Your teeth are one of the most important, yet most taken for granted parts of the body. We assume some things will always be there and function as they should, but that is simply not the case. If the teeth are not properly taken care of, particularly when you’re young, there can be serious problems down the road. The teeth interact with each other in specific ways and their alignment is therefore critical. If teeth are allowed to grow out of line, they can cause real problems, particularly down the road. For this reason, many people choose to get braces. This can be done at nearly any age and produce good results. However, because so many young people are wisely given braces, there are certain considerations that parents—and the young folks themselves—have to keep in mind when deciding to get braces. Hindsight is 20-20; it would be a mistake to have to look back and think about what could have been done after something bad happens. That is why it’s a good idea to come up with a plan before you get braces to make sure they are both effective and safely maintained. One of the most overlooked aspects of having braces is how to manage the playing of sports when you have them. Orthodontist braces can be incorporated into every day life very smoothly, but certain things have to be kept in mind. Here are some things to consider if you would like to play sports and have braces at the same time.
Definitely Don’t Let Braces Stop You
The benefits of playing sports at an early age are numerous. Whether you’re on an organized team at school, in your neighborhood, on a traveling team, or just playing multiple times a week with friends, you are taking a positive step that will pay dividends for many years. Not only are fine motor skills developed, but muscle fibers are bolstered and habits are formed that will make it easier to stay in shape for many years. Also, you are going to find it easier to get back in shape if you end up falling out of your workout routine in the future. Simply knowing how to workout, getting the skills involved, can pay off for many, many years as well.
For these reasons, it’s important to not let braces stop you. People who work out only a few times a week, but get a good sweat going, experience lower amounts of stress and better overall physical and mental health. Having braces can make you both self-conscious and safety-conscious, particularly regarding your mouth. This is a good thing, but don’t let it stop you. Here are some things you can do to keep moving and keep your braces at the same time.
Protect Your Mouth by Choosing the Right Sports
The benefit of sports are not only experienced by those who participate in certain activities. When you are choosing which sports to get involved in, think about the motions involved, not necessarily the sport itself. For example, if you are interested in boxing or martial arts, you may want to think twice about doing so with braces. Boxing, even with mouth protection, is going to expose your mouth to impacts that can damage your braces, teeth, lips and gums. However, the motions involved in boxing can still be performed doing other sports. The activation of the quadriceps can be achieved through any number of running, jogging, or jumping activities. The arm exercises are used in various rowing movements, weight lifting, and even plyometrics. The cardiovascular benefits can be attained using anything from running to swimming to burpees. There are options. Choose a sport that is somewhat safer for your orthodontist braces. After orthodontist braces have been installed, you can also ask your orthodontist for recommendations.
Protect Your Mouth With Mouth Guards
An orthodontist consultation should be part of the process of getting orthodontist braces. During this conversation, you can ask about the different options you have for mouth guards. Whether you have full metal braces or another type, a top rated orthodontist can help you find the mouth guard solution you need for maximum protection.
Playing sports with braces can be done safely and without worry. So get out there and have fun with a great smile.