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Getting braces can be a big change for your mouth and daily habits. One question that many people ask is, Can you chew gum with braces? It’s important to know the answer because chewing gum can either help or hurt your braces. In this article, we’ll talk about whether or not it’s safe to chew gum with braces and share some helpful tips to protect your smile along the way.
Can You Chew Gum With Braces?
The short answer is yes, but it depends on the type of gum. When you have braces, it’s essential to be careful about what goes into your mouth. Chewing the wrong kind of gum can damage your braces and cause discomfort. But, if you choose sugar-free gum, it can actually be beneficial. Sugar-free gum helps increase saliva flow, which cleans your teeth and braces naturally. However, always check with your orthodontist before making gum a regular habit.
Why Regular Gum Is Harmful to Braces
Can You Chew Gum With Braces? Traditional gum contains sugar and is sticky. This sticky texture can cling to your braces, getting stuck between the brackets and wires. Over time, it may cause damage to your braces and even lead to tooth decay because sugar feeds harmful bacteria. Regular gum can also bend or loosen the wires, which may mean more trips to the orthodontist and a longer treatment time.
Orthodontists’ Views on Chewing Gum with Braces
Generally speaking, orthodontics has opposed chewing gum while wearing braces. The basis for this advice is the possible harm that gum chewing may cause, which could have an impact on the outcome of your orthodontic treatment as well as the general health of your teeth.
Risk of Damage – Chewing gum can cause brackets to come loose or wires to bend or break, leading to unexpected orthodontic adjustments and potentially lengthening your treatment time.
Higher Risk of Tooth Decay – Sugary gum can raise the chance of gum disease and tooth decay, which is already a concern with braces since it’s harder to clean thoroughly around the brackets and wires.
Plaque Build-Up – Gum’s tendency to linger around can trap food particles and plaque around braces, increasing the risk of gum disease and cavities.
Enamel Erosion – Chewing sugary gum feeds bacteria in the mouth, leading to increased acid production, which can cause erosion of enamel.
Interference with Treatment – Continuous chewing may disrupt the targeted tooth movement, which could increase the duration of your treatment.
Suger-free Gums
Can You Chew Gum With Braces? There’s not a single gum on the market. Avoiding those that are overly sweetened and flavor-laden might be beneficial. It’s best to use sugar-free gum if you wish to chew gum while wearing braces.
Sugary gums can lead to bacteria accumulation in your mouth in addition to having a negative impact on your teeth. Furthermore, its sticky nature could cause injury if it sticks to your braces or other appliances.
Those who have orthodontics may benefit from the sugar-free variety. Artificial sweetener xylitol is frequently found in gums without added sugar. Since it prevents the growth of bacteria that cause decay, it can help prevent cavities.
Also Read: Can You Chew Gum With Braces? Tips to Protect Your Smile
Benefits of Sugar-Free Gum for Braces
While sugary gum can be harmful, sugar-free gum is a different story. Sugar-free gum has a smoother texture and doesn’t stick to your braces. Here are some key benefits:
- Boosts Saliva Production: Chewing sugar-free gum stimulates saliva, which cleans your braces of bacteria and food particles.
- Prevents Dry Mouth: Wearing braces can sometimes make your mouth feel dry, but chewing gum can help keep your mouth moist and comfortable.
- Freshens Breath: Sugar-free gum can also help freshen your breath, a helpful bonus if you’re wearing braces for a long period.
What to Do If Gum Gets Stuck in Your Braces
Follow these five simple steps to remove gum if it gets stuck in your braces.
- Start by gently using a soft toothbrush to remove as much gum as possible. Avoid scrubbing too hard to prevent damaging the wires and brackets of your braces.
- Once you’ve cleared most of the gum, carefully lift or release any last fragments, and use tooth floss.
- After the gum is removed, brush your teeth again softly.
- To ensure all traces, rinse your mouth with warm salt water or mouthwash to make sure all gum particles are gone.
- Should these actions fail to eradicate the gum, be sure to inform your orthodontist.
Tips for Safely Chewing Gum With Braces
If you choose to use gum in conjunction with your braces, follow these simple tips to protect your smile:
- Choose Sugar-Free Gum: To prevent the sticky, sugary mess that might damage your braces, always choose sugar-free gum.
- Chew Slowly and Gently: Aggressive chewing can damage your brackets and wires, so take it slow and chew gently.
- Limit Gum Chewing Time: While chewing gum can help clean your teeth, it’s best to limit it to a short time—just long enough to boost saliva and freshen your breath.
- Stay Consistent With Oral Care: Even if you chew gum, you still need to keep your teeth and braces clean; you should brush and floss frequently.
Can Chewing Gum Help With Brace Pain?
Can You Chew Gum With Braces? Some people experience discomfort after getting braces tightened. Sugar-free gum can actually be helpful. The act of chewing can gently massage your gums and provide some relief. Just be careful not to overdo it or chew it for too long. Click Here For More Information About Health.
Alternatives to Chewing Gum With Braces
If you’re unsure about chewing gum with braces, some other great alternatives can help keep your mouth fresh and clean:
- Mints: Sugar-free mints can give you fresh breath without the risk of damaging your braces.
- Water: Getting lots of water aids in removing bacteria and food particles from the body and Keeping your mouth hydrated.
- Crunchy Veggies: Munching on crisp vegetables like carrots or celery can help clean your teeth naturally.
So, can you chew gum with braces? The answer depends on what type of gum you choose. Stick to sugar-free gum, chew gently, and always ask your orthodontist for advice. Chewing the right kind of gum can even help clean your teeth, but it’s essential to follow safe practices to protect your braces and keep your smile looking great.