Many get braces to correct orthodontic problems like dental crowding or teeth misalignment. With this kind of treatment, you’d have to adjust the kinds of foods you eat to prevent damage, but what about gum? Can you chew gum with braces without negatively impacting your dental treatment?
The professionals at Maldonado Orthodontics specialize in braces in Metairie, Louisiana, so we know how gum affects this kind of treatment. Continue reading to learn everything you need to know about chewing gum and whether it’s something you can enjoy while wearing braces.
Chewing Gum and Braces: What You Need to Know
Can you chew gum with braces? Technically, you can, but dental professionals typically advise against orthodontic care and gum chewing. Chewing gum risks with braces are plentiful.
Gum is sticky, which can cause the brackets on braces to loosen or twist the wires. Most gums contain lots of sugar. Cleaning and caring for teeth with braces is difficult enough, but the sugar in gum can contribute to tooth decay, plaque buildup, and gum disease over time.
You don’t want to prolong your orthodontic treatment unintentionally, but it’s a possibility if you chew gum with braces. If you have concerns about chewing gum and orthodontic health, consider these tips to keep your breath fresh and your braces in good condition.
Pick Braces-Friendly Gum Options
If you want to have gum while wearing braces, avoid hard, sticky, or sugary options like bubble gum. Instead, pick a sugar-free gum containing xylitol or sorbitol, sugar substitutes safe for teeth. This option has no sugar and is less sticky, making it less likely to affect your teeth or damage your orthodontic gear.
Don’t want sugar-free gum? You can freshen your breath and keep your dental hardware safe by doing the following:
- Sucking on sugar-free mint with xylitol
- Using sugar-free lozenges to freshen breath and stimulate saliva production
- Staying hydrated to prevent dry mouth
- Gargling with mouthwash
Don’t Ignore Your Oral Hygiene and Orthodontic Care
Practicing good oral hygiene is essential for your oral health and the effectiveness of your braces. Whether you chew gum or not, you should brush and floss your teeth daily to remove food particles and bacteria on and around your teeth and braces.
You should also follow any advice your orthodontist provides. Every patient is different, so if your dentist recommends engaging in or abstaining from certain practices, do your best to follow them. Failing to do so could jeopardize your treatment’s progress.
Use Gum in Moderation
Chewing gum helps stimulate saliva production, which is beneficial after meals. Increased saliva could help remove food particles from teeth. Unfortunately, too much gum chewing will cause more problems than it solves.
Whether you prefer bubblegum or something from the sugar-free variety, excessive gum chewing can put excessive strain on your braces. If you want to enjoy this treat while undergoing orthodontic treatment, you should only do so in moderation.
Chew Gum the Right Way
If you insist on chewing gum, you have to do more than pick a sugar-free one and enjoy it in moderation. Here are the best practices for chewing gum with braces:
- Only chew one stick or piece at a time
- Chew slowly and avoid snapping the gum to prevent it from sticking to your brackets and wires
- Keep the gum near your molars to minimize pressure on the front teeth
Learn More About Braces Maintenance and Gum Chewing
Can you chew gum with braces? At Maldonado Orthodontics, we believe it’s possible, but it’s essential to approach it thoughtfully to help protect your orthodontic appliance.
As one of the top providers of orthodontic care in Metairie, Louisiana, our clinic specializes in providing comprehensive, personalized services for children, teenagers, and adults. Our board-certified orthodontist and support staff take pride in educating patients about chewing gum, eating, and flossing with braces, ensuring comfort and treatment effectiveness. Maldonado Orthodontics in Metairie is here to help you improve your smile—call (225) 869-3753 to request a consultation.
