The American Dental Association’s MouthHealthy mouthguard guide explains fit, care, replacement, and considerations for athletes with braces. A mouthguard can reduce injury risk but cannot prevent every sports injury.
A properly fitted sports mouthguard can help cushion an impact and reduce the risk of injuries to the teeth, lips, cheeks, and other oral tissues. It cannot prevent every dental or facial injury, but it is an important protective step for many contact, collision, and fast-moving sports.
Teen athletes with braces need a mouthguard that provides room for brackets and wires and can accommodate ongoing tooth movement. A standard tight-fitting product may become uncomfortable or interfere with an appliance as treatment progresses. Citrus Grove Orthodontics can help families choose an appropriate design for the athlete’s sport and current treatment.
When to discuss a mouthguard
- Before beginning a contact or collision sport
- After braces or another fixed appliance is placed
- When an existing mouthguard feels tight, loose, or unstable
- After noticeable tooth movement or an appliance adjustment
- Whenever the mouthguard is torn, distorted, or damaged
A mouthguard should fit securely while allowing the athlete to breathe and communicate. Rinse it before and after use, clean it according to its instructions, allow it to dry, and store it in a ventilated protective case. Do not leave it in direct sunlight or hot water, which can distort some materials. Growing teens and patients whose teeth are moving may require more frequent fit checks and replacement.
Removable retainers and other removable orthodontic appliances generally should not be worn during contact sports unless the treating clinician specifically advises otherwise. Store them safely in their case.
After a significant hit to the mouth, stop play and check for bleeding, loose or broken teeth, jaw injury, and damaged brackets or wires. Seek emergency medical or dental care for serious injury. For appliance problems, see our orthodontic emergency guide and contact the office. Families can also review the braces-care page or schedule a visit.
