{"id":133,"date":"2023-01-18T16:29:29","date_gmt":"2023-01-18T16:29:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthohopkinton.com\/blog\/?p=133"},"modified":"2023-01-18T16:29:31","modified_gmt":"2023-01-18T16:29:31","slug":"tips-for-protecting-braces-while-playing-sports","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthohopkinton.com\/blog\/tips-for-protecting-braces-while-playing-sports\/","title":{"rendered":"How Your Teen Can Protect Their Braces During Sports"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"Teen<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Is your teen a part of their school\u2019s football, basketball, or track team? Do they participate in a sport in their free time, like gymnastics, dance, or soccer? Don\u2019t worry \u2013 the start of their time with braces<\/a> doesn\u2019t mean the end of their days playing sports. Of course, you will have to take a few additional measures to help protect their braces (and their teeth!) from damage. To learn how to avoid broken braces while playing sports, keep reading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

First, Wearing a Mouthguard Is a Must!<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Knocked-out teeth are one of the most common sports-related injuries. In fact, roughly five million teeth are avulsed each year! With braces, your teen is vulnerable to other complications as well, such as a broken bracket or soft tissue injury. That\u2019s why it\u2019s crucial that they wear a mouthguard both at practices and at games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why a Custom-Made Mouthguard Is Better Than Store-Bought Ones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Store-bought mouthguards may be convenient and cheap. Unfortunately, they aren\u2019t the most effective and, in some cases, they can be a choking hazard. For these reasons, the best course of action is to get your teen a custom-made one from their orthodontist. This will ensure that it fits over their teeth and braces snugly, and that it provides the necessary amount of protection based on the sport they participate in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to Make Wearing a Mouthguard Fun<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The habit of actually wearing the mouthguard may take some time to develop. To encourage this best practice, there are a few things you can do:<\/p>\n\n\n\n