For anyone wearing braces, there are some changes they have to make to their diet and lifestyle habits to get the best results out of it. So when orthodontists tell teens and adults to avoid some foods with braces, a common question they get is, “Can I chew gum with braces?”
The short answer: Yes, you can. But there are some do’s and don’ts you’ll have to be mindful of. Keep reading to learn more about them.
What Orthodontists Say About Chewing Gum With Braces
In the past, you may have heard that dentists or orthodontists strictly said “no” to chewing gum while wearing braces. And even nowadays, with modern braces, many orthodontists still suggest being careful about it.
One of the reasons for that is that when you chew gum with braces, it may pull on your brackets or wires, causing them to become loose or pull off. That’s a serious problem. Even if one of your brackets becomes loose and you don’t get it fixed soon, it can compromise your treatment.
Orthodontists also recommend avoiding it because most chewing gums are loaded with sugar, which adds to the risk of cavities.
However, some orthodontists may allow sugar-free gum in limited amounts, depending on your treatment.
Can You Really Chew Gum With Braces?
With modern, more durable braces, yes, you can. But not all types of gums. The most common ones that you can find in the store are sugary gums and bubble gums, and they can increase the risk of damage and cavities for your teeth, especially for braces wearers.
So what type of gum can you chew with braces? Most orthodontists agree that sugar-free gums are usually a safer option. Unlike gums rich in sugar content, they have an artificial sweetener called xylitol, so you can still enjoy the sweet taste without risking your teeth.
Sugar-free gums also have different types, so to be on the safe side, you can opt for soft, sugar-free gum (only if your orthodontist approves).
How to Chew Gum With Braces?
Now that you know which type of gum is safe to choose, let’s get into how you can chew it with braces. You can chew it as you normally would, but you’ll have to be a little more gentle.
Chew gently, as too much force can cause gum to stick to your braces or loosen a bracket. Limit how often you chew it, and keep it brief to help with saliva and fresh breath.
Once you’re done and you have spit out the gum, it’s best to brush your teeth afterward. This helps get rid of any gum residue in your mouth.
What to Do If Your Braces Break Off While Chewing Gum?
If you have a strong bite or chew gum too hard, it’s possible that you may experience some issues with your braces. If the wire starts to feel loose or your bracket comes off, don’t wait until your next visit.
Call your orthodontist immediately and schedule a visit so that the problem can be fixed as soon as possible.
Final Words
Having braces doesn’t mean you have to give up on everything you like. Yes, you can chew gum with braces. But only by choosing the right type (sugar-free gums) and being more careful about it.
If you want to learn more about what you can and cannot do with braces, our orthodontist at Capital Springs Orthodontics is here to help! Call us today at (512) 447-6453 to book your appointment.