Is chewing sugar free gum good for braces?

Having braces can be uncomfortable and inconvenient. Along with soreness and irritation, braces make enjoying snacks more difficult. Chewing gum is a popular snack for people of all ages. But is chewing sugar free gum actually good for your braces?

Can you chew gum with braces?

Many orthodontists say it’s okay to chew sugarless gum with braces as long as you choose the right type of gum. Gum that’s too hard or sticky can damage brackets or wires. Look for gum labeled as orthodontic or denture gum. These varieties tend to be firmer than regular gums, without being rock hard. Or look for gum with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, meaning it’s safe for teeth. Some examples of gum that get the orthodontic green light include Trident Sugarless Gum, Orbit Sugarfree Gum and Stride Sugarfree Gum.

Benefits of chewing sugar free gum with braces

Chewing sugarless gum provides several benefits when you have braces:

  • It can help satisfy a craving to chew or snack.
  • The chewing action increases saliva flow, which helps neutralize acids that cause cavities.
  • It can help dislodge food particles stuck in braces.
  • Xylitol in some sugarless gums inhibits cavity-causing bacteria.
  • It freshens breath.

Chewing for a few minutes after meals and snacks helps clean the mouth and braces. Just be sure to use gum that’s designed to be safe for orthodontic work.

Potential risks of chewing gum with braces

While sugarless gum is generally fine for braces, some potential risks include:

  • Some gum flavors and ingredients may stain braces.
  • Excessively hard, sticky or crunchy gum could damage brackets or wires.
  • Biting into or chewing large hunks of gum can loosen bands, brackets or other parts of the braces.
  • Chewed gum that’s swallowed could block intestines.

To avoid problems, follow your orthodontist’s recommendations on appropriate gums to chew. Only chew for a few minutes at a time. Chew slowly and don’t bite hard on a large piece of gum. Avoid gum with caramel, taffy or bubble gum-like textures that could adhere to braces.

Tips for safely chewing gum with braces

When chewing gum with braces, keep these tips in mind:

  • Choose a sugarless gum approved as orthodontic or denture gum.
  • Look for gums with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  • Steer clear of gum with caramel or super sticky textures.
  • Cut a piece of gum into small chunks instead of biting off a large hunk.
  • Chew slowly and gently, using only tooth surfaces, not biting hard into the gum.
  • Limit gum chewing to 5 or 10 minutes at a time.
  • Chew gum after meals to help clean braces.
  • Avoid gum flavors that could stain. Opt for mint instead of cinnamon-flavored gum, for example.
  • Discard gum as soon as it loses flavor instead of chewing forever.

What to do if gum gets stuck in braces

Even with precautions, gum can occasionally get stuck in braces. Don’t panic! Here’s what to do:

  • Use your tongue or finger to try gently prying the gum loose from the braces.
  • Rinse your mouth with warm water to help dissolve the gum.
  • Swish the water around for several minutes as you use your tongue to try dislodging the gum.
  • If gum gets tangled around the wires or brackets, don’t keep chewing as this could damage the braces.
  • Eat a firm or crunchy food like a carrot, apple or cracker to help free the gum.
  • As a last resort, call your orthodontist to remove gum stuck on braces. Don’t cut the gum off yourself.

Best and worst gum flavors with braces

Some gum flavors are better suited for chewing with braces than others. Here are some of the best and worst flavors:

Best Gum Flavors Worst Gum Flavors
Mint, spearmint, wintergreen Cinnamon, chocolate, bubble gum
Fruit flavors like citrus, berry, melon Butterscotch, caramel, peanut butter
Neutral flavors like ginger Banana, coconut, coffee

The best gum flavors for braces tend to be those that are minty,fruit-flavored or have a neutral flavor. Gum flavors to avoid include those that could stain, are sticky/tacky textures, or have a chocolate or other coating that could get stuck.

Chewing gum vs mints with braces

Both gum and mints can freshen breath when you have braces. Here’s how they compare:

  • Duration: Gum flavor lasts 15-20 minutes. Mint flavor lasts just a few minutes.
  • Flavor choices: More variety in gum, limited mint flavors.
  • Texture: Gum is rubbery, chewy. Mints are hard, dissolve easily.
  • Stickiness: Gum slightly stickier with greater risk of sticking in braces.
  • Braces cleaning: Gum is better for dislodging particles after eating.

For breath freshening, mints are quicker and easier. But gum is better for a longer-lasting clean feeling and helping clean braces after meals. Some orthodontists suggest using a mint followed by sugarless gum for maximum oral hygiene when you have braces.

How orthodontists feel about chewing gum with braces

Many orthodontists approve of chewing sugarless gum in moderation when wearing braces. They often advise choosing a harder gum marketed as orthodontic or denture gum. Stick to trusted brands that carry the ADA Seal of Acceptance.Limit gum chewing to about 10 minutes a couple times per day.

However, some orthodontists discourage regular gum chewing as the chewing action could potentially loosen brackets. Braces put added pressure on the jaw that can exacerbate any existing problems with the jaw joint or bite alignment. Constant vigorous gum chewing can contribute to this. Moderate gum chewing just a few minutes a day is less likely to cause issues.

Talk to your own orthodontist about whether they approve of chewing gum and if they recommend any specific types or precautions based on the details of your braces treatment plan.

Is gum chewing without braces different?

Chewing gum feels different with braces versus without. Some key differences include:

  • The chewing motion is restricted due to less space in the mouth.
  • Gum tends to stick more frequently in braces.
  • Harder pressure can damage brackets, bands or wires.
  • More attention is needed to go slowly and chew carefully.
  • Soreness of teeth adjusting to braces can make prolonged gum chewing uncomfortable.

Without braces you can chew gum more vigorously and mindlessly. With braces, a more gentle, careful and time-limited approach is needed. But the cleaning benefits for teeth and gum stimulation can still be achieved with attentive chewing.

Gum chewing tips from orthodontists

Here are some gum chewing tips from orthodontists for their patients with braces:

  • Chew sugarless gum only – never regular gum with sugar.
  • Limit gum chewing to 5-10 minutes one or two times daily.
  • Chew gently, slowly and carefully. Don’t bite hard.
  • Choose firmer gums recommended as denture or orthodontic gum.
  • Cut larger pieces into smaller chunks before chewing.
  • Chew gum up to an hour after eating to clean away debris.
  • Avoid super sticky, hard, crunchy or coated gums.
  • Opt for mild minty or neutral flavors to avoid stains.
  • Don’t try removing gum stuck on braces yourself.

Being attentive to chewing gently and limiting time chewing can allow you to get the benefits of gum without damage to your braces.

Chewing gum after getting braces removed

Once your braces are removed, you’ll likely have a period of wearing a retainer. At this stage your orthodontist may still advise limiting gum chewing. Reasons include:

  • Teeth are still settling into proper alignment.
  • Excessive chewing force could shift teeth.
  • Gum could damage or dislodge a removable retainer.

After the retention period ends, you can chew gum more freely. But your teeth may feel sensitive initially. Ease back into regular gum chewing gradually. Stick to sugar-free gum to protect your teeth from cavities. Avoid very hard, sticky or crunchy gums that could damage teeth.

Should gum chewing replace brushing/flossing?

While chewing sugarless gum has oral health benefits, it’s no substitute for brushing and flossing. Gum chewing helps remove some food particles and freshens breath. But it can’t remove plaque buildup. Brushing and flossing are still essential for cleaning teeth, gums and braces thoroughly. Chew gum in addition to your regular oral hygiene, not instead of brushing and flossing which should be done twice daily when you have braces.

Conclusion

When chosen carefully and chewed correctly, sugarless gum can be beneficial for cleaning teeth and braces. Just be sure to get your orthodontist’s approval and follow tips like chewing gently, limiting time chewing and avoiding gums with coatings or textures that could adhere to braces. Overall, allowing gum chewing during braces can provide satisfaction for patients craving something to chew on as well as some helpful oral health benefits.

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