The Critical Role of Mouthguards in Contact Sports

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Athletes of all ages face a real risk of dental injuries during contact sports. Whether it's football, hockey, wrestling, or basketball, high-impact activity places the teeth and jaws in harm's way. For patients undergoing orthodontic treatment—especially children wearing braces for kids Aurora or braces for kids Littleton—the stakes are even higher. That’s why dental professionals strongly recommend the use of custom mouthguards to minimize injury risk and safeguard orthodontic progress.

Protecting Your Smile on the Field

A properly fitted mouthguard acts as a shock absorber during physical contact. It distributes the force of a blow, significantly reducing the chances of broken teeth, jaw injuries, and trauma to soft tissues like the lips and cheeks. For orthodontic patients, the benefits are even more specific:

• Prevents brackets and wires from cutting soft tissues
• Shields the integrity of dental appliances
• Reduces the likelihood of an orthodontic emergency
• Helps avoid treatment delays from accidental damage

In youth sports, accidents happen quickly. A single impact could not only disrupt your child’s orthodontic progress but also result in permanent damage. Visiting the orthodontist closest to me ensures that a custom mouthguard fits securely over braces, offering complete protection.

Why Boil-and-Bite Isn’t Enough

Many over-the-counter options, such as boil-and-bite mouthguards, seem convenient but fall short when it comes to protection for orthodontic patients. These generic devices often fail to accommodate brackets and wires, leading to discomfort or even risk of damage. On the other hand, a custom mouthguard made by an orthodontist offers several advantages:

• Tailored to the unique structure of the teeth and braces
• Durable materials that can withstand repeated impacts
• Better retention and comfort during sports
• Room for tooth movement, which is essential during active orthodontic treatment

Whether your child wears braces for kids Littleton or aligners, a personalized mouthguard from the orthodontist closest to me ensures optimal fit and function during high-risk activities.

Who Should Wear a Mouthguard?

The American Dental Association recommends mouthguards for athletes participating in contact and collision sports, including:

1. Football
2. Lacrosse
3. Hockey
4. Martial arts
5. Basketball
6. Wrestling
7. Soccer

Even non-contact sports like skateboarding or mountain biking carry risks of falls and facial trauma. If your child is active in any of these sports, especially while undergoing treatment like braces for kids Aurora, it’s essential to discuss protective gear with your orthodontist.

Investing in Long-Term Oral Health

Injuries to the teeth and mouth can have lifelong consequences, including tooth loss, nerve damage, and costly restorative work. A mouthguard, particularly one that is orthodontist-approved, is a small investment that pays big dividends in safety and peace of mind. In fact, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, athletes without mouthguards are 60 times more likely to suffer dental trauma.

A well-crafted sports mouthguard for braces can prevent:

• Chipped or broken teeth
• Dislodged brackets or wires
• Lacerations to gums and lips
• Interrupted orthodontic treatment timelines

For parents researching braces for kids Littleton or braces for kids Aurora, incorporating mouthguard guidance into treatment planning is a proactive step toward comprehensive care.

Ask Your Orthodontist About Custom Mouthguards

Your orthodontist is the best resource for identifying the right type of mouthguard for your child’s needs. At Ohmart Orthodontics, we specialize in guiding families through the entire process—from fitting to final fabrication. During your child’s regular checkups or initial consultation, don’t hesitate to ask how to protect their smile during sports seasons.

If you're looking for the orthodontist closest to me, Ohmart Orthodontics provides expert, compassionate care and offers the latest advancements in protective gear for young athletes. Reach out today to make sports safer for your child while supporting a healthy, beautiful smile.