{"id":90,"date":"2022-03-24T18:35:25","date_gmt":"2022-03-24T18:35:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthowebster.com\/blog\/?p=90"},"modified":"2022-03-24T18:35:26","modified_gmt":"2022-03-24T18:35:26","slug":"can-you-play-sports-with-braces","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplyorthowebster.com\/blog\/2022\/03\/24\/can-you-play-sports-with-braces\/","title":{"rendered":"Sports and Braces: Will Orthodontic Treatment Prevent Your Child from Playing?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Crooked, spaced-out, and otherwise misaligned teeth aren\u2019t just an aesthetic issue; they can hinder your child\u2019s ability to chew properly and speak clearly too! That\u2019s why it\u2019s a good idea to start orthodontic treatment<\/a> 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\u2019t worry \u2013 they can still play sports with braces. Just keep this important information in mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Mouthguards: The Key to Preventing an Orthodontic Emergency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019s 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\u2019s a non-contact one or a pick-up game at the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What to Do If Your Child Does Experience an Orthodontic Emergency<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019ve knocked-out a tooth, however, then they need to visit their dentist within 60 minutes of the incident.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6 Additional Best Practices<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n