Regardless of whether you wear braces or not, protecting your smile while playing sports is essential. Mouth and jaw injuries are some of the most common injuries suffered by athletes. Mouthguards help protect the teeth and gums. Suppose you play basketball, boxing, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, lacrosse, martial arts, squash, rugby, track and field, skateboarding, skiing and snowboarding, skydiving, soccer, surfing, volleyball, water polo, weightlifting, or wrestling. In that case, it is recommended by the to wear a mouthguard.