Braces and Sports – What Children Should Know

What this is about: Braces and sports, plus the right mouthguard. For everyday life with braces, see Braces in Everyday Life; for emergencies, see Braces Emergency. For mouthguards: Sports Mouthguard.

Many children and adolescents wear braces today and are also physically active — whether in sports clubs, at school, or during leisure time. In general, braces and sports are not mutually exclusive. With the right sports mouthguard , you’re on the safe side. However, there are several important points that parents, patients, and children should keep in mind to avoid injuries, prevent damage to the braces, and ensure that orthodontic treatment is not compromised.

At our orthodontic practice, we regularly provide guidance on how athletic activity can be safe even with braces.

Sports with braces — is that problematic?

In most cases, children with fixed braces or aligners can participate in sports without problems. Physical activity even has positive effects on overall health, balance, and well-being. However, the type of braces as well as the sport and its associated injury risk are decisive factors.

Special caution and precautions are necessary for sports that involve falls, collisions, or physical contact.

Which sports are unproblematic?

Sports with low risk for injuries to the mouth and facial area are generally well compatible with fixed braces or removable aligners, for example:

• Swimming

• Track and field

• Cycling (with helmet)

• Dancing

• Gymnastics

• Jogging or fitness exercises

In these cases, additional dental protection or a sports mouthguard is usually not necessary.

High-risk sports and braces

In contact sports or ball sports with high physical contact, there is an increased risk of injuries to the teeth, gums, oral mucosa, and braces. These include, among others:

• Soccer

• Handball

• Basketball

• Martial arts such as boxing or judo

• Hockey

• Skateboarding or inline skating

Especially with fixed braces, impacts can lead to loose brackets or injuries to the lips and cheeks.

The right protection: sports mouthguard for athletics

An individually fitted sports mouthguard from an orthodontist in Cologne is strongly recommended for many sports. It protects:

• Teeth and braces

• Lips, cheeks, and oral mucosa

• Jaw and temporomandibular joint

At our practice, we’re happy to advise you on which dental protection is suitable for your child and whether custom fabrication makes sense. Standard mouthguards from sporting goods stores provide basic protection but are not optimal for braces wearers.

The American Dental Association summarizes the research as follows: Those who wear a properly fitted mouthguard experience significantly fewer dental and facial injuries — a 2019 meta-analysis reports 82 to 93 percent fewer than without. The ADA describes off-the-shelf products without custom fitting as the least effective option, because they fit poorly and do not stay in place.1 There is also an international guideline from IADT and ASD on preventing dental injuries in sports.2

Fixed or removable braces — are there differences?

Sports with fixed braces

With fixed braces, the injury risk is higher because brackets and wires can put pressure on the mucous membranes in the event of an impact. A proper sports mouthguard is especially important here to avoid damage to the appliance and injuries.

Sports with removable appliances

Removable braces should generally be removed before sports and stored safely to prevent damage. Exceptions apply if your orthodontist recommends otherwise.

What to do in case of pain or injuries?

After an impact or fall, the mouth should be carefully examined. If pain, loose brackets, bent wires , or other injuries occur, we recommend:

• Pausing sports for the time being

• Immediately sending a message to the orthodontist or dentist

• Not attempting any repairs yourself

This helps prevent further damage and allows treatment to continue safely.

Braces, sports, and motivation

Especially for children and adolescents, it is important that braces are not perceived as an obstacle. With the right preparation, the use of appropriate mouth protection, and suitable precautions, children can remain active and continue playing their favorite sports—without limitations to their orthodontic treatment.

Braces and sports – expert guidance at JUST KFO

At our orthodontic practice, we support children, adolescents, and adults not only medically but also in everyday life with braces. We take time for your questions and provide clear recommendations on nutrition, cleaning, protection, and safe training, so your child can remain active in sports safely and without worry.

Feel free to schedule an appointment for a personal consultation.

Frequently asked questions about sports with braces (FAQs)

Can my child continue all sports with fixed braces?

Yes, in principle sports are possible with fixed braces . However, for contact sports such as soccer, martial arts, or basketball, protective measures such as a custom-fitted sports mouthguard should definitely be used to prevent injuries and damage to the braces.

Why is a sports mouthguard especially important for people wearing braces?

A sports mouthguard protects not only the teeth but also the braces, gums, lips, and cheeks from injuries caused by impacts or collisions. Especially with fixed braces, it can prevent brackets or wires from injuring the oral mucosa.

Should a removable appliance or aligner be worn during sports?

Removable appliances should generally be taken out before sports and kept in a safe place to prevent damage. Exceptions can only be made after consulting your orthodontist. Aligners can usually be worn during sports without any problem.

What should I do if my child has pain or damage to the braces after a fall?

In such cases, sports activities should be paused for the time being. It is important to contact the orthodontist or dentist immediately and not attempt any repairs yourself, in order to prevent further damage and continue the treatment safely.

How can I motivate my child to stay active in sports despite wearing braces?

With proper preparation, a suitable mouthguard, and attention to safety measures, your child can remain active in sports without restrictions. A positive attitude toward treatment and regular consultation with the orthodontist help maintain motivation.