Braces and Sports: Do You Need a Special Mouthguard?
September 7, 2026
If you play basketball, soccer, football, hockey, martial arts, or another active sport, getting braces does not mean you have to sit on the sidelines. However, braces and sports require a little extra planning because brackets and wires can make your mouth more vulnerable during an impact. A properly fitted mouthguard can help protect your teeth, lips, cheeks, and orthodontic appliances while you stay active.
At First Hill Dental Center, Dr. Singh provides orthodontic treatment for patients with mild to complex tooth and jaw misalignment. Because braces are designed to gradually move teeth into better alignment, protecting them during sports is an important part of caring for your smile throughout treatment.
Braces and Sports: Why Is a Mouthguard Important?
Braces consist of components such as brackets and archwires that are attached to the teeth. During sports, an accidental collision, fall, ball strike, or contact with equipment can cause trauma to the mouth.
A mouthguard creates a protective barrier between your orthodontic appliance and the soft tissues of your mouth. The American Dental Association recommends properly fitted mouthguards for sports and recreational activities where there is a meaningful risk of dental or orofacial injury.
This matters even if your sport does not seem particularly aggressive. Dental injuries can occur during contact sports, but they can also happen during activities involving falls, speed, or accidental collisions.
For someone wearing braces, a mouthguard may help:
- Protect teeth from impact.
- Reduce the chance of cuts to the lips and cheeks from orthodontic hardware.
- Help protect brackets and wires from direct trauma.
- Provide an additional layer of protection during practice as well as games.
The American Association of Orthodontists specifically recommends mouthguard protection for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment.
What Kind of Mouthguard Should You Wear With Braces?
Not every mouthguard provides the same fit or protection. With braces, fit is particularly important because the appliance needs adequate room around the brackets while remaining secure enough during activity.
Generally, mouthguards fall into three categories:
Custom-Fitted Mouthguards
These are made specifically for an individual’s mouth and can be designed with orthodontic appliances in mind. A dental professional can evaluate the fit and determine whether a custom option is appropriate.
Boil-and-Bite Mouthguards
These are softened in hot water and molded to the mouth. The ADA notes that a dental professional may assist with fitting a boil-and-bite mouthguard when orthodontic appliances are present.
Stock Mouthguards
These come pre-formed and are not customized to the individual’s teeth. Because retention and fit can be less precise, they may not be the preferred option for someone undergoing orthodontic treatment.
If you have braces, don’t simply assume that any sports mouthguard will work. Your orthodontic provider can help you determine what type and fit are appropriate for your appliance and sport.
Can You Wear a Regular Mouthguard Over Braces?
A mouthguard needs to accommodate the brackets and wires rather than press tightly against them. Orthodontic-specific or professionally fitted options are designed with this concern in mind.
The American Association of Orthodontists notes that a well-fitted mouthguard can cover braces and help protect against dental trauma.
If a mouthguard feels excessively tight, interferes with your bite, repeatedly falls out, or rubs against your gums or cheeks, have its fit evaluated rather than modifying it yourself.
This is especially important during orthodontic treatment because the position of your teeth changes over time. A mouthguard that fit well earlier in treatment may eventually need to be reassessed.
Which Sports Require Extra Protection?
Mouthguard use is particularly relevant for sports involving contact, collisions, projectiles, or a significant risk of falling.
Examples include:
- Football
- Hockey
- Lacrosse
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Wrestling
- Martial arts
- Boxing
- Baseball and softball
- Skateboarding
- Gymnastics
- Volleyball
- Cycling
The ADA recommends mouthguards for a broad range of contact, limited-contact, and high-velocity activities because dental injuries are not limited to traditional collision sports.
If you’re unsure whether your particular activity warrants a mouthguard, discuss your sport with your dental or orthodontic provider.
How Should You Care for a Mouthguard During Braces Treatment?
Protecting your orthodontic appliance does not stop when you leave the playing field. Keeping your mouthguard clean is also important for maintaining good oral hygiene.
After use:
- Rinse the mouthguard with cool or lukewarm water.
- Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions.
- Allow it to dry before storing it.
- Keep it in a ventilated protective case.
- Inspect it regularly for signs of wear or damage.
- Have the fit checked if your braces or teeth have changed significantly.
Oral hygiene remains especially important while wearing braces. and maintaining oral hygiene with braces can help you manage plaque around brackets and wires. First Hill Dental Center recommends brushing and flossing carefully during orthodontic treatment and avoiding foods that can damage brackets or wires.
Athletes should also be mindful of sports and energy drinks. Sugary and acidic beverages can create additional challenges for enamel and oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment. Water is generally a better everyday choice for keeping hydrated.
What If You Get Hit in the Mouth While Wearing Braces?
Even with a mouthguard, an injury can happen. If you experience a significant impact, check for obvious damage to the mouth and orthodontic appliance.
Contact your dental provider if you notice:
- A broken or loose bracket
- A bent or displaced wire
- Significant bleeding
- A chipped, cracked, or displaced tooth
- Persistent pain
- Swelling or other concerning symptoms
Don’t try to bend wires or repair orthodontic components yourself. Your provider can determine whether the appliance needs attention and whether the teeth or surrounding tissues were injured.
If you have a severe facial injury, uncontrolled bleeding, difficulty breathing, or another emergency symptom, seek appropriate emergency medical care.
Can Athletes Continue Sports During Orthodontic Treatment?
In many cases, orthodontic treatment does not mean giving up sports. The key is taking reasonable precautions and following the recommendations for your particular appliance.
At First Hill Dental Center, orthodontic treatment begins with an examination and review of your dental and medical history so Dr. Singh can recommend an appropriate treatment approach for the extent of tooth and jaw misalignment. The practice provides orthodontic options ranging from braces to Invisalign.
If you’re active in sports and considering braces, mention your athletic activities during your consultation. Your sport, position, frequency of participation, and type of orthodontic appliance can all be relevant when discussing protection.
For patients exploring their orthodontic options in Seattle, visiting First Hill Dental Center can be evaluated based on your individual alignment needs and lifestyle.
The Bottom Line on Braces and Sports
Braces and sports can work together, but athletes should take mouth protection seriously. A properly fitted mouthguard can help reduce the risk and severity of sports-related dental and oral injuries, while also providing protection around orthodontic appliances.
If you’re wearing braces, don’t wait until an accident happens to think about protection. Ask your dental or orthodontic provider which mouthguard option is appropriate for your appliance, sport, and stage of treatment.
If you’re considering braces or already undergoing orthodontic treatment in Seattle, Dr. Singh at First Hill Dental Center can evaluate your smile, discuss your orthodontic needs, and help you understand how treatment can fit into your everyday routine—including an active lifestyle.
FAQs
Do I need a mouthguard if I have braces and play sports?
Yes, a properly fitted mouthguard is recommended for athletes participating in sports with a risk of dental or facial injury. Patients with braces should use a mouthguard that accommodates their orthodontic appliance.
Can I wear a regular sports mouthguard with braces?
Not every mouthguard is appropriate for braces. The fit needs to accommodate brackets and wires without being excessively tight or unstable. Ask your dental or orthodontic provider which option is appropriate for your appliance.
Can a mouthguard damage my braces?
A properly fitted mouthguard should be designed to work with your orthodontic appliance. An ill-fitting mouthguard may be uncomfortable or interfere with the appliance, so its fit should be evaluated if you experience problems.
Should I wear my mouthguard during practice or only during games?
Wear appropriate mouth protection during both practices and games when participating in activities with a risk of oral injury. The AAO specifically recommends mouthguard use for athletes undergoing orthodontic treatment.
What should I do if my braces break during a sports injury?
Contact your dental or orthodontic provider if a bracket or wire becomes damaged. Avoid trying to bend or repair orthodontic components yourself. Significant facial injuries or uncontrolled bleeding require prompt medical attention.