Can Your Child Play Sports With Braces? Summer Safety Tips

Summer leagues are in full swing, and if your child has braces you may be wondering whether they need to sit out. Good news: they don’t. At Cabezon Orthodontists in Rio Rancho, our certified orthodontists and knowledgeable team keep plenty of young athletes in treatment and on the field — with the right protection.

Can Kids Play Sports With Braces?

Absolutely. Braces don’t have to keep your child off the field, court, or pool. The one must-have is proper mouth protection, because a blow to the mouth can injure the lips and cheeks against the brackets — and damage the braces themselves.

Why an Orthodontic Mouthguard Matters

Standard boil-and-bite mouthguards are molded to fit tightly against the teeth — which doesn’t work well over braces and can even be pulled loose as teeth shift. An orthodontic mouthguard is made of a flexible material designed to fit comfortably over brackets, cushioning both the teeth and the braces. It’s the best protection for an athlete in treatment.

Which Summer Sports Need One?

• Contact and ball sports: football, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball
• Martial arts and wrestling
• Wheeled activities: skateboarding, scootering, BMX
• Really, any activity with a risk of a blow to the face

Caring for Braces During Active Summers

• Wear the orthodontic mouthguard every practice and game.
• Keep wax on hand for any post-impact sore spots.
• Rinse the mouthguard after use and store it in a ventilated case.
• Don’t skip brushing and flossing, even on busy tournament days.

If a Hit Happens

After a blow to the mouth, check for loose or broken brackets, poking wires, and any tooth pain or looseness. Cover sharp spots with wax for comfort, and call us so we can check the braces and your child’s teeth. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it in milk and seek care within an hour.

Visit Cabezon Orthodontists in Rio Rancho

Before summer sports ramp up, our certified orthodontists and our Rio Rancho team can set your young athlete up with an orthodontic mouthguard and answer your questions. We treat children and adults alike — and we want every patient confident and protected on and off the field. Book a mouthguard fitting or learn more about our orthodontic care.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you play sports with braces?

Yes. Kids can play almost any sport with braces — the key is wearing an orthodontic mouthguard designed to fit over the brackets to protect both the teeth and the braces.

What kind of mouthguard works with braces?

An orthodontic mouthguard, made of a flexible material that fits comfortably over brackets. Standard boil-and-bite guards mold tightly to teeth and don’t work well over braces.

Will sports damage my child’s braces?

They can if there’s a blow to the mouth without protection. An orthodontic mouthguard greatly reduces the risk to both the braces and the teeth.

What should I do if my child gets hit in the mouth during a game?

Check for loose brackets, poking wires, and tooth pain, cover sharp spots with wax, and call us to inspect the braces. For a knocked-out permanent tooth, keep it in milk and seek care within an hour.

Does my child need a special mouthguard if they wear a retainer?

They should remove a removable retainer for contact sports and wear an orthodontic mouthguard instead. Ask us what’s best for your child’s specific treatment.