Sports are a great way for children to stay healthy and active, but they can also be a source of risk for dental injuries. Trauma to the mouth and teeth is common during physical activity, and for children who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances, the risks can be even greater. At Elara Orthodontics, we specialize in pediatric orthodontics in Richmond, TX, providing braces for kids, child orthodontics, Invisalign for kids, affordable braces for kids, early orthodontic treatment for children, children’s orthodontics, and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics for kids in Richmond, TX. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some tips for protecting your child’s teeth and orthodontic appliances during sports activities.
Wear a Mouthguard
Mouthguards are an essential piece of protective equipment for children who play sports. They help cushion blows to the face and protect teeth, lips, cheeks, and tongue from damage. If your child wears braces or other orthodontic appliances, they should wear a mouthguard specifically designed to fit over them. At Elara Orthodontics, we can provide custom-made mouthguards that fit perfectly over your child’s braces and offer superior protection. A custom-made mouthguard ensures that your child’s teeth and orthodontic appliances are fully protected.
Choose a Helmet
Helmets are crucial for protecting the head and face during contact sports such as football, hockey, and lacrosse. Make sure your child’s helmet fits correctly and is approved for the sport they are playing. Also, ensure that the helmet has a faceguard or visor to protect the mouth and teeth.
Avoid Hard and Sticky Foods
Hard and sticky foods can cause damage to braces or other orthodontic appliances. Therefore, it’s essential to avoid these foods before and during sports activities. Examples of hard and sticky foods include popcorn, gum, candy, and nuts. Encourage your child to choose softer, healthier snacks instead.
Brush and Floss Regularly
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential, especially for children who wear braces or other orthodontic appliances. Brushing and flossing regularly can help remove food particles and bacteria that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Encourage your child to brush their teeth after each meal and before and after sports activities.
Stay Hydrated
Drinking water before, during, and after sports activities can help keep your child hydrated and protect their teeth. Staying hydrated also helps promote saliva production, which can help neutralize harmful acids in the mouth.
Play it Safe
Encourage your child to play sports safely by following the rules and wearing proper protective gear. This includes wearing a mouthguard and helmet, as well as any other protective equipment required for the sport they are playing. If your child experiences any dental injuries during sports activities, seek immediate dental care.
Orthodontics and Sports
Orthodontic treatment can be challenging enough on its own, but when combined with sports activities, it can be even more challenging. However, with proper precautions and protective equipment, your child can continue to play sports and maintain their orthodontic treatment.
At Elara Orthodontics, we specialize in pediatric orthodontics in Richmond, TX, providing braces for kids, child orthodontics, Invisalign for kids, affordable braces for kids, early orthodontic treatment for children, children’s orthodontics, and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics for kids in Richmond, TX. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s orthodontic treatment, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
10 dos and don’ts to help protect your child’s teeth and orthodontic appliances during sports activities:
Dos:
- Wear a properly fitted mouthguard that’s designed to fit over braces or other orthodontic appliances.
- Choose a helmet that fits correctly and is approved for the sport your child is playing.
- Avoid hard and sticky foods that can damage braces or other orthodontic appliances.
- Encourage your child to brush their teeth after each meal and before and after sports activities.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water before, during, and after sports activities.
- Play it safe by following the rules and wearing proper protective gear.
- Seek immediate dental care if your child experiences any dental injuries during sports activities.
- Use orthodontic wax to cover any sharp or protruding wires or brackets.
- Visit your orthodontist regularly for checkups and adjustments.
- Consider custom-made mouthguards for your child that provide superior protection and comfort.
Don’ts:
- Don’t wear a mouthguard that’s too loose or too tight.
- Don’t wear a helmet that doesn’t fit correctly or isn’t approved for the sport your child is playing.
- Don’t eat hard or sticky foods before or during sports activities.
- Don’t forget to brush and floss regularly.
- Don’t forget to drink water before, during, and after sports activities.
- Don’t ignore any dental injuries or pain.
- Don’t use your teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Don’t chew on pens, pencils, or fingernails.
- Don’t miss your child’s regular orthodontic appointments.
- Don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist if you have any questions or concerns about your child’s orthodontic treatment.
By following these dos and don’ts, you can help protect your child’s teeth and orthodontic appliances during sports activities and ensure their orthodontic treatment is successful. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s orthodontic treatment, please contact us at Elara Orthodontics. We specialize in pediatric orthodontics in Richmond, TX, providing braces for kids, child orthodontics, Invisalign for kids, affordable braces for kids, early orthodontic treatment for children, children’s orthodontics, and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics for kids in Richmond, TX. Our team of experienced orthodontists is here to help your child achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Why Choose Elara Orthodontics for All Your Orthodontic Needs in Richmond, Texas?
At Elara Orthodontics, we’re dedicated to providing the highest quality orthodontic care to our patients. We specialize in pediatric orthodontics in Richmond, TX, providing braces for kids, child orthodontics, Invisalign for kids, affordable braces for kids, early orthodontic treatment for children, children’s orthodontics, and orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics for kids in Richmond, TX.
Our team of experienced orthodontists is committed to helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.
When you choose Elara Orthodontics for your orthodontic needs, you can expect:
- Personalized Treatment: We understand that each patient is unique, which is why we create customized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s individual needs and goals.
- Exceptional Care: We provide exceptional care to our patients, ensuring that they feel comfortable and at ease during their orthodontic treatment.
- Advanced Technology: We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that our patients receive the best possible care.
- Experienced Orthodontists: Our team of experienced orthodontists has the knowledge and expertise to provide the highest quality orthodontic care to our patients.
- Convenient Location: Our office is conveniently located in Richmond, TX, making it easy for our patients to access our services.
- Affordable Treatment: We offer affordable treatment options, including flexible payment plans and insurance coverage, to ensure that our patients can receive the care they need without breaking the bank.
- Kid-Friendly Environment: We strive to create a kid-friendly environment that’s comfortable and welcoming for our young patients.
At Elara Orthodontics, we’re committed to helping our patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles that will last a lifetime. If you’re looking for orthodontic care for your child in Richmond, TX, look no further than Elara Orthodontics. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey towards a beautiful smile!