As the weather warms up, spring sports are getting underway across West Michigan. Baseball diamonds are being prepped, softball teams are taking the field, and lacrosse programs are ramping up for the season.
Each sport presents different levels of risk for facial and dental injuries, which means mouthguard recommendations vary. Here’s what families with orthodontic patients need to know.
Baseball and Softball
Baseball and softball might seem like non-contact sports, but dental injuries happen more often than parents expect.
Risk situations include:
- Getting hit by a pitched ball (happens at every level)
- Bad hops on ground balls
- Collisions at bases
- Getting hit by a bat during warm-ups
- Foul tips for catchers
Mouthguard recommendations:
Batters: A mouthguard provides protection from pitched balls and foul tips. The risk isn’t huge, but the consequences of a ball to the face are significant, especially with braces.
Catchers: Should absolutely wear mouthguards. Despite the face mask, impacts happen, and catchers are in the line of fire constantly.
Infielders: Bad hops are a real risk, especially at younger levels where fields aren’t perfectly maintained. Mouthguards are a reasonable precaution.
Outfielders: Lower risk, but collision plays and diving catches create some possibility of facial impact.
The West Michigan Whitecaps season at LMCU Ballpark in Comstock Park generates a lot of local baseball enthusiasm. As kids watch the pros and head to their own practices, make sure protection is part of the routine.
Lacrosse: Mouthguards Required
Lacrosse is different from baseball and softball—mouthguards aren’t optional. They’re required equipment at most levels of play.
The sport involves:
- Hard balls traveling at high speeds
- Stick checks near the face
- Physical contact and collisions
- Ground ball scrums where anything can happen
For players with braces, a proper lacrosse mouthguard is essential. Generic mouthguards often don’t fit well around brackets, which reduces protection and comfort. Custom-fitted orthodontic mouthguards provide better coverage and stay in place during intense play.
West Michigan Clubhouse in Jenison offers lacrosse programs, and high school teams are active across the area. If your child is playing, make sure their mouthguard actually fits their current mouth—not the one they had before braces.
Track and Field: Generally Low Risk
Track and field athletes face minimal risk of dental injury in most events. Running, jumping, and throwing don’t typically involve facial contact.
Exceptions where protection might make sense:
- Pole vault (falls can happen)
- High jump (same reason)
- Hurdles (face-first falls occasionally occur)
For most track athletes, mouthguards aren’t necessary. Focus orthodontic attention on hydration, as dry mouth affects runners and can contribute to oral health issues.
Getting the Right Mouthguard
Not all mouthguards are created equal, especially for patients with braces.
Store-bought boil-and-bite mouthguards:
- Better than nothing (as a last resource)
- Often don’t fit well around brackets
- They prevent tooth movement
- Can be bulky and affect breathing
Custom orthodontic mouthguards:
- Designed to fit around your teeth, even with brackets
- More comfortable and less bulky
- Better protection because of precise fit
- May need remaking as treatment progresses
Talk to Dr. Porto about the best option for your child’s sport and current stage of treatment.
When to Replace a Mouthguard
Mouthguards don’t last forever, especially during orthodontic treatment when teeth are actively moving.
Signs it’s time for a new one:
- It doesn’t fit snugly anymore
- There are holes, tears, or thin spots
- The edges are rough or irritating
- Your child avoids wearing it because it’s uncomfortable
- Significant tooth movement has occurred since it was made
A mouthguard that doesn’t fit properly provides false confidence without real protection.
Spring sports season is here. Does your athlete need a mouthguard fitting? Contact Enjoy Orthodontics in Grandville or Holland to discuss the best protection for their sport.
