Protecting Smiles in Winter Sports

When you flip the page you’ll get your first look at the Westwood winter sports schedule. It’s almost here and winter in Westwood means basketball at Bader Gymnasium, hockey at the Canton Ice House, and plenty of families heading to the slopes. While these activities keep kids (and parents!) active and engaged, they also bring an increased risk of dental and orthodontic injuries. The good news? Most can be prevented with the right habits and gear.
 
Why Mouthguards Matter – On and Off the Ice
 
Whether it’s a rebound under the hoop, a fast puck at the rink, or a fall on the mountain, a properly fitted mouthguard is one of the simplest ways to protect teeth. Athletes in braces are especially vulnerable because impact can cut lips and cheeks against brackets or even derail treatment. That’s why we strongly recommend custom or orthodontic-specific guards for every athlete. (ARCH Orthodontics proudly offers free mouthguards to local athletes — just ask!)
 
Common Winter Injuries
 
We often see chipped teeth, broken brackets, and bent wires from contact sports like hockey and basketball, but winter isn’t just about team sports. Skiing and snowboarding carry their own risks – slips, falls, or collisions on the slopes can lead to serious mouth injuries. We’ve treated patients after skiing accidents, so winter athletes of all ages, from young skiers to parents and weekend snowboarders, should wear protective gear, including a mouthguard, just like they would on the ice or court. You may think it’s a lot, but it’s a lot less than the trauma from jaw and tooth damage.
 
What Parents Should Watch For
 
After a game or day on the slopes, pay attention to these warning signs:
 
-Tooth or jaw pain after impact
 
-Loose braces or bent wires poking cheeks
 
-Aligners that no longer fit after a collision – In these cases, don’t wait – call your orthodontist. Quick treatment can prevent small problems from turning into major setbacks.
 
Building Good Habits
 
Just as coaches stress practice and warm-ups, we stress prevention. Encourage your athlete to keep a small “orthodontic kit” in their sports bag — wax for poking wires, a spare aligner case, and a compact toothbrush. These little steps add up to big protection.
 
Play Hard, Stay Safe
 
At ARCH Orthodontics, we want every athlete, whether on the court, in the rink, or on the slopes, to compete with confidence. Smiles are worth protecting at every level of play. From Friday night basketball to Sunday morning ski runs, remember: a strong defense doesn’t just win games or carve turns, it also protects your family’s smiles.