With football season upon us, it is time to start thinking about how you will protect your braces during football practice or other physical activities. If you participate in sport or other activities, it is important to consider getting a mouthguard. A mouthguard, known as a mouthpiece or mouth protector, is a device that is worn over the teeth and braces to help lessen the impact of a blow to the face.

With a mouthguard, you reduce the chance of losing teeth or sustaining other serious oral injuries that can occur such as injury to gums, cheeks, or lips. At King Orthodontics, we recommend that all patients who are involved in contact sports like football or hockey where there is a high risk of oral injury, wear a mouthguard.  Anyone who is involved in a physically demanding sport or other physical activity should also consider wearing a mouthguard.

Finding the Best Mouthguard for Your Braces

When searching for the best mouthguard to suit your needs, look for the following factors:

Comfort for Easy Breathing and Drinking

Many times, braces mouthguards are rubbery, bulky, and can cause gagging or restrict breathing.  Your mouth guard should allow you to speak, drink, and breathe with ease while remaining in place during practice or a game. If your mouthguard restricts speaking, breathing or drinking, it’s not the right fit.

Customized Fit for Effective Protection

Every smile is unique and not every mouthguard is created equally. There are pre-made mouthguards and “boil-and-bite” fitted mouthguards available at most sporting goods stores and pharmacies.  If you choose one of these options, be sure the mouthguard is well-fitted to your mouth and that it is comfortable.

Another option is a custom mouthguard. This kind of mouth guard is specially designed to fit your mouth and braces, offering a secure fit and the best protection from injury.

Consider also wearing a mouthguard on your bottom teeth, in addition to your top teeth. This will help to protect your lips, tongue, and inner cheek from getting cut by the brackets on your braces.

Room for Movement

As your braces slowly move your teeth into a perfect smile, be sure they have the room to move freely into position. When choosing a mouthguard, it is essential to find one with a secure fit that offers room for growth. If your mouthguard fits too tight or presses up against the brackets, it can impede on the progress of your orthodontic treatment.