Can u chew sugar free gum with braces

For any teenager, getting braces can be a big change.

Not only will they have appliances in their mouths, but they will also have to make some lifestyle changes to ensure they protect their smile. This includes wearing a mouthguard when playing sport and avoiding certain foods such as nuts and hard lollies. When you think about it, that’s a small price to pay for straight and beautiful teeth, which your child will have for the rest of their lives.

Fortunately, there is one thing that teenagers don’t have to give up, and that’s chewing gum. Usually consumed after meals, regular chewing gum can help your child get fresher breath so they feel more comfortable in social situations. With a few helpful hints, it shouldn’t complicate your child’s orthodontic treatment.

• 1 Is there a special type of gum for braces?
• 2 How to chew gum with braces?
• 3 What if my teen breaks their appliances when chewing gum?

Is there a special type of gum for braces?

There are two main types of gum on the market – chewing gum and bubble gum. Chewing gum is usually sugar-free, and can actually protect teeth from cavities because it stimulates saliva, which washes away the sugars that might have remained on the teeth. While there is no special type of chewing gum for braces, you can choose out of soft strips or hard pellets. It is better to choose the soft strips for those with braces, to reduce the chance that appliances will be bent or broken.

On the other hand, bubble gum usually contains sugar, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Additionally, bubble gum tends to be more sticky, so it’s worse for teenagers with braces because it can get stuck between their brackets and wires.

How to chew gum with braces?

When chewing gum with braces, it’s important to select sugar-free options that are less sticky and reduce the risk of it getting stuck in your brackets. Luckily, the materials used to make braces have improved over time and are now more flexible so you can enjoy the benefits of less cavities and fresher breath while chewing gum. Still not convinced? Speak to your orthodontist who will provide handy hints for chewing gum with your selected appliance. While it’s important to chew gum completely and brush your teeth after meals, you should not have to cut it out completely.

What if my teen breaks their appliances when chewing gum?

Sometimes, if you have a very strong bite or if you are not careful, chewing gum can result in broken or bent appliances.  If any complications do arise from chewing gum you should contact your orthodontist immediately.

For these teens, it might be better to avoid chewing gum., But you may still want to freshen your breath. Mints that dissolve in your mouth are a great alternative. You can also drink water infused with the citrus flavours of lemon or lime – this will help you hydrate and freshen your breath at the same time.

If your teen is yet to begin their orthodontic treatment, use our Finder tool to search for a registered specialist orthodontist in your area.

Now, the Downsides to Chewing Gum While Wearing Braces

But not all gums work this way. When selecting the best types of gum for braces, we always discourage our patients from using any gums that contain sugar. Why? Because sugar stimulates the aforementioned bacteria-causing acid in your mouth, thereby negating the merits of increased saliva.

Additionally, because of its chemical makeup, sugary gum can be stickier than its sugarless counterpart. And this means it can more aggressively affix itself to metal appliances, getting wrapped up in wires and pulling elastic ties off brackets. And even if it doesn’t cause any physical damage to your braces, sugary gum can still lead to cavities by exposing your teeth to high levels of sugar for an extended time.

The Final Verdict on Gum and Braces

So, can you chew gum with braces? Yes. But before you do, the Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics team suggests that, while in braces, you only select sugarless gum, chew it in moderation, and always brush and floss around your wires and brackets after eating.

Be sure to check this list of sugarless chewing gums that meet ADA criteria to prevent cavities. And as always, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have about your braces and preferred gum.

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