Can You Chew Gum With Braces?

If you’ve just gotten braces, you might be wondering what foods and treats are still on the menu. Here at Kelson Orthodontics, we often get asked about gum chewing by our patients with braces. The good news? You don’t have to give up gum completely! However, there are some important things you need to know about chewing gum while wearing braces to protect your orthodontic work and keep your treatment on track.

The Risks of Chewing Gum with Braces

Chewing gum with braces isn’t as simple as it was before your orthodontic treatment. While it’s not completely off-limits, there are some real risks you should know about. The biggest concern is that gum can stick to your braces’ brackets and wires, potentially causing damage or creating a cleaning nightmare.

Think of your braces like a tiny obstacle course in your mouth. Regular gum, especially the sticky varieties, can wrap around brackets, get caught in wires, and even loosen parts of your braces. This isn’t just annoying – it could lead to expensive repairs and longer treatment time. Nobody wants that!

The good news is that these risks are totally avoidable if you make smart choices about the type of gum you chew and when you chew it. With the right approach, you can still enjoy gum while protecting your investment in braces.

Types of Gum That Are Safe for Braces

Not all gum is created equal when it comes to braces! The key is choosing gum that’s specifically designed to be less sticky and more braces-friendly. Orthodontists generally recommend sugar-free gum made with xylitol, which has a softer texture and dissolves more easily in your mouth.

Some braces-friendly gum options include:

• Ice Breakers Ice Cubes
• Orbit Sugar-Free Gum
• PUR Gum
• Spry Gum
• Xylichew
• Epic Xylitol Gum
• B-Fresh Gum
• Trident Sugar-Free Gum
• Dentyne Ice Sugar-Free Gum
• Eclipse Sugar-Free Gum
• 5 Sugar-Free Gum
• Extra Sugar-Free Gum

These brands make gum that’s less likely to stick to your braces and won’t turn into a sticky mess. They’re specially formulated to be softer and more dissolvable, which means they’re less likely to cause problems with your orthodontic work.

Stay away from bubble gum, gum with a hard sugar coating, or any gum that advertises “extra-long-lasting flavor” – these tend to be stickier and tougher to chew. Also, avoid gum that contains sugar, as it can increase your risk of cavities (which is already slightly higher when you have braces).

A good rule of thumb: if the gum feels super sticky or tough when you first put it in your mouth, it’s probably not the best choice for your braces. Stick to the softer, more dissolvable options, and you’ll be able to enjoy gum safely throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Sugar-Free vs. Regular Gum

When it comes to choosing between sugar-free and regular gum while wearing braces, sugar-free is the clear winner! Here’s why: regular gum contains actual sugar, which doesn’t just increase your cavity risk – it can also make the gum stickier and more likely to cling to your braces.

Sugar-free gum, especially those with xylitol, offers several advantages:

• Less sticky texture that won’t damage your braces
• Helps prevent cavities instead of causing them
• Dissolves more easily in your mouth
• Often contains teeth-friendly ingredients
• Safer for longer chewing sessions

Regular sugar-containing gum has some major drawbacks:

• Gets sticky and tacky as you chew
• Can feed harmful bacteria in your mouth
• More likely to damage brackets and wires
• Harder to remove if it gets stuck
• Increases your risk of developing cavities

Think of it this way: regular gum is like putting syrup on your braces – sticky, sweet, and asking for trouble. Sugar-free gum is more like a gentle mouth refresher that won’t cause chaos with your orthodontic work. While sugar-free options might cost a little more, they’re definitely worth it.

Benefits of Chewing Sugar-Free Gum

Believe it or not, chewing the right kind of gum while wearing braces can actually be good for your oral health! When done correctly, this simple activity offers several surprising benefits that can make your orthodontic journey more comfortable and successful.

First up, chewing gum increases saliva production – your mouth’s natural cleaning system. This extra saliva helps:

• Wash away food particles stuck around your braces
• Neutralize harmful acids that can cause tooth decay
• Keep your mouth feeling fresh between brushing
• Reduce dry mouth, which is common with braces

Sugar-free gum containing xylitol goes even further by:

• Fighting cavity-causing bacteria
• Strengthening tooth enamel
• Reducing plaque buildup around brackets
• Freshening breath naturally

Many orthodontic patients find that chewing gum can also:

• Provide relief from minor orthodontic discomfort
• Help massage sore gums after adjustments
• Reduce stress and tension in the jaw muscles
• Serve as a healthier alternative to snacking

Just remember – these benefits only apply when you’re chewing braces-friendly, sugar-free gum. Think of it as a helpful tool in your braces care toolkit, right alongside your special orthodontic toothbrush and water flosser.

Tips for Safe Gum Chewing with Braces

Want to enjoy gum safely with your braces? Follow these smart tips to keep your orthodontic work protected while still enjoying your favorite sugar-free gum:

• Start Small and Be Gentle: When chewing gum with braces, start with just a small piece – about half the size you’d normally chew. Take it slow and avoid any aggressive chomping that could damage your braces. Try to keep the gum toward your back teeth, where there is more room to chew safely. Whatever you do, resist the urge to pull or stretch the gum with your teeth, as this could cause the gum to get caught in your brackets and wires.
• Time it Right: Timing is crucial when it comes to chewing gum with braces. Give yourself at least 4 weeks after your initial braces placement before trying any gum, as your mouth needs time to adjust to the orthodontic work. It’s also wise to avoid gum for 2-3 days after wire changes or adjustments, as your teeth and gums may be sensitive during this time. Avoid chewing gum right before visiting your orthodontist, as it may interfere with their work. When you do chew gum, limit your sessions to 15-20 minutes to minimize the risk to your braces.
• Keep it Clean: Following some basic hygiene practices will make gum chewing with braces much safer. Always brush your teeth before popping in a piece of gum to ensure there’s no food debris that could get trapped. Keep a small mirror nearby so you can quickly check for any gum that might get stuck in your braces. Have water within reach – it can help dissolve the gum if needed and make removal easier. And remember the golden rule: always dispose of your gum properly in the trash and never swallow it, as this is especially important when wearing braces.
• Watch for Warning Signs: Always pay attention to how your braces feel while chewing gum. Stop immediately if you experience any discomfort, and make it a habit to check your braces after each gum-chewing session to ensure no pieces are stuck. If you do find gum caught in your braces, carefully remove it using your orthodontic cleaning tools. Don’t hesitate to contact your orthodontist if you notice any loose or bent wires – it’s better to address potential issues early than risk complications with your treatment.

Remember: when in doubt, spit it out! If you feel the gum becoming too sticky or notice it catching on your braces, it’s better to dispose of it than risk damaging your orthodontic work.

Final Recommendations

Let’s wrap up everything you need to know about chewing gum with braces. Here are your key takeaways for a safe and enjoyable gum-chewing experience:

The Do’s:

• Choose sugar-free gum with xylitol from our recommended brands list
• Start with a small piece and chew gently
• Wait at least 4 weeks after getting your braces before trying gum
• Keep your orthodontist informed about your gum habits
• Stick to short chewing sessions (15-20 minutes max)

The Don’ts:

• Never use regular sugar-containing gum
• Avoid bubble gum or extra-sticky varieties
• Don’t chew gum during adjustment periods
• Skip the gum if you notice any loose brackets or wires
• Never try to hide gum problems from your orthodontist

While it’s perfectly fine to enjoy sugar-free gum in moderation, always prioritize your orthodontic treatment. If you have questions about gum chewing or other aspects of life with braces, our team at Kelson Orthodontics is here to help. The success of your orthodontic journey is our top priority.