Facts About Kids and Sports Safety

The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is providing tips and information on how to best protect athlete’s smiles during recreational and organized sports.

Children can injure their teeth and mouth in contact sports and in activities such as skating or gymnastics. A properly fitted mouthguard helps reduce the risk; it does not make any activity injury-proof.

Playing sports with braces

Ask your orthodontist which mouthguard will fit around your braces and whether protection is needed for both arches. Check the fit regularly as teeth move. A retainer or clear aligner is not a substitute for a sports mouthguard.

Make protection part of the routine

Use the appropriate protective equipment during practices as well as games. Follow fitting and care instructions, check for damage, and replace a worn or poorly fitting mouthguard. Coaches, parents, and players can help make this a consistent habit.

If a tooth is knocked out, loosened, or broken, seek urgent dental advice. For a damaged bracket or wire, contact your orthodontist. See our orthodontic emergency guide for the distinction between an appliance problem and urgent medical or dental care.

Current sources: AAO mouthguard guidance and ADA mouthguard information.

SmileMaker Orthodontics, Dr. Jay Burton, a member of the American Association of Orthodontists and board certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. He takes great pride in helping people achieve a beautiful smile in Hendersonville, Madison, Goodlettsville and East Nashville, TN. You can contact our office at (615) 865-6551 or email us at braces@smilemaker.com.

Historical source: the original article drew on AAO material, copyright AAO 2010. Its dated statistics have been replaced with the practical guidance and current sources above.