Protecting Braces During Sports: Your Playbook for a Winning Smile

by | Apr 30, 2025 | Dental Care | 0 comments

At Cobb Orthodontics, we believe braces should never bench you from the sports you love! Whether you are scoring goals, sinking three-pointers, or hitting a home run, protecting your braces during sports is part of the game plan for keeping your smile on track.

Spring Sports That Need Mouthguards

Protecting braces during sports, A girl playing tennis

Spring is packed with sports that bring out the best moves, the biggest smiles, and sometimes the wildest tumbles. Here are just a few of the springtime favorites where mouthguards are a total game-changer:

  • Baseball and Softball: Stepping up to the plate is thrilling, but so is dodging those fastballs! Whether you are hitting homers or making diving catches in the outfield, one bad hop could mean a cracked tooth. A mouthguard keeps you swinging for the fences with a winning smile.
  • Soccer: Gooooooal! Soccer is non-stop action with plenty of kicks, headers, and the occasional unplanned face-to-face collision. A quick sprint or slide tackle can send players flying, but a mouthguard helps protect your teeth while you rack up those goals and glory.
  • Lacrosse: Think soccer, but add sticks flying at lightning speed! Lacrosse is high-energy and high-contact, making mouthguards for sports absolutely essential. You will want to stay focused on your fast breaks, not your braces!
  • Tennis: Tennis might seem like a “gentle” sport until you realize just how fast that ball can move. Whether you are acing your serve or diving for a tricky shot, a rogue ball or swinging racket can pack a punch. Protect those pearly whites while you serve up some serious style.
  • Track and Field Events: You might be leaping over hurdles or soaring through the air with a pole vault, but gravity has a funny way of sneaking up on you. A tumble or fall during these thrilling events can happen in a flash. Mouthguards for sports are a smart way to make sure you land with your smile still shining.
  • Volleyball: Bump, set, spike—and sometimes crash! Volleyball is full of quick dives, flying elbows, and unexpected face-first saves. Whether you are playing indoors or enjoying sand volleyball under the sun, a mouthguard keeps you grinning after every big point and diving save.

No matter which spring sport is calling your name, wearing a mouthguard keeps you ready for every victory dance, every high five, and every proud photo at the finish line. Here is your quick playbook to stay in the game and protect that winning smile!

1. Gear Up with a Cobb Orthodontic Mouthguard

Just like cleats and helmets, a mouthguard made for braces is essential equipment. Regular mouthguards do not fit well over brackets, but orthodontic mouthguards are designed to give you room to grow and shift—while keeping your teeth and braces safe from surprise tackles, fouls, or fastballs.

Need help picking the right one? Our team is like your personal equipment manager—we have got you covered with custom made mouthguards.

2. Choose the Right Defense (a.k.a. Safety Gear)

If you are playing high-impact sports like football, baseball, hockey, or even skateboarding, do not forget your backup defense: helmets and facemasks. They are not just for pros—you will be grateful you suited up if a rogue ball or elbow comes your way.

3. Hydration: Your Secret Weapon

Protecting braces during sports, A person drinking

Pro tip: Stay hydrated!

Dry lips can stick to braces and cause irritation (ouch). Sipping water throughout your game keeps your mouth happy. Bonus: water is better for your braces than sugary sports drinks that can cause cavities to sneak up like an unexpected opponent!

4. Pack Your Braces First-Aid Kit

Winning athletes always come prepared. Keep a mini kit in your gym bag with:

  • Orthodontic wax (to cover any sharp spots)
  • A small mirror (for quick checks)
  • Travel-size mouthwash or saline rinse
  • Dental floss and threaders
  • Our office number (because we are your smile’s biggest fans!)

It is like having your own sideline medical team—just way more convenient.

5. Post-Game Huddle: Check Your Braces

Protecting braces during sports, A persons mouth

After the final whistle blows, take a quick timeout to inspect your braces.

Look for:

  • Bent wires
  • Loose brackets
  • Any sore spots

If you spot something, do not panic. Give us a call, and we will help get you back to 100% in no time.

6. Took a Hit? Call Us!

Even if your smile looks fine after a bump or tumble, it is smart to let us know. A hidden issue could slow down your treatment, and nobody wants extra time in braces when you’re this close to victory!

Play Hard, Smile Harder!

At Cobb Orthodontics, we are all about helping you chase your goals—with braces and all. By following these tips for protecting braces during sports, you will be making winning moves for your teeth and your future smile.

Need a custom-fitted mouthguard? Got questions about playing sports with braces?
Call our Greensboro or Randleman office—we will cheer you on every step of the way!
Greensboro Office

604A Pasteur Drive
Greensboro, NC 27403
Phone. (336) 299-6788

Randleman Office

215 West Naomi Street
Randleman, NC 27317
Phone. (336) 498-4027

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