Chewing Gum With Braces

Can You Chew Gum With Braces?

If you’ve ever worn braces, you might have wondered whether chewing gum with braces is okay! While most dentists and orthodontists do not recommend it, some allow you to have sugarless gum. So always ask your dentist or orthodontist before popping a piece of gum in your mouth.
Generally, dentists and orthodontists advise patients to steer clear of chewy and sticky foods to protect their braces, as these can tug on the wires and brackets. However, modern orthodontic appliances are much tougher. Thus, it is doubtful that chewing gum will damage them. That changed the old narrative of not chewing gum during your braces treatment.
On the contrary, chewing gum with braces can actually help prevent cavities, even if brushing your teeth isn’t always possible after a meal.

This blog highlights certain vital aspects to keep in mind if you want to chew gum while you are on braces. Let’s dive in!

Suger-free Gums

You can’t pick any gum from the market. You must stay away precisely from the ones laden with sugar and flavors. When considering chewing gum with braces, it’s best to opt for sugar-free types.
Not only can sugary gums adversely affect your teeth, but they can also cause bacteria to build up in your mouth. Plus, the stickiness of it may cling to your braces or other appliances, potentially causing damage.
The sugar-free varieties can be beneficial for those with orthodontics. Xylitol is an artificial sweetener that is often used in sugar-free gums. It can help prevent cavities by reducing the growth of bacteria causing decay.

A Temporary Solution

If you find yourself unable to brush your teeth after meals due to braces, you can use sugar-free gum as an alternative. Chewing gum can help remove food particles that accumulate in and around the brackets and wires, reducing the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Chewing gum increases saliva, which helps wash away the bacteria and acids that cause tooth decay and strengthens enamel by flushing them out. So, while it’s best to brush and floss regularly, sugar-free gum can be a helpful stand-in when you can’t reach your toothbrush.
Still, you need to consult your orthodontist about whether chewing gum with braces is safe for you.
But what if the gum gets stuck in your braces? Don’t panic! While this might be a sticky situation, you can take some simple steps to help get the gum out.

What Happens if You Eat Gum with Braces and it Gets Stuck?

If your gum gets stuck in your braces, follow these 5 steps to get rid of it:
1. Start by using a soft toothbrush to remove as much of the gum as you can gently. Be careful not to use too much force or scrubbing, as this can damage the wires and brackets of your braces.
2. Once you’ve brushed away as much of the gum as you can, use dental floss to lift or loosen any remaining gum carefully.
3. After the gum is gone, brush your teeth again gently.
4. To make sure any lingering pieces of gum are gone, rinse your mouth with mouthwash or warm salt water.
5. If these steps don’t entirely remove the gum, make sure to tell your orthodontist.

You can quickly and safely remove gum from your braces with a few simple steps. So don’t worry; just follow the steps above, and you’ll be good to go! If ever in doubt, consult your orthodontist!
So, can you chew gum with braces? You can if your orthodontist permits you to do so. But only choose sugarless gum and chew it sparingly. Also, constantly clean and floss around your wires and brackets after meals while wearing braces. Remember, it is crucial to be mindful of your gum-chewing habits if you wear braces.

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