Fall Sports and Mouthguards

Fall Sports and Mouthguards

Students are nearly back in school, which means fall sports will begin soon. Did you know that mouth and jaw injuries in sports are among the most common among athletes? Because of the increased risk of oral injuries, including mouth lacerations, it is critical to protect your smile while participating in sports if you are hit by a ball or another player while wearing braces.

There is always the risk of injury when participating in sports such as basketball, football, hockey, skateboarding, soccer, martial arts, wrestling, boxing, and even track and field.

Even non-contact sports or recreational activities can increase the risk of laceration injury when braces are worn. As a result, Smith + Pisklak Orthodontics recommends that all patients who play sports wear mouthguards.

What is a mouthguard, exactly?

A mouthguard is a flexible, shock-absorbing appliance that fits over all of the top teeth to protect the teeth and lower jaw from breaking and to keep you from biting your lips, tongue, or cheeks accidentally. A strong blow to the face could result in mouth and joint injuries.

While wearing braces, you can participate in any sport, but your risk of laceration injury increases. There are many different kinds of mouthguards available, but only a few are recommended for people who wear braces. The primary distinction is that an orthodontic mouthguard must fit snugly, be removable or adjustable, and be able to fit over braces.

Injury Prevention

Reduce your chances of getting a mouth injury while playing sports. Inquire about mouthguards at your next appointment.