When you have braces, sometimes you just miss the simple things, like chewing a piece of gum. You might think it’s completely off-limits until your treatment is done. But can you chew gum with braces? The good news is that you don’t always have to say no. Following a few simple rules can make it safe for your brackets. This guide will give you the clear facts you need.
The Old Rule vs. The New Advice
For many years, orthodontists told every patient to stay away from gum. This was because older types of braces were not as strong, and most gum was loaded with sugar.
Today, modern braces are more durable, including the metal braces we use. The types of gum you can buy have also changed a lot, which leads to the new advice.
The Right Kind of Gum for Chewing with Braces
The most important rule is that you can’t just chew any kind of gum. There is only one type that is safe for your braces.
Why Sugar-Free Gum Is the Only Option
If you are going to chew gum, it must be completely sugar-free. Sugary gum is off-limits because the sugar can get stuck around your brackets and cause cavities.
However, chewing sugar-free gum can sometimes have benefits:
This is interesting because we know that in some cases, braces can help with TMJ issues by changing how your jaw works.
The Dangers of Chewing the WRONG Gum
Chewing regular, sugary gum is a bad idea when you have braces. It can cause real problems that might make your treatment take longer.
Here are the biggest dangers:
- It can bend your archwires. The sticky pulling can bend the thin wire that connects your brackets, which can move your teeth in the wrong direction.
- It can break off brackets. The force of chewing sticky gum can be strong enough to pop a bracket right off a tooth. This is true for both traditional and clear braces.
- It gets stuck everywhere. Sugary gum is super sticky and can get tangled in your brackets and wires, making it very hard to clean out.
- It can cause cavities. Sugar that sits on your teeth around your braces is a perfect recipe for tooth decay.
So, Can You Chew Gum with Braces? Our Final Verdict
Let’s answer the big question one more time. Yes, you generally can, but only if you follow a few very important rules.
Here are the Rules for Safe Gum Chewing:
Following these rules is just one part of learning how to choose the right braces for your lifestyle and caring for them properly.
What Other Foods to Avoid with Braces?
Gum isn’t the only thing you need to be careful with. Remember that a big part of successful treatment is avoiding foods that can cause damage.
Be sure to stay away from hard candies, sticky caramels, and popcorn. At Heinrichs Orthodontics, we give every patient a full list of instructions to help them succeed.
Smart Choices for a Healthy Smile
Your orthodontic journey is a partnership. You take care of your braces at home, and we guide your treatment in the office. With the right precautions, enjoying a piece of sugar-free gum is usually okay.
If you ever have questions or happen to break a bracket, please contact our office right away.
About the Author
Dr. Dean Heinrichs is a certified specialist in orthodontics in Saskatoon. He is dedicated to helping every patient feel comfortable and informed. He enjoys helping people of all ages achieve a healthy smile.
