Playing Sports with Braces: Mouthguards and Injury Prevention

By New Dental Center, Al Ain, UAE · Metal Braces

Getting braces does not mean giving up football, basketball, swimming or martial arts. It does mean taking extra care, because a blow to the mouth with braces on can cut the lips and cheeks and damage brackets or teeth. The right mouthguard and a few precautions allow active children, teenagers and adults to keep playing safely.

Why Braces Increase Injury Risk

Metal brackets sit on the front of the teeth, so an impact can press the lips and cheeks against them, causing cuts and bruising. A hard blow may also bend wires or dislodge brackets, which can disrupt treatment. The teeth themselves are slightly more mobile during orthodontic movement, so protecting them is important.

Choosing a Mouthguard for Braces

Standard boil-and-bite mouthguards are not ideal because they are designed for teeth that stay still. Orthodontic mouthguards are made from softer material with a deeper channel that fits over brackets and allows teeth to move. A custom guard made by your dentist can be designed to accommodate braces and remade as teeth shift. Ask your dentist which option suits your sport.

Which Sports Need a Guard

Any contact or collision sport, including football, basketball, rugby, hockey, boxing, martial arts and wrestling, calls for a mouthguard. Cycling, skateboarding and skating also carry a risk of falls. Even in non-contact sports like padel or tennis, a stray ball or racket can cause injury.

What to Do After a Mouth Injury

If you are hit in the mouth, rinse with water and check for loose teeth, broken brackets or bent wires. Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If a tooth is loose, displaced or knocked out, seek emergency dental care immediately. Minor bracket or wire damage should be reported to your dentist promptly.

Caring for Your Mouthguard

Rinse the guard after each use, clean it with a toothbrush and cool water, and store it in a ventilated case. Keep it out of hot cars, as UAE summer temperatures can warp it. Replace it if it becomes damaged or no longer fits as your teeth move.

Frequently Asked Questions