Can you chew gum with braces?

Getting your teeth straightened with braces is surely a tough road. Getting braces is a big step toward achieving that perfect smile, but they come with their fair share of restrictions and rules, and regulations. One question that pops up time and again is: Can you chew gum with braces? Whether you're new to orthodontic treatment or just curious, this blog will clear up the confusion, bust some myths, and give you practical guidance on braces and gum chewing guidelines.

Braces and sensitivity: what you need to know

Braces are dental tools that work by applying a gentle and gradual pressure, shifting your teeth into the correct position using brackets, wires, and plastic trays. Because of their intricate design, they're quite sensitive to pressure and sticky foods, which include chewing gum.

Types of braces

There are different types of braces:

Traditional metal braces

The most common and visible, made up of metal wires and brackets.

Ceramic braces

These are similar to metal but less noticeable.

Lingual braces

These are attached to the back of your teeth.

Clear aligners

These are removable plastic trays that give an invisible treatment.

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Each type reacts differently to chewing pressure and sticky substances. Traditional and ceramic braces are especially vulnerable, while clear aligners give you more freedom, but only when removed.

Is chewing gum safe with braces

Though it might be tempting to pop in a piece of gum, it's important to understand that gum chewing isn't generally recommended when you're wearing braces. In the past, orthodontists had a pretty strict “no gum” policy, and for good reason. Chewing gum can easily damage your braces and slow down your progress. However, over time, that hard stance has softened a bit. These days, many orthodontists are more flexible and may allow sugar-free gum for braces, especially those containing xylitol, as long as it's done occasionally and with care.

Still, even with this new leniency, the risks remain. So, if you want to stay on the safe side and keep your journey to a straighter smile smooth and hassle-free, it's best to skip the gum and stick to the recommended guidelines from your orthodontist.

Types of chewing gums to avoid

When you're wearing braces, it's important to be selective about the kind of gum you chew, because not all gums are created equal. Some types can do more harm than good, so it's best to skip these to protect both your braces and your teeth:

Sugary gums

Gums that contain sugar might taste great, but they're one of the worst choices for anyone with braces. Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth, leading to acid production that can wear down enamel and increase your risk of cavities.

Extra sticky gums

The stickier the gum, the more trouble it can cause. These types can cling to your braces, get stuck in hard-to-clean places, and even tug on wires or brackets, which may lead to unexpected visits to the orthodontist.

Hard gums

Some chewing gums are tougher in texture and don't soften easily, making them risky for braces. They can put excessive pressure on your brackets and wires, increasing the chance of damage.

Bubble gums

While bubble gum may feel soft and fun to chew, it can easily get wrapped around your braces and cause issues, like damaging or loosening the hardware.

Risk of chewing gum with braces

Chewing gum with orthodontic braces isn't always a smooth ride, and if not done carefully, it can lead to several issues. Have a look at some of them.

Damage to braces

Chewing gum can easily cause brackets to loosen or wires to bend and break. This often leads to unexpected trips to the orthodontist and can extend the length of your treatment.

Higher risk of cavities

Regular gum, especially the sugary kind, adds fuel to the fire when it comes to tooth decay and gum disease. Since it's already tough to keep teeth clean with braces, adding sugar only makes things worse.

Plaque buildup

Gum's sticky texture can trap food and plaque around the brackets and wires, increasing the chance of developing cavities and inflamed gums.

Enamel erosion

Sugary gum feeds bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acids that can wear down your enamel over time.

Disrupting tooth movement

The constant motion of chewing can interfere with how your teeth are supposed to shift, potentially delaying your results.

Safe scenarios for gum chewing

Let's talk about when gum with braces might be okay.

If your orthodontist gives the go-ahead, you can occasionally chew sugar-free gum for braces under these conditions:

• Your braces are well-maintained, with no loose wires or brackets.

• You're not experiencing any pain or soreness from recent adjustments.

• You choose a soft, non-sticky, sugar-free gum.

• You chew gently and avoid chomping or aggressive chewing motions.

Still, always consult your orthodontist before adding gum back into your routine.

Alternatives to chewing gum

For those who find comfort in the habit of chewing, there are viable substitutes to gum. These alternatives are given below:

• Sugar-free mints

• Breath sprays

• Hydrating with water

• Chewing on orthodontist-approved silicone chews

• Brushing or rinsing your mouth after meals

These options help avoid the complications of gum while keeping your mouth feeling fresh and clean.

Chewing gum with braces: Is it safe?

At the end of the day, chewing gum while wearing braces isn't a complete deal-breaker, but it's not an open invitation either. The old-school “no gum ever” rule has loosened up a little, especially with sugar-free options. Still, that doesn't mean all gums are safe or that you can chew freely without consequences. Whether it's the risk of broken brackets, bent wires, or just the hassle of cleaning sticky bits out of your braces, gum brings its fair share of challenges. If you're someone who can't resist chewing, talk to your orthodontist first and follow their advice closely. And if you're better off skipping gum altogether, no worries, there are plenty of safer, fresher alternatives to keep your mouth feeling clean and satisfied.

FAQs

What happens if I chew gum with braces? +

If you chew gum with braces, it will damage the wires and brackets of the braces. Also, it will increase the risk of tooth decay and damage.

What gum brands can you chew with braces? +

Try using sugar-free gums like Dentyne Ice, Eclipse, Extra, Ice Breakers, Orbit, Stride, and Trident if you are wearing braces.

Does gum stick to braces? +

Some hard and chewy gums can easily stick to your braces, causing damage to the wires and brackets.

What can't you eat with braces? +

With braces, avoid hard, sticky, and chewy foods like nuts, gum, caramel, and popcorn, as they can damage brackets and wires. Also, steer clear of crunchy snacks and foods that require biting into, like whole apples or corn on the cob. Stick to soft, easy-to-chew foods for a smoother treatment journey!

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