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How Can I Protect My Braces While Playing Sports?

  • March 21, 2018
  • 11:33 am
  • Braces, FAQ
  • Braces, Sports

As a parent, you know that it is very important for your kids to be physically active. You might not ordinarily hear that from your orthodontist, but it is imperative for kids to get proper exercise as they grow. One way that they do that is through organized sports, whether that be baseball or basketball or football. If your child has braces, this poses a dilemma: How do you keep their braces protected during their sports season? In today’s blog post, Dr. Harrison’s team will give some tips to help make sure your child’s braces are protected.

Always Wear A Mouthguard

Not all sports require a mouthguard. In fact, most sports don’t require a mouthguard, with football being among the only youth sports where athletes must wear a mouthguard. However, for athletes with braces, a mouth guard is an absolute must. There are a lot of options for mouthguards, including having a custom mouthguard made by Dr. Harrison.

However, some cheaper options are pre-made guards and “boil-and-bite” mouthpieces. If you have questions about how a mouthguard should fit or how to properly prepare or wear one, Dr. Harrison can answer those questions.

Related Post: Parkcrest Dental Group: Does It Matter What Mouth Guard I Use?

Consider Wearing Extra Protective Gear

Depending on what sport you play, you can provide your child with extra protective gear to guard their mouth. If they play football, you can buy your kid a binky-style mouthguard, which not only protects the outside of the mouth but also covers the lips. If they play baseball or softball, you can purchase a facemask for their batting helmet at a pretty low price. Dr. Harrison can point you in the right direction of protective gear that can protect your child’s braces.

Consider Avoiding Certain Sports or Positions

Another extra step towards mouth protection is avoiding certain sports or positions in those sports. If your children are not yet committed to a sport, an option is to steer them away from more violent sports. For example, instead of tackle football, sign your kid up for flag football. You can also avoid having them play more dangerous positions.

In baseball, third base is labeled the “hot corner” because harder hit ground balls get hit in their direction and ground balls are known to take bad hops that can hit fielders in the face. In softball, third base is dangerous, but pitchers are also at some risk. However, if your child wants to pitch in softball, there are face-shields available.

Related Post: Visiting The Pediatric Dentistry Office To Protect Child Athlete’s Teeth

Contact Dr. Harrison For More Information On Sports Safety

While Dr. Harrison doesn’t want to hinder your child’s ability to play sports, he does want them to be safe playing those sports. If you have any questions or concerns about your child playing a sport with braces, please contact our office at (417) 262-5515 to schedule an appointment today or visit Parkcrest Dental’s website for more information.

Meet Some Dentists in Springfield, MO

Some of the doctors at Parkcrest Dental Group

Dr. Stuart Scott (top left) is our pediatric dentist. He earned his degree from the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry before completing a two-year residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Dr. Steven Harrison (top center) is board-certified by the American Board of Orthodontics. Dr. Harrison, our orthodontist, graduated from the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry. He’s been with Parkcrest Dental Group since 1986.

Dr. Chanin Ropka (top right) attended UMKC before joining the United States Navy, where she served as the only dentist on board the USS Germantown and at Balboa Naval Hospital in San Diego. Dr. Ropka began at Parkcrest Dental in 2001.

Dr. Daniel Fannin (bottom left) graduated from UMKC School of Dentistry in 1997. He completed an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Residency in 1998 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group that same year.

Dr. Steven C. Sponenberg (bottom center) has been a Springfieldian his entire life. He graduated from Creighton University School of Dentistry in Omaha, Nebraska, in 2004 before joining Parkcrest Dental Group immediately after.

Dr. Jason Hall (bottom right) is also a native Springfieldian. He earned his DDS from the University of Missouri at Kansas City Dental School in 1997. He came to Parkcrest Dental Group in 2010. Dr. Hall’s father, Stan, is also a dentist.

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