Should I wear a gum shield/mouth guard with my braces when I play field hockey?

Question

Should I ask my ortho if I need one? Around 2 or 3 people have been hit in the mouth when I've played these past few years, and I'm afraid that with braces it will pull out or ruin my teeth if a hockey ball hits?? Should I get one...noone else in my team wears them though =(

Answer 1

Well, it is all a matter of chance. If you are scared enough, go ahead, but I wouldn't.  

Answer 2

Yes...and your orthodontist will agree. Because your teeth are actively moving, they are technically loose already. Getting hit shouldn't make a tooth fall out, but it may move it, setting your ortho treatment back a bit. Also, getting hit might break some brackets off, break a wire, and likely cause cuts on the inside of your mouth from the brackets.

If you do get a mouth guard, you need to choose wisely. There are orthodontic mouth guards, but a basic mouth guard is fine as long as it fits loosely (you don't want to damage your braces). Also, most mouth guards are made to be heated with hot water and formed to fit inside of your mouth - DO NOT do this! Every time you put it in, your teeth will move back to where they were the last time you wore the mouth guard and you will make no progress with your treatment. However, don't hesitate to cut the mouth guard with scissors in places where it sits too high on your gums.  

Answer 3

I wouldn't take the risk of not having a mouth guard in. If by some chance you are hit in the mouth it could damage your braces and slow down your progress. But honestly call your orthodontist and ask for their personal opinion.

P.S. It doesn't matter if no body else on your team is wearing one. You have to protect your mouth. Who cares if your wearing one? It shows good judgment.