Sports, Braces, and Smiles: A Colorado Orthodontist’s Guide to Protecting Braces During Sports

7 Practical Tips for Protecting Braces and Staying on Track with Treatment

Your athlete can protect their smile and still enjoy every sport with braces

Fall in Colorado means cooler air, colorful leaves, and plenty of opportunities to get outside and play. From Friday night lights at Colorado high schools to soccer leagues at local rec centers and weekend cross-country meets in the foothills, student-athletes across the state are in the middle of one of the busiest sports seasons of the year.

Sports-related dental injuries are more common than many families realize, especially during high-contact activities such as football, lacrosse, hockey, basketball and soccer. Even low-contact sports including baseball, softball, mountain biking or volleyball, carry risks of falls or unexpected collisions for Colorado athletes.

For athletes wearing braces, these impacts can lead not only to broken brackets or wires but also to cuts inside the mouth and delayed treatment progress.

Discover our 7 practical tips and tricks for protecting and caring for your braces while enjoying your sports seasons in Colorado…

1. Use a Properly Fitted Mouthguard

   
   

   The single most effective way to protect teeth and orthodontic appliances during sports is a properly fitted mouthguard. A custom-fitted mouthguard provides better comfort and protection than store-bought versions, shielding not only teeth and braces but also lips and cheeks from painful injuries. Many Colorado orthodontists, including Bloom Orthodontics, can recommend or even provide the best options for student-athletes. See our Tips and Guide to Selecting Your Mouthguard.

   
   

2. Brush & Rinse After Every Snack or Game

   
   

   Busy game days often mean snacks in the car or on the sidelines. For athletes with braces, those quick bites can easily lead to plaque buildup or food stuck in brackets. Carrying a travel toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste is the best defense, especially after practices and games. When brushing isn’t possible—like during long cross-country meets or doubleheaders—rinsing thoroughly with water from a sports bottle is the next best thing.

   
   

3. Pack Braces-Friendly Snacks

   
   

   Fueling properly makes a difference on and off the field, but not every snack is braces-friendly. Choose soft options like yogurt, cheese sticks, bananas, applesauce, or smoothies. Avoid sticky or hard snacks like caramel, nuts, and popcorn, which can damage wires or brackets. Planning ahead ensures your athlete always has safe, energizing options on hand. For more guidance, see our list of best and worst foods for braces.

   
   

4. Stick to Orthodontic Appointments

   
   

   Fall sports schedules are hectic, but orthodontic appointments are just as important as practice time. Skipping or delaying adjustments can stall progress, leading to longer treatment times. Regular visits prevent delays in treatment and catch potential problems before they interfere with sports. At Bloom Orthodontics, we are happy to work with busy student-athletes to find appointment times that fit around practices and games

   
   

5. Inspect Braces After Practice & Games

   
   

   After every practice or game, athletes should take a moment to check their braces in the mirror. Look for loose brackets, bent wires, or areas causing irritation—common issues after a collision on the field or a fall on the court. Catching small problems early prevents them from turning into bigger ones that might disrupt both orthodontic progress and the sports season. Parents can also help younger athletes with these quick checks after soccer tournaments or weekend games.

   
   

6. Stay Hydrated

   
   

   Colorado’s high altitude and dry mountain air make hydration even more important for athletes with braces. A dry mouth can increase irritation from brackets and wires, as well as raise the risk of plaque buildup. Staying hydrated not only boosts performance but also keeps braces more comfortable and mouths healthier.

   
   

7. Plan for Quick Fixes

   
   

   Keep a small kit with orthodontic wax or Gishy Goo and a contact card for our office in case a bracket loosens during practice or a game. Having these supplies ready can make the difference between finishing a soccer match with confidence or being sidelined by discomfort. Families who hike, travel for tournaments, or play in weekend leagues will appreciate the peace of mind this provides.

   
   

Just as injuries are a part of sports, sometimes accidents can happen with your braces. Having a plan in place helps avoid discomfort, damage or more injury.

Serious Injury

Even with an athlete’s best efforts, serious dental trauma can occasionally occur during practice or a game. These injuries may result in loose or broken teeth, damage to the gums, and lacerations to the lips and cheeks. If you’re a patient at Bloom Orthodontics, please call Dr. Bloom immediately at 720-743-0700. Messages left after hours will be forwarded to Dr. Bloom, and he will provide guidance on the steps you need to take.

A Game Plan for Success

By following these tips, Colorado athletes can enjoy the season without worrying about setbacks to their orthodontic treatment. Protecting braces isn’t just about preventing injuries—it’s about building confidence. When kids know their smiles are safe, they can focus on the game, perform at their best, and soak up all the fun that sports and recreation in Colorado have to offer.

Hydration is always a key part of athletic success, and even more important with braces.

At Bloom Orthodontics (located off I25/Lincoln in the Parker/Lone Tree area), we love cheering on Colorado athletes and helping Denver-area families protect their investment in a healthy, confident smile. Whether your child is starting soccer season, gearing up for football playoffs, or enjoying weekend hikes in the Rockies, the right protection ensures that braces never get in the way of a winning season.

In search of Orthodontic care in the South Metro Denver region including Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Parker or Castle Pines? We'd love to meet you!

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