The thrill of sports can be a pulse-pounding rush. From a competitive game to the camaraderie of team activities, sports involvement is a cherished pastime for many. Yet, this joy can come with added challenges for individuals undergoing orthodontic treatment.
In sports-mad Sydney, where the love for the game is as strong as anywhere, understanding how to balance your passion for playing sports with braces is crucial for dental health and orthodontic treatment effectiveness.
In this article, read more about braces and playing sports in Sydney, Australia.
Understanding Sports and Dental Injuries
Many dental injuries occur during sports activities, with contact sports often being the main contributors. Even low-impact sports can pose a risk of sudden falls, collisions, or stray equipment. Brace wearers, in particular, must be mindful of how these incidents affect their treatment and potential recovery.
Prevalence of Mouth Injuries in Different Sports
Mouthguards aren’t just a recommendation; they’re a necessity. The Australian Dental Association has stressed this, particularly for sports like rugby, AFL, and even basketball, where the risk of dental injury is high. These injuries can range from chipped or cracked teeth to more serious issues like tooth dislodgements or fractures of the jawbone.
Common Types of Dental Injuries
Recognising the inherent risks is the first step in ensuring that your sporting activities don’t undermine the progress made by your braces. Common dental injuries in sports include:
- Tooth Fractures
- Dislodged Teeth
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Jaw Fractures
- Tooth Intrusions
Are There Any Sports You Should Avoid While Undergoing Braces Treatment?
Individuals should consider the nature of the sport and the potential risk of impact to the face or mouth. Sports involving a high risk of physical contact or impact, such as boxing or rugby, may pose a greater risk to individuals with braces and should be cautiously approached.
Similarly, sports that involve projectiles, like cricket or basketball, also carry a heightened risk of trauma to the mouth.
Can You Wear Braces While Playing Sports?
Certainly, individuals can continue to participate in their preferred sports while undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. However, it requires extra vigilance and the implementation of appropriate safety measures to protect the braces, prevent oral injuries, and ensure the continued effectiveness of the orthodontic treatment.
With the correct precautions in place, athlete patients of all ages can still engage in various games or sports, managing risks without having to forgo their active lifestyles.
Playing Sports with Braces
The enjoyment of sports doesn’t need to be compromised by braces. You can partake in your favourite activities while safeguarding your dental health with the proper approach.
Understand the Risks
A forceful blow to the face, common in contact sports, can damage the brackets and archwires, potentially prolonging treatment time. There’s also an increased risk of oral lacerations as the braces can cut the soft tissue of the cheeks, lips, or gums upon impact.
Additionally, sports-related trauma can lead to more severe dental injuries, such as root damage or tooth avulsion, which might require emergency dental care. Therefore, it’s imperative to understand that while braces should not prevent you from enjoying sports, they necessitate a higher degree of caution and protection.
Wear Protective Orthodontic Devices
Custom-fitted mouthguards are a fundamental step for any sportsperson with braces. These devices are designed to fit over braces and cushion the mouth against potential impacts, significantly reducing the risk of oral injuries.
Moreover, sport-specific headgear and helmets provide an additional layer of protection, safeguarding against concussions and severe head traumas. These protective measures are not just essential for high-contact sports but also recommended for activities where accidental contact or falls are possible.
Choose Low-Risk Sports
Engaging in low-impact sports is advisable for individuals with braces seeking to minimise the risk of oral injury. Activities such as swimming, track and field, cycling, and sports like tennis, badminton, and golf have minimal chances of face-to-face contact. They are less likely to result in impacts to the face that compromise the integrity of braces.Â
Follow Dietary Considerations
Maintain a braces-friendly diet by avoiding foods that are hard, chewy, sticky, or crunchy, as these can damage the wires and brackets. Opt for softer foods that require minimal chewing, such as soups, stews, and smoothies.
Consult Your Orthodontist
Guidance with orthodontists can help tailor protective strategies to your specific orthodontic needs and sporting activities. By addressing concerns, seeking advice, and scheduling routine check-ups, you can ensure that your braces remain intact and your teeth stay healthy throughout your sporting endeavours.
Schedule Regular Orthodontic Check-ups
Regular orthodontic check-ups allow for timely adjustments and identifying issues before they escalate into major concerns. These routine appointments allow your orthodontist to assess the impact of your sporting activities on your braces and make any necessary repairs or modifications.
Practice Good Oral Hygiene
Practising good oral hygiene is paramount for athletes who wear braces. Brush your teeth after every meal, and dental floss should be used daily to remove food particles and plaque buildup commonly missed by a toothbrush. Using an antiseptic mouthwash also contributes to eliminating bacteria, helping to ensure your mouth stays healthy.
Hydrate Regularly
Consuming plenty of water assists in maintaining optimal salivary flow, which neutralises acids and removes food particles that can lead to plaque formation. Furthermore, staying hydrated helps prevent dry mouth—a condition that can elevate the risk of tooth decay and gum disease risk.
Make it a habit to drink water before, during, and after sports to ensure your oral health remains a top priority.
Balancing Sports and Orthodontic Care for a Healthy Smile
Balancing the demands of athletic activities with orthodontic care is important for the health and safety of anyone wearing braces. By adopting preventive measures, choosing appropriate sports, and maintaining regular consultations with your orthodontist, you can enjoy an active lifestyle and a successful orthodontic journey. Stay protected, stay informed, and let your healthy, beautiful smile be a winning feature on and off the playing field.
