The fact is that chewing gum while wearing braces has both benefits and drawbacks. While some orthodontists advise against ever eating gum, others think it’s okay once in a while.

However, You might recall an orthodontist advising you that chewing gum and braces don’t go together. Continue reading to find out when it’s acceptable to chew gum during orthodontic treatment (and when it isn’t). We’ll also go over which gum is ideal to chew and which kind you should never use.

Is There A Gum Specifically Made For Braces?

Chewing gum and bubble gum are the two most common varieties of gum available today. Because chewing gum increases saliva, which can help neutralize oral acids and prevent tooth decay, chewing gum, which is often sugar-free, can actually assist to protect teeth against cavities. Although there isn’t a specific chewing gum for braces, you may pick between soft strips and firm pellets. To lessen the possibility of equipment being bent or damaged, it is preferable for those wearing braces to pick the softer strips.

Sugar, which is typically included in bubble gum, can cause cavities and tooth decay. Furthermore, bubble gum has a tendency to be stickier, making it worse for teens wearing braces since it might get caught between the brackets and wires.

How Can Someone With Braces Eat Gum?

It’s crucial to only choose sugar-free gum while chewing with braces since it’s less sticky and less likely to become trapped in your brackets. Fortunately, the materials used to build braces have become more flexible over time and allow you to benefit from having fewer cavities and fresher breath while chewing gum. Not yet persuaded? Speak to your orthodontist, who can offer helpful advice on how to eat gum while wearing the chosen device. Even while it’s crucial to chew gum thoroughly and clean your teeth after meals, you shouldn’t have to stop using it altogether.

Can You Chew Gum While Wearing Braces?

You should never chew sugar-containing gum, braces or no braces. This type of gum’s bacteria may stick to your teeth, which might lead to:

• Dental decay
• Cavities
• Gum illness

However, before you decide to chew gum, see your dentist or orthodontist. It might be challenging to determine exactly what materials may have been utilized in your braces.

Here are some advantages and disadvantages to think about if you eat gum while wearing braces.

Pros

• Gum without sugar might help you produce more saliva. This balances and removes acids produced when plaque bacteria on teeth break down meals and beverages.
• Gum chewing may lessen the impact and agony of having braces placed on teeth. 

Cons

• Whether sugar-free or not, chewing gum can harm braces. Gum is sticky, and it may readily attach to elastics and the brackets and wires of conventional braces (rubber bands).
• Gum can cause even flexible wires to bend, which negatively affects how well your braces work to straighten your teeth. Even a slight bend in a wire can cause teeth to slip out of alignment, delaying perfect alignment and adding several weeks to the treatment schedule.
• It’s possible that you’ll be tempted to remove the rubber bands while chewing gum. Your orthodontic treatment may last longer if you follow your orthodontist’s advice to keep your rubber bands in at all times.

What Additional Foods Should You Avoid Eating While You Have Braces?

There’s good news if your kid recently got braces or feels like they’re missing out on a lot of meals now that they have them: most foods won’t cause any problems. You may feed them the following without risk:

• Oats 
• Mashed potatoes 
• Pasta 
• Soup 
• Eggs 

The best foods for people wearing braces are generally those that are soft and hearty, complex carbohydrates, dairy, soft fruit and vegetables, and tender proteins. However, there are several meals that they should try to stay away from, such as:

• Hard lollies 
• Chips  
• Nuts 
• Popcorn 
• Caramel 
• Apples 

They should also stay away from sweet beverages. Foods that require crushing or forceful bites, as well as chewy and sticky foods, can all have an impact on the health of your teen’s teeth and their braces.

What Should You Do If Gum Catches In Your Braces?

Take the following actions if chewing gum becomes trapped in your braces:

• Brush off as much of the gum as you can using a gentle toothbrush. Avoid using excessive force or scrubbing. 
• Use dental floss to get rid of any gum that could still be stuck in your braces. This should make it easier to remove or lease the residual gum.
• Brush your teeth one again, gently.
• Use mouthwash or warm salt water to gently rinse.
• Inform your orthodontist if following these guidelines doesn’t completely remove the gum. The gum may be professionally removed by your dentist or orthodontist without harming or shifting the wires or brackets.

When Should You Get In Touch With An Orthodontist?

Even if you’ve completely removed any gum that may have found its way into your braces, let your orthodontist know. Without your knowledge, the gum can have slightly shifted the wires. If so, your orthodontist can examine your braces for movement and make any necessary adjustments.

If any of the following happens to you:

• Your cheek feels as though a wire has broken or is protruding from it.
• Your gums are sore, swollen, or painful.

How Can You Keep Gum From Getting Trapped In Your Braces?

The simplest way to prevent chewing gum from damaging your braces is to just stop doing it. Only chew after meals, and only for a short time, if you must.

Regular tooth cleaning and flossing will increase the advantages of consuming sugarless gum. Large amounts of water consumption can also help stop tooth decay. Keep in mind that maintaining clean braces helps to maintain clean teeth. If anything harms your braces, they might need to be worn for a longer time.

Final Words

Gum without sugar may harm braces if chewed. However, it could also assist teeth in other ways, like preventing cavities. Just keep in mind to stay away from sugar-containing gum.

Even if you use removable aligners and have braces, it may be advisable for you to cut back on your gum chewing if you do.