Orthodontic Treatment for Athletes: Tips for Protecting Your Smile
For athletes, maintaining peak physical condition is a top priority. But what about your smile? If you’re undergoing orthodontic treatment, whether with braces, clear aligners, or another appliance, it’s important to take extra steps to protect your teeth and gums while staying active. Sports-related injuries, dietary habits, and even the physical demands of training can pose unique challenges for athletes with orthodontic needs.
In this blog, we’ll explore how athletes can navigate orthodontic treatment while staying at the top of their game. From choosing the right mouthguard to managing discomfort during training, we’ll provide practical tips to help you protect your smile and achieve your athletic goals.
Why Athletes Need Special Care During Orthodontic Treatment
Orthodontic treatment requires careful attention to oral health, and athletes face additional risks that can complicate their journey to a straighter smile. Here are some of the challenges athletes may encounter:
- Risk of Injury: Contact sports and high-impact activities increase the likelihood of dental injuries, damaging braces or aligners, and harming teeth.
- Dietary Considerations: Athletes often rely on energy bars, sports drinks, and other snacks that can harm orthodontic appliances.
- Discomfort During Training: Braces or aligners can cause temporary discomfort, affecting your performance or focus.
- Oral Hygiene Challenges: Busy training schedules can make maintaining a consistent oral hygiene routine difficult.
Despite these challenges, orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to interfere with your athletic performance. With the right precautions and care, you can protect your smile and stay on track with your treatment.
Tips for Protecting Your Smile During Orthodontic Treatment
1. Wear a Mouthguard
A mouthguard is essential for athletes, especially those undergoing orthodontic treatment. It protects your teeth from impact and prevents damage to your braces or aligners.
Types of Mouthguards
- Stock Mouthguards: Pre-made, affordable, but often less comfortable and ineffective.
- Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards: Can be molded to fit your teeth, offering better protection and comfort.
- Custom-Fitted Mouthguards: Made by your orthodontist or dentist, these provide the best fit and protection, especially for athletes with braces.
Pro Tip: If you have braces, ask your orthodontist about a orthodontic mouthguard, designed to accommodate brackets and wires.
2. Stay Hydrated the Right Way
Dehydration can affect your performance and oral health. However, many sports drinks are high in sugar and acid, which can erode tooth enamel and increase the risk of cavities.
Hydration Tips:
- Opt for water whenever possible.
- If you need a sports drink, choose a low-sugar option and rinse your mouth with water afterward.
- Avoid sugary or acidic beverages like soda and energy drinks.
3. Choose Braces-Friendly Snacks
Athletes need fuel to perform, but some snacks can damage braces or get stuck in them. Avoid hard, sticky, or chewy foods that can break brackets or wires.
Braces-Friendly Snack Ideas:
- Yogurt
- Bananas
- Smoothies
- Soft protein bars
- Cheese sticks
Pro Tip: Pack your snacks in advance to avoid unhealthy or braces-unfriendly options during training or competitions.
4. Maintain a Consistent Oral Hygiene Routine
Orthodontic treatment requires extra attention to oral hygiene, as food particles and plaque can easily get trapped in braces or aligners. This can be challenging for athletes due to busy schedules and on-the-go lifestyles.
Oral Hygiene Tips:
- Brush your teeth after every meal or snack using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Floss daily with a floss threader or water flosser to clean between teeth and around brackets.
- Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to reduce plaque and prevent gum disease.
- Carry a travel-sized oral hygiene kit in your gym bag for quick cleanups after workouts or games.
5. Manage Discomfort during Training
It’s normal to experience discomfort when you get braces or switch to a new set of aligners. This can be particularly challenging for athletes who must stay focused and perform at their best.
Tips for Managing Discomfort:
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any brackets or wires irritating your cheeks or lips.
- Take over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, as needed.
- Stick to soft foods and cold drinks to soothe soreness.
- Give yourself time to adjust to new aligners or tightened braces before intense training sessions.
6. Protect Your Aligners
If you’re using clear aligners like Invisalign, it’s important to take extra care to protect them during sports and training.
Aligners Care Tips:
- Remove your aligners during contact sports or high-impact activities to prevent damage.
- Store your aligners in their case when not in use to avoid loss or breakage.
- Clean your aligners regularly with a soft toothbrush and clear, antibacterial soap.
- Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water while wearing your aligners.
7. Communicate with Your Orthodontist
Your orthodontist is your partner in achieving a healthy, beautiful smile. Be sure to keep them informed about your athletic activities and any concerns you have.
Questions to Ask Your Orthodontist:
- What type of mouthguard is best for my sport and treatment plan?
- Are there any specific precautions I should take during training or competitions?
- How can I manage discomfort or emergencies while traveling for games or events?
What to Do in Case of an Orthodontic Emergency
Accidents happen, especially in sports. If you experience an orthodontic emergency, such as a broken bracket, loose wire, or lost aligner, here’s what to do:
1. Broken Bracket or Loose Wire
- Cover any sharp edges with orthodontic wax if a bracket comes loose or a wire breaks.
- Avoid playing sports until the issue is resolved to prevent further damage.
- Contact your orthodontist as soon as possible to schedule a repair.
2. Lost or Damaged Aligner
- If you lose or damage an aligner, switch to the next set in your treatment plan if possible.
- Contact your orthodontist for guidance on whether you need a replacement.
3. Dental Injury
- If you experience a dental injury, such as a knocked-out tooth, seek immediate medical attention.
- Rinse the tooth with water (without scrubbing) and try to place it back in the socket. If that’s impossible, store it in milk or a tooth preservation kit until you can see a dentist.
Success Stories: Athletes with Orthodontic Treatment
Many athletes have successfully navigated orthodontic treatment while excelling in their sports. Here are a few examples:
Tom, 18 (Soccer Player): “I was worried that braces would affect my performance, but my orthodontist helped me find a comfortable mouthguard and tips for staying on top of my oral hygiene. Now, I’m playing better than ever!”
Emily, 22 (Track and Field Athlete): “Invisalign was a game-changer for me. I could take my aligners out during races and put them back in afterward. My smile looks amazing, and I didn’t have to sacrifice my training.”
Jake, 16 (Basketball Player): “I broke a bracket during a game, but my orthodontist fixed it the next day. Now, I always wear my mouthguard and care for my braces.”
Conclusion
Orthodontic treatment doesn’t have to sideline your athletic ambitions. With the right precautions, you can protect your smile, stay on track with your treatment, and continue to perform at your best.
Whether you’re a professional athlete or a weekend warrior, these tips will help you navigate the unique challenges of orthodontic treatment while staying active. Remember, your smile is just as important as your athletic performance—so take care of it, and it will take care of you.
If you’re an athlete considering orthodontic treatment, schedule a consultation with an orthodontist who understands your needs. Together, you can create a plan that works for your lifestyle and helps you achieve the smile of your dreams.
Contact your Danville dentist, Dr. Hoss Abar, DDS, MSD, at Danville Orthodontics to learn more about how to stay motivated during long-term orthodontic treatment?
Resource:
Neither this nor any other content in this media is meant to prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. We highly suggest that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition.