Can you chew gum with braces | Yellow Teeth Solution

Can you chew gum with braces ,While chewing gum is generally not recommended when wearing braces, it is possible in moderation if certain precautions are follow . Gum poses some risks as the sticky substance can become lodged in brackets and wires or dislodge elastic bands if chewed too vigorously. 

However, soft gums that are carefully chewed and removed from the mouth before braces may become too coated pose less of a problem. It’s best to ask your orthodontist for specific guidance, as some types of movement may be more vulnerable to gum interference. Overall, chewing gum should be limited as much as possible during treatment.

Taking care to thoroughly clean braces after any gum chewing helps reduce risks of damage or delayed treatment.

Table of Contents

• can you chew gum with braces
• The Risks of Chewing Gum with Braces
  • Bracket Bond Strength 
  • Staining 
  • Increased Plaque 
  • Gum Lodging Risks 
  • Tooth Movement Delays 
  • Sensitive Teeth & Gums 
  • Monitoring Progress Closely 
• Best Practices for Chewing Gum With Braces
• What gum can you chew with braces
• Key takeaways

can you chew gum with braces

Gum poses a risk of getting stuck in braces, which can be difficult to remove and cause damage when peeled off. Sticky residue left behind attracts more plaque and bacteria. Vigorously chewing gum runs the risk of applying excessive force to brackets and wires, which can potentially loosen attachments or slow tooth movement.

Gums sweetened with sugar pose a higher risk of cavities developing around braces, under brackets, and in difficult to reach spacings. The sugars sit and pool without proper clearance.

Chewy or sticky gums make braces much harder to keep clean afterwards. Thorough brushing and flossing is needed to try to remove gum debris and prevent decay. Soft, non-sticky gums may be okay in moderation if chewed carefully, then removed with fingers before braces get coated. Xylitol gum could also help prevent decay. Ask your orthodontist for specific advice. Chewing gum is generally not forbidden but should be limited as much as possible during active treatment.

Using toothpicks afterward can also help clean braces more effectively if gum is chewed occasionally. Limiting gum helps reduce risks of damage, delays, and cavities with braces in place. Taking precautions is best if chewing gum.

The Risks of Chewing Gum with Braces

For many braces wearers,they concern about question that can you chew gum with braces. Chewing gum is strictly off-limits. But could occasional gum be okay if done carefully? Let’s take a closer look at the potential risks to consider.

Bracket Bond Strength

The adhesive used to secure brackets to teeth relies on a curing process to fully harden. Vigorous chewing with braces still settling in may stress new bonds before they reach peak strength. This increases the chance of loose or popped off brackets over treatment time if gum is chewed excessively early on. Give brackets at least 2 weeks to fully cure bonds first.

Staining

Artificial dyes in gum are major staining culprits for brackets. Chewing repeatedly brings these pigments into contact with metal surfaces. Not thoroughly rinsing away residues lets stains develop gradually over months of contact. Dark stains are difficult to remove and affect the whiteness of teeth behind finished braces. Choose dyes-free gums or be meticulous cleaning afterward.

Increased Plaque

Trapping food between brackets expands surface area for bacterial plaque formation. Gum risks leaving sticky bits between wires or lodging in embrasures. Plaque leads to higher acid levels causing demineralization, cavities and gum disease if not promptly removed through diligent brushing and flossing. Daily cleanings curb gum-caused plaque risks.

Gum Lodging Risks

Hard biting or chomping risks gum wedging tightly between archwires and brackets. Flossing it out completely may be challenging without proper technique. Excess tugging risks bracket damage or wire bending. Stuck gum blocking brushing cleans only plaque buildup and potential decalcification under it. Careful chewing minimizes lodging potential.

Tooth Movement Delays

While minimal, forceful chewing with gum could theoretically disrupt light orthodontic forces shifting teeth gradually over months. Settling new positions requires avoiding excessive jaw pressure in early treatment phases when teeth are most mobile. Limit or avoid gum until tooth alignment gains stability.

Sensitive Teeth & Gums

Braces affect oral sensation temporarily as teeth adjust. Pressure from gum chewing could exacerbate existing tooth soreness as nerves resettle beneath fixed brackets. Tender gums due to gum disease or periodontitis may not tolerate vigorous gum action either until healing. Proceed carefully if teeth, roots or gums feel at all tender.

Monitoring Progress Closely

Any potential interferences like gum could subtly stall treatment. Maintain regular visits to catch minor slips promptly before affecting the final result. Your orthodontist determines risks versus your individual case needs best. Their guidance helps weigh effects of altered chewing behaviors to periodontal health and mechanics outcomes.

Potential risks come down to technique, personal factors and orthodontist oversight. With care and moderation, occasional gum may pose minimal threats for many cases. Overall oral hygiene and following the expert’s advice keeps your smile goals on track safely.

Best Practices for Chewing Gum With Braces

Here are some best practices if you do decide to chew gum while wearing braces:

• Only chew gum made with xylitol, as it helps prevent decay. Avoid sticky, chewy, or heavily sugared gums.
  
• Cut the gum into small pieces that are easy to chew and remove. Don’t vigorously chew large pieces.
  
• Chew the gum for only a short time, such as 5 minutes maximum, before removing it from your mouth.
  
• Use your fingers to carefully remove any gum from behind brackets and wires. Don’t try to peel it off with your teeth.
  
• Brush your braces thoroughly after chewing gum, paying extra attention around wires and in between brackets where residue collects.
  
• Floss tightly around each bracket to dislodge any stuck gum fibers.
  
• Rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to kill germs nurtured by sugars.
  
• Ask your orthodontist if interdental brushes fit into smaller spaces to help clean.
  
• Stick to occasional chewing at most, like once or twice per week, to be on the safe side.
  
• Always speak to your orthodontist first before beginning to chew gum during treatment.
  

Limiting gum and ensuring excellent cleaning is key to minimizing potential risks if you do chew it while wearing braces.

What gum can you chew with braces

If you’re craving something to chew on while having braces treatment, there are some safer alternatives to chewing gum. Sugar-free candies or mints are ok as they dissolve quickly in the mouth without leaving residue. Xylitol options even help prevent tooth decay. 

You can also try chewelry like silicone or plastic bracelets that satisfy the urge to chew harmlessly. Staying hydrated by sipping water throughout the day fills the oral cavity in a healthy way. Chewing on ice cubes provides a cooling sensation without sugar. Even toothpicks can be used carefully to clean between brackets after eating.

Stress balls or fidget toys provide a similar distraction for the hands. It’s best to avoid gum, but finding substitutes can help curb cravings without risking damage to expensive braces during treatment.

Key takeaways

• Gum can get stuck in braces . Risk of damage removing stuck gum.
  
• Increases plaque and decay . Gum residue hides in braces promoting bacteria.
  
• Ask your orthodontist . Check their recommendations as every case differs.
  
• Limit chewing . No more than 1-2 times weekly and clean well after.
  
• Alternatives are safer . Try mints, teething toys or ice cubes instead of gum.