsure what to do.
What Sports Are Braces-Friendly? (And Which Ones Aren’t)
While we believe every child can safely participate in most activities with the right precautions, some sports are naturally lower risk than others. Track, swimming, and tennis, for example, generally have minimal contact. On the other hand, basketball, football, and wrestling can involve more intense physical contact and carry higher risk for dental injuries.
That doesn’t mean kids need to sit out—they just need to be prepared. As long as your child is wearing a proper orthodontic mouthguard and following good hygiene habits, they can play just about anything with confidence.
Don’t Skip Appointments—Even During the Busy Season
With sports schedules packed, it can be tempting to postpone orthodontic check-ins. But regular visits are essential to monitor progress, make adjustments, and catch potential issues early—especially when your child is active and more prone to wear and tear on their appliances.
If your family’s calendar is looking hectic, let our team know. We’ll work with you to find appointment times that fit your schedule, including during school breaks or early morning hours at select locations.
Your Child’s Smile Is Worth Protecting
Braces are an investment in your child’s future smile—and spring sports shouldn’t put that at risk. With the right equipment, a few smart habits, and regular dental care, your child can stay safe on the field and on track with their orthodontic treatment.
If you have questions about sports and orthodontics, we’re here to help. Whether your child needs a new mouthguard, is due for a check-up, or just started treatment, our team is ready to support you every step of the season.
Book Your Spring Appointment Today
Don’t wait until something breaks—schedule your child’s next orthodontic visit now. We’ll make sure everything is fitting properly, provide recommendations for a sports-friendly mouthguard, and answer any questions about treatment during a busy sports season.
Book an appointment today at Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry and experience a stress-free, comfortable approach to dental care. Your healthiest, most confident smile starts here.
Schedule your appointment at Smith Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, with convenient locations in Sneads Ferry, Jacksonville, Hampstead, Surf City, Wilmington, Goldsboro, and New Bern, NC.
Keep your smile beautiful and healthy, and enjo