Orthodontic braces or Invisalign work best to correct the distorted shape of teeth and structure. They are the first option in the correction of tooth alignment. However, for a successful braces treatment, some lifestyle adjustments, especially dietary, need to be made.
And before limiting dietary intakes, most people have one common question: can u have gum with braces?
We have compiled a comprehensive article to guide you through the process and debunk can you chew gum with braces or not. In this tutorial, you will discover everything about gum chewing risks, advice, and myths of safety with braces, as well as how to continue your orthodontic treatment.
Can You Chew Gum with Braces?
Orthodontists always recommend that you should avoid chewing gum with braces undergoing orthodontic treatment with braces. They were scared of the fact that the gum might get stuck to the wires and brackets and thus cause hygiene problems or even harm.
Sugar-free chewing gums, especially those that contain xylitol, are considered less risky. Some orthodontists allow gum, but in limited quantities. But before you begin with that piece of gum smacking away, here’s something you should know about why gum is risky and can you chew gum with braces safely if it’s approved.
Why is Chewing Gum with Braces a Concern?
Even though chewing gum during work or school may seem like a great idea, chewing with braces is more detrimental to you than you think. When you chew gum, it becomes lodged in your braces’ wires and is hard to come out.
On certain occasions, gum will loosen or bend wires and brackets, necessitating unscheduled orthodontic appointments. Even sugarless gum can be a problem by interfering with where your braces are placed. To achieve a quick and simple outcome, best to stay away from the chewing gum with braces.
Risks of Chewed Gum with Braces
- Stranded in Brackets and Wires: Gum, especially sweet or sticky gum, tends to stick to brackets or get stuck in the spaces of your braces. Removing it is a nuisance and may even require the services of an orthodontist.
- Wires that are Bending or Breaking: Normal chewing, especially with hard gum, may put tension on the slender wires of your braces. They may bend, loosen, or even break, extending the treatment time.
- Increased Risk of Cavities: Sugar gum facilitates the development of bacteria, and with braces on, food and sugar become susceptible to getting trapped. This increases the chances of tooth decay and white spot lesions, nobody’s idea of fun after their braces have been removed.
- Misalignment Issues: If the gum interferes with the tensioning of the wires or the positioning of the brackets, it can compromise the alignment process and lead to uneven outcomes
Today, highly advanced practitioners like Aidite utilize the most current technology and skills available, stress patient-by-patient assessment before allowing any gum-chewing, taking into account the unique configuration of each patient’s orthodontic setup.
What Should Be Done When Gum Gets Stuck in Braces?
Got gum caught in your braces? Don’t worry, this is your simple step-by-step guide on how to remove it safely without ruining your braces.
- Step 1: Rinse with Warm Water: Wash mouth with lukewarm water for 30–60 seconds. And prepare your mouth to loosen your gum and remove it easily.
- Step 2: Ice-Hardening (If Necessary): If the material is still sticky, place an ice cube covered in a paper towel over the area in question for 10 to 15 seconds. It hardens the gum so that it will peel off without smudging or warping.
- Step 3: Gently Pick with Orthodontic Tools: Gently dislodge gum between brackets and wires using a soft interdental brush or an orthodontic proxy brush.
- Step 4: Gently Floss: Apply orthodontic floss or a threader floss to thread in between your teeth and under the wires. This removes gum from pesky areas without applying too much pressure.
- Step 5: Inspect in the Mirror: Employ a dental mirror or use your cell phone camera in selfie mode to inspect your braces. Inspect for any remaining gum, especially around bands or brackets.
- Step 6: Brush Thoroughly: Carefully brush your teeth and braces with a soft-bristled toothbrush following gum removal, brushing the sticky shreds away, and having your mouth feel clean.
We also recommend following a routine of dental checkups to keep your tooth structure intact during the treatment of braces.
Do’s & Don’ts: Chewing Gum with Braces
Can you chew gum with braces, If yes, then doing so safely will be achieved with the following rules:
| ✅ Do’s | ❌ Don’ts |
| Chew sugar-free gum only | Don’t chew sticky or sugary gum |
| Chew gently and slowly | Don’t chew for extended periods |
| Brush your teeth afterwards | Don’t ignore discomfort or gum getting stuck |
| Consult your orthodontist before making it a habit | Don’t chew if wires feel loose or if you’ve had adjustments recently |
By being aware, you minimize the risk of unwarranted complications that might slow your treatment or influence outcomes.
What Do Orthodontists Suggest?
Most orthodontists recommend being careful with gum chewing during orthodontics. Although some research indicates that sugar-free gum does not hurt braces and can even decrease pain, most practitioners are careful. They do not want gum to stick to brackets, to bend wires, or to make them more susceptible to plaque.
The simple answer to the question, “Can you eat gum with braces” most orthodontists advise avoiding chewing gum with braces. While there are reports showing that sugar-free gum is not damaging to braces and can reduce soreness, most professionals are cautious. They are worried that gum may stick to brackets, buckle wires, or make them more prone to plaque accumulation.
Why the divided opinion?
It usually depends on the kind of braces, treatment stage, and patient oral care. Those with perfect oral habits and less complicated hardware may be more allowed.
Top dental professionals, such as the specialists at Aidite, who utilize digital scanning and high-precision machining in their practice, advise tailored recommendations based on your specific case instead of using general rules for all patients.
Alternatives to Chewing Gum with Braces
Got gum caught in your braces? Worry not, this is your simple, step-by-step guide to safely removing it without ruining your braces.
- Use Sugar-Free Gum: Sugar-free gum, especially those that contain xylitol, is safer overall. Xylitol inhibits bacteria that lead to cavities and may even stimulate saliva production, which opposes the destructive acids in the mouth.
- Avoid Sticky or Hard Gum: Stay away from bubble gum, sweetener-flavored gums, and the one brand that is extra chewy. These will have a higher chance of getting stuck in your braces or applying mechanical stress to the brackets.
- Orthodontist-Approved Brands (if permitted): There are some brands that orthodontists recommend:
- Orbit Sugar-Free Gum
- Extra Sugar-Free Gum
- Trident with Xylitol
- Chewing sugar-free licorice root or fennel seeds: A home treatment for mouth stimulation.
- Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Carrots, apples, and celery (cut into small pieces) can be a great exercise for your mouth.
- Hydration and water-based mouth rinses: Dry mouth in most cases results in the urge to chew; being well-hydrated prevents this.
Always consult with your dental care team before coming to a conclusion that can you chew gum with braces, even if the gum is sugar-free.
Can Chewing Gum Help with Braces?
Surprisingly, chewing gum can provide lots of advantages when used in the right way:
- Relieves pain: Following visits where the alignment had been adjusted successfully, careful chewing can relieve the pressure that has built up over time.
- Stimulates saliva production: This activity is highly effective at neutralizing acids generated by plaque and protects against enamel erosion.
Strengthening the power of oral health is most effective when xylitol gum use is integrated into daily routines: The xylitol in the gum can reduce the amount of bacteria that can be detrimental to the mouth.
Conclusion
So, can you chew gum with braces? Yes, technically, but under certain circumstances. If you use sugar-free gum with xylitol and are careful to do what your orthodontist tells you to do, it may even be mildly helpful. But the dangers of gum attaching to brackets, breaking wires, or promoting decay are still there.
Always seek the advice of your orthodontist before chewing gum. And don’t forget, experts such as the staff at Aidite, with the latest technology and deep-reaching dental expertise, prefer customized orthodontic treatment because every two braces experience is unique.
FAQ
What happens if one chews gum with braces on?
There is the potential for loose brackets, displaced wires, or jammed gum when chewing the incorrect type of gum, and it can extend treatment or involve additional orthodontic appointments.
Does gum stick to braces?
Yes, especially sticky or sugary gum. Even sugar-free gum sticks at times when chewed aggressively or for a long duration.
Do braces push your gums backward?
Braces will not make your gums push back, but gum recession or gum inflammation may occur if you do not use good oral hygiene. Good oral hygiene must be used.
Can you chew gum with Invisalign?
Invisalign will not push your gums back, but there will be gum recession or inflammation if you don’t take care of your teeth and mouth. Proper oral hygiene is essential.