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Spring is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy warmer weather, and participate in seasonal sports, outdoor adventures, and social activities. But if you’re wearing braces or clear aligners, you might be wondering how to protect your orthodontic appliances while staying active. Whether you’re hitting the soccer field, riding your bike along the beach, or simply enjoying a spring picnic, taking extra care of your orthodontics can keep your smile healthy and your treatment on track.
At Orthodontics of Santa Barbara, we want to ensure that your orthodontic journey fits seamlessly into your active lifestyle. In this blog, we’ll share expert tips on caring for your braces or aligners during spring activities, from protecting your appliances during sports to keeping your oral hygiene on point when you’re on the go.
Spring brings a burst of outdoor events—school sports seasons, family hikes, and beach days—that are fun but can also expose your braces or aligners to potential risks. Here’s why spring can be tricky for orthodontic appliances:
Contact sports like soccer, softball, and basketball increase the risk of getting hit in the mouth. With braces, even a minor impact can cause a painful cut on your lips or cheeks—or even damage a bracket or wire.
Picnics, BBQs, and food at sporting events often include braces-unfriendly foods. Biting into corn on the cob, crunchy chips, or chewy snacks can damage brackets or pop off a wire.
Outdoor activities can expose your clear aligners to dirt, sand, or bacteria if you remove them and set them down without proper storage. And let’s not forget dehydration, which can lead to dry mouth—creating an environment where bacteria thrive.
If you play sports this spring, especially contact sports like soccer, lacrosse, or baseball, protecting your braces (and your mouth) is essential. Even a small collision or fall can cause painful cuts or broken appliances.
A regular sports mouthguard isn’t designed for braces and may not fit properly. Orthodontic mouthguards are larger and made of softer material, allowing room for brackets and wires. They provide critical cushioning to protect your braces—and your soft tissues—from injury.
Pro Tip: Ask your orthodontist for a custom mouthguard for the best fit and comfort.
Accidents happen, and you should always be prepared. Keep a small orthodontic kit in your sports bag, including:
Busy spring days mean you may not always have access to your usual dental routine at home. But even when you’re out and about, keeping your braces or aligners clean is essential.
Whether you’re heading to practice, a picnic, or a weekend hike, bring along:
After snacks or meals, make time for a quick brush and floss. If brushing isn’t possible, at least rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.
Many popular spring snacks—like crunchy chips, caramel popcorn, and sticky candy—are risky for braces and difficult to clean from aligners. Instead, opt for braces-friendly, nutritious options that are easy to clean from your appliances.
Braces-Friendly Spring Snacks
What to Avoid
If you’re wearing clear aligners this spring, a few extra precautions can help keep your aligners clean, clear, and effective while you’re on the move.
When you remove your aligners to eat or drink (anything other than water), always place them in their protective case. Leaving them on a table or napkin increases the risk of loss, dirt, or bacterial contamination.
Pro Tip: Keep a spare case in your car, backpack, or gym bag so you’re never caught without one.
After eating, brush your teeth before putting your aligners back in. If brushing isn’t possible, rinse both your mouth and aligners thoroughly with water.
Spring sports and outdoor activities can leave you dehydrated, which contributes to dry mouth. Saliva plays a critical role in washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. With braces or aligners, dry mouth can lead to increased plaque buildup.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you’re playing sports. Avoid sugary sports drinks and sodas, which can increase plaque buildup around braces and stain aligners.
Despite your best efforts, accidents can still happen. Knowing how to handle minor orthodontic emergencies can save you time and discomfort.
If a bracket becomes loose or a wire pops out, apply orthodontic wax to any sharp edges and contact your orthodontist for a repair appointment.
If you lose an aligner, wear the previous tray until you can get a replacement. This helps prevent your teeth from shifting.
Mouth sores caused by braces can be treated with orthodontic wax and saltwater rinses.
It’s easy to let orthodontic appointments slip during a busy spring schedule, but regular checkups ensure your treatment stays on track. If you play sports or have a packed calendar, work with your orthodontic team to schedule convenient appointments that fit your lifestyle.
At Orthodontics of Santa Barbara, we understand that life doesn’t stop when you’re in orthodontic treatment. Our goal is to help you stay active, eat well, and care for your braces or aligners while you enjoy everything spring has to offer. Whether you need a custom sports mouthguard, tips for on-the-go oral care, or solutions for a minor orthodontic emergency, our team is here to help.
Ready for your next appointment or need advice on keeping your orthodontics safe this spring? Contact us today to schedule a visit and let us keep your smile healthy and active all season long!
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