Can You Chew Gum With Braces?: This Sticky Situation is Best Avoided

TL;DR:

• Chewing gum with braces isn’t recommended. It can stick to brackets and wires, causing damage and delaying treatment.
• Risks include broken brackets, loose wires, pain, and tooth decay.
• If you choose to chew gum, stick to soft, sugar-free options and chew gently for short periods only.
• Avoid sugary, fruity, or bubble gums, which are more likely to cause damage.
• Prioritize oral hygiene and regular orthodontic visits and consider safer breath-freshening alternatives instead of gum.

Can you chew gum with braces? Well, it is physically possible, so technically, yes. The more important question, and probably the one you’re really looking for an answer to, is “Should you chew gum with braces?” Truthfully? No. You should not chew gum with braces.

It’s important that if your kids or teens have braces, they understand why they’re being told “no”, and what their alternatives are.

Can I Chew Gum With Braces?

Chewing gum with braces is physically possible, but it’s not recommended. At The Super Dentists, we typically don’t recommend chewing gum with braces, in accordance with ADA guidance. Why exactly shouldn’t you chew gum with braces? Aside from the fact that gum is often on “foods to avoid with braces” lists, chewing gum and braces do not play well together. This often leads to a sticky situation. In other words, as orthodontists, it’s common for us to see patients with chewing gum stuck in braces. Not only that, gum often leads to popped or broken wires and other issues that can cause pain or delay treatment.

For those that eschew the typical advice regarding foods to avoid with braces (including gum), ensure that at the very least, these guidelines are followed:

• Make sure you only chew sugar-free gum that doesn’t contain any orthodontically damaging ingredients. Some examples are Orbit sugar-free and Trident sugar-free. These two brands have a soft texture, and the sugar-free nature makes them the safest choice for kids with braces.
• To reduce the risk of damaging your braces and wires, break the gum into small pieces and chew gently and mindfully.
• Avoid excessive force and be conscious of the pressure you apply when chewing.

Can You Chew Sugar-Free Gum With Braces?

For those who choose to chew gum with braces, as mentioned above, sugar-free is best.

It’s essential to avoid sugary gum, sticky or hard gums, and remember to remove gum before eating. If you experience any pain or discomfort while chewing gum with braces, consult your orthodontist for guidance.

What Types of Sugar Free Gum Are Best?

These are common options:

Orbit Sugar-Free Gum: Orbit is known for its soft texture and sugar-free options, making it a popular choice among people with braces.

Trident Sugar-Free Gum: Trident offers a variety of sugar-free gum flavors and is generally considered safe for those with braces.

Dentyne Ice Sugar-Free Gum: Dentyne Ice is another brand that offers sugar-free options and is often recommended for its soft texture.

Eclipse Sugar-Free Gum: Eclipse is known for its breath-freshening properties and is available in sugar-free varieties that are suitable for braces wearers.

We strongly recommend against chewing any fruity or child-minded gums like Bubble Yum or anything like that. Those are incredibly sugary and designed to be more tacky to aid in bubble blowing.

How Does Chewing Gum Affect Braces?

Is gum bad for braces? Generally speaking, the consensus is yes. Here’s why:

Broken Brackets or Loose Wires: Gum can get stuck in places it shouldn’t. Not only is this a problem in and of itself, but it can also lead to broken brackets or loose wires. This can create dental emergencies.

Pain and Discomfort: In the event that your child gets gum stuck in their braces or the brackets get bent, this will almost always lead to discomfort. These issues can cause soreness, which only creates more severe long-term issues.

Tooth Decay: Chewing gum that contains sugar when wearing braces increases the risk of tooth decay because the sugar can get stuck around your braces and cause cavities. This can lead to future pain and discomfort as well.

Important Tips for Gum and Braces Care

Here are some important tips to keep in mind if you or your child is chewing gum while wearing braces:

Have The Right Tools

Taking care of your braces is just as important as having them. That said, it requires a bit more effort to care for your teeth when you have braces.

We recommend using an orthodontic toothbrush and a water pick to help with cleaning around your braces and wires.

Flossing can be challenging with braces, so a floss threader or superfloss (a special type of dental floss with a stiff end) helps you navigate around wires and brackets.

Get Regular Checkups

Continue with your scheduled orthodontic appointments for adjustments and check-ups. Your orthodontist can also provide guidance on effective cleaning techniques and make any necessary adjustments to your braces.

It’s important that you stay on a consistent schedule to prevent long-term issues from arising with your braces.

Educate Yourself About the Risks of Chewing Gum

Most importantly, educate yourself and your children about the risks of chewing gum with braces. There are many other options on the market, like breath spray and mouthwash, to help get rid of bacteria and freshen breath. While gum may not always hurt you, it’s never necessary, and it could lead to more issues than it’s worth.

Final Thoughts

So, can you chew gum with braces? It is possible – but you probably shouldn’t.

Remember that maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial during orthodontic treatment to prevent issues like cavities and gum disease. Caring for your braces is just one step towards optimal oral health.

Are you or your child inquiring about braces or orthodontic treatment? We’re here to help in any way possible!

Contact The Super Dentists today to learn more about our pediatric dentistry services!

FAQs

What Will Happen If I Chew Gum with Braces?

Chewing gum with braces is not recommended. The American Dental Association (ADA) advises avoiding sticky foods like gum because they can cling to brackets and wires, making them harder to clean and more likely to break. This can lead to loose brackets, bent wires, and longer treatment time.

What Kind of Gum Can You Chew With Braces?

Orthodontists and the ADA recommend avoiding all gum while wearing braces. Even sugar-free gum can stick to appliances and cause damage. The safest choice is to wait until your braces come off.

Will Chewing Gum Loosen My Braces?

Yes, it can. Gum’s sticky texture can pull on brackets and wires, causing them to loosen or detach. When that happens, you’ll need a repair visit—and it may extend your overall treatment timeline.

How Do I Clean Gum Off My Braces?

If gum gets stuck, stop chewing immediately and rinse thoroughly with warm water. Gently brush with a soft toothbrush and use a water flosser to remove small pieces. If anything feels loose or damaged, contact your orthodontic office as soon as possible.