Crooked, spaced-out, and otherwise misaligned teeth aren’t just an aesthetic issue; they can hinder your child’s ability to chew properly and speak clearly too! That’s why it’s a good idea to start orthodontic treatment when your child is young (often as early as seven years of age). If your little one is involved in soccer, basketball, or another activity, don’t worry – they can still play sports with braces. Just keep this important information in mind.
Mouthguards: The Key to Preventing an Orthodontic Emergency
A loose bracket or broken wire can be quite uncomfortable. Plus, it can cause delays in the treatment plan, which can result in more time and money being spent on braces. The good news is that you can help protect your child’s smile by encouraging them to wear a custom-made mouthguard. The durable material will cover their braces entirely, protecting their lips, gums, and cheeks in the process. For this reason, they should wear it anytime they play a sport, even if it’s a non-contact one or a pick-up game at the park.
What to Do If Your Child Does Experience an Orthodontic Emergency
Even with all of the right best practices in place, accidents can sometimes happen. If your child does experience an orthodontic emergency, do your best not to panic. Instead, take a look at their mouth to assess the damage and the level of urgency. If one of the wires has become loose, then you can cover the sharp edge with a piece of dental wax until their appointment. If they’ve knocked-out a tooth, however, then they need to visit their dentist within 60 minutes of the incident.
6 Additional Best Practices
Wearing a mouthguard is certainly essential when it comes to athletics and orthodontics. However, there are a few other notable measures your child should be taking to keep their braces (and their teeth!) in pristine condition, including:
- Not drinking energy or sports drinks that are high in sugar.
- Abiding by the dietary restrictions, like no hard or sticky foods.
- Eating mostly well-balanced meals.
- Drinking plenty of water.
- Following a solid dental care regimen (i.e., brushing twice a day, flossing daily).
- Getting a checkup and cleaning every six months.
Whether your child is a part of the school soccer club or is a member of a basketball team that meets at the park, you don’t want braces to stand in their way of enjoying their sport of choice. Luckily, they won’t! Just make sure to set them up for success with the above tips.
About the Practice
Our team at Simply Orthodontics is here for all of your braces-related needs, from your initial consultation to see if you’re a candidate to repairing a broken bracket or wire following an orthodontic emergency. Plus, if your child participates in sports, then we can share all of our tips and tricks for preventing the latter from happening. If you have a question about braces for children or you want to explore orthodontic treatment for yourself, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at (508) 943-2100.