Your summer smile questions, answered!

Summer is just around the corner, which for many people means vacations, baseball season, days spent at the beach, and fun in the sun! Now that you have braces, it’s important to take special precautions to prevent facial injuries and preserve your healthy smile for a lifetime. That’s why Dr. McClellan and our team wanted to answer a few of the common questions that we often receive from patients and their parents during the summer months.

How can I prevent my teeth from becoming chipped or broken while I play sports this summer?

While playing sports, a mouth guard should always be worn.

If I am hit in the mouth, and a tooth gets knocked out, what can/should I do? What should I do if I am injured on a weekend when the office is closed?

If you have milk nearby then put your tooth in a cup of milk as soon as possible. There are also solutions available at a pharmacy to keep the tooth in. If neither option is possible, then keep the tooth in your mouth, under your tongue to avoid swallowing it. Call your general dentist immediately, they will always have an emergency number available for their patients.

Can my teeth be fixed if they are chipped, broken or knocked out?

Yes, if a tooth is chipped or broken your dentist will be able to bond and repair the tooth. If the tooth has been knocked out completely at the gum line, your dentist will explain replacement options to you such as crowns, implants, veneers and other cosmetic options.

Are sports drinks bad for my teeth?

The best drink for hydration is water. It replenishes your body naturally and does not harm your teeth. Sports drinks have a large amount of added sugar, if possible, drink them with a straw. As soon as you are finished with the sport you are playing brush your teeth or at the very least rinse well with water.

If I wear Invisalign aligners, will they help protect my teeth, or do I still need to wear a mouth guard?

When playing sports, we recommend that patients wear their remove aligners and a mouth guard that is made to protect the teeth. Invisalign aligners are not mouth guards and will not protect your teeth from injury.

Can I still play sports while wearing my retainer, or is it best to take it out?

Remove your retainer while playing sports. Retainers are made to hold alignment not protect impact. Always wear a mouth guard!

Can I still wear a mouth guard with braces?

Yes, you need to wear a non fitted mouth guard while in braces. They sit loose in the mouth and are not fitted which would knock off brackets. While wearing braces your mouth is always changing. Do not wear the type of mouth guard that you need to boil and bite in to, they are too tight and will break the brackets off.