Can you do Muay Thai with braces? The short answer is yes, you can do Muay Thai with braces, but you’ll need to take some precautions to protect your teeth and braces.
Tips for Doing Muay Thai with Braces
1. Wearing a Mouthguard
A mouthguard provides extra protection for your teeth and braces, reducing the risk of dental avulsion. It’s recommended to use a double mouthguard explicitly designed for mounts to provide the best protection. You can find these mouthguards online or at your local sports store.
2. Choosing the Right Braces
When starting Muay Thai with braces, choosing the right type of braces is essential. Traditional metal braces are the most common type but can be uncomfortable during training. Ceramic braces are a good alternative as they are less noticeable and more comfortable. Lingual braces are another option, as they are placed on the back of the teeth, making them less likely to interfere with training.
3. Communicating with Your Trainer
It’s important to communicate with your Muay Thai trainer about your braces. Let them know that you have braces and any concerns you may have. They can guide techniques to avoid or modify to reduce the risk of injury. Additionally, they may have experience working with students who have braces and can provide tips on making training more comfortable.
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4. Taking Care of Your Braces
Proper care of your braces is essential when doing Muay Thai. Make sure to brush and floss regularly to prevent any issues with your teeth and braces. Additionally, avoid eating hard or sticky foods that can damage your braces. If you experience any problems with your braces during training, such as a broken wire or bracket, let your orthodontist know as soon as possible.
Conclusion
As someone who has trained Muay Thai with braces, it is possible to do so safely with the proper precautions. Wearing a mouthguard specifically designed for braces and communicating with your training partners about your condition is important.
While risks are involved, such as dental avulsion, these risks can be minimized with proper protection and awareness. Additionally, some sources suggest that braces wearers may have an advantage in Muay Thai due to the added protection the mouthguard and headgear provide.
Ultimately, the decision to train Muay Thai with braces should be made in consultation with a dental professional and with a complete understanding of the potential risks and benefits. With the right preparation and mindset, however, enjoying the benefits of Muay Thai while keeping your braces safe and secure is possible.
