Braces are a significant investment in one’s dental health, promising a straighter smile and improved oral functionality. However, for athletes, braces can present unique challenges, particularly in contact sports where mouth injuries are more common. Ensuring the protection of both the braces and the mouth during sports activities is crucial.
Here are some essential tips for athletes to safeguard their mouth while wearing braces.
1. Invest in a Quality Mouthguard
One of the most important preventive steps for athletes with braces is to wear a properly fitting mouthguard. Mouthguards provide a cushion that helps to absorb the impact, reducing the risk of cuts and injuries to the soft tissues of the mouth. There are different types of mouthguards available:
– Stock Mouthguards: These are pre-formed and come ready to wear. However, they often don’t fit well and can be uncomfortable, making them less ideal for athletes with braces.
– Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: These offer a better fit than stock mouthguards. The guard is softened in boiling water, then placed in the mouth when it is not so hot, and shaped around the teeth using finger and tongue pressure.
– Custom-Fit Mouthguards: Made by a dentist, these provide the best protection and comfort. They are molded specifically to fit the athlete’s teeth and braces, ensuring maximum protection.
2. Maintain Proper Oral Hygiene
Braces make oral hygiene more challenging but also more critical, especially for athletes. The increased risk of cuts and abrasions can lead to infections if proper care is not taken. Athletes could also consider incorporating teeth whitening into their oral care routine to maintain a bright and healthy smile.
– Brush and Floss Regularly: Brush after every meal and floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque buildup around the braces.
– Use an Antibacterial Mouthwash: This helps in reducing the risk of infections and maintaining overall oral health.
– Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps in washing away food particles and bacteria, keeping the mouth clean.
3. Choose the Right Foods
Diet plays a crucial role in protecting braces and the mouth. Athletes should avoid foods that can damage their braces or get stuck in them. These include:
– Sticky and Chewy Foods: Such as gum, caramel, and gummy candies.
– Hard Foods: Nuts, hard candies, and ice cubes can break brackets and wires.
– Crunchy Foods: Such as popcorn and hard bread, which can get lodged in the braces.
Instead, athletes should opt for softer and braces-friendly foods that are less likely to cause damage, such as papaya, bananas, and cooked vegetables.
4. Be Cautious with Sports Drinks
Sports drinks are popular among athletes for quick hydration and energy. However, these drinks are often high in sugar and acids, which can lead to tooth decay and enamel erosion, especially around the brackets of braces. It’s better to:
– Limit Consumption: Use sports drinks sparingly and primarily rely on water for hydration.
– Rinse with Water: After consuming a sports drink, rinse the mouth with water to help neutralise acids and wash away the sugars.
5. Regular Dental Check-Ups
Regular visits to the orthodontist are essential for monitoring the progress of the braces and ensuring everything is in order. For athletes, these visits are an opportunity to:
– Check for Damage: Ensure that the braces are intact and there are no issues caused by sports activities.
– Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments to the braces to maintain their effectiveness and comfort.
– Receive Professional Advice: Get tailored advice on protecting the braces and the mouth during sports.
6. Immediate Action in Case of Injury
Despite all precautions, injuries can still occur. Knowing what to do in such situations can prevent further damage and complications:
– Inspect for Damage: Check the braces and mouth immediately after an impact for any signs of damage or injury. Do not swallow any brackets or foreign matter.
– Address Soft Tissue Injuries: Clean cuts or abrasions with antiseptic mouth rinse and apply a sterile gauze to stop any bleeding.
– Contact the Orthodontist: If there is any damage to the braces or severe injury to the mouth, contact the orthodontist promptly for professional assistance.
7. Consider Orthodontic Wax
Orthodontic wax can be a lifesaver for athletes with braces. This wax helps to cover the brackets and wires, reducing irritation and the risk of cuts. Before participating in sports, athletes can:
– Apply Wax: Cover the brackets and any protruding wires with orthodontic wax to create a smooth surface.
– Remove After Activity: After sports, remove the wax, brush the teeth, and reapply fresh wax if needed.
8. Wear a Helmet
For athletes involved in high-impact sports, wearing a helmet is an additional layer of protection. A helmet can:
– Reduce Impact: Absorb and deflect blows to the face and head, protecting the braces and mouth.
– Prevent Concussions: Provide overall protection for the head, reducing the risk of serious injuries.
Conclusion
Braces require extra care and consideration for athletes, but with the right precautions, you can protect your mouth and maintain your orthodontic treatment effectively. Investing in a quality mouthguard, maintaining proper oral hygiene, choosing the right foods, and taking immediate action in case of injury are all crucial steps recommended by the experts.
Regular dental check-ups and using orthodontic wax further ensure that your braces remain in good condition, allowing you to focus on your sport without compromising your oral health. By following these tips, athletes can achieve the best possible outcome from their orthodontic treatment while staying safe and protected on the field.
At BigSmile Dental Clinic, we offer personalised care and advice on orthodontic treatment and dental whitening in Singapore, ensuring your smile is both healthy and vibrant.