So, you've got braces, and that delicious pack of gum is calling your name. But is chewing gum with braces a good idea? The short answer is: generally, no. While the occasional slip-up might not cause catastrophic damage, regularly chewing gum with braces significantly increases your risk of several dental problems. Let's delve into the details.
What Happens When You Chew Gum With Braces?
Chewing gum, especially the sticky, sugary kinds, presents several challenges for those with braces:
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Increased risk of broken brackets: The force exerted while chewing can dislodge or break your brackets, delaying your treatment and potentially requiring costly repairs. This is especially true with tougher gums or aggressive chewing.
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Damage to wires: Sticky gum can cling to your wires, bending them out of place or even breaking them. This can cause discomfort and again, delay your treatment timeline.
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Increased plaque buildup: Sugar-laden gum provides a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to increased plaque buildup around your braces. This can result in cavities, gum disease (gingivitis), and even tooth decay. Even sugar-free gum can contribute to plaque if not followed by diligent brushing and flossing.
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Difficulty in cleaning: Gum residue can make it harder to effectively clean your teeth and braces, exacerbating the risk of plaque accumulation and related problems.
What Kinds of Gum Are Especially Bad for Braces?
Avoid these types of gum like the plague:
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Sugary gum: The sugar content feeds bacteria, promoting cavities and gum disease.
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Sticky gum: The stickiness makes it more likely to get stuck in your braces, causing the damage mentioned above.
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Tough, chewy gum: The force required to chew this type of gum significantly increases the risk of bracket breakage.
What About Sugar-Free Gum?
While sugar-free gum avoids the cavity-causing sugars, it's still generally not recommended. The stickiness and chewing force still present risks to your braces and oral hygiene. The increased difficulty in cleaning after chewing sugar-free gum also offsets any potential benefits.
Can I Ever Chew Gum With Braces?
The occasional accidental piece of gum is unlikely to cause significant harm. However, making it a habit is strongly discouraged. If you crave chewing, consider sugar-free alternatives like:
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Sugar-free hard candies: These are less sticky and exert less force than gum.
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Chewing on sugar-free vegetables: Carrots and celery sticks offer a healthy alternative to satisfy chewing cravings.
What Should I Do If a Bracket Breaks?
If you experience a broken bracket or wire, contact your orthodontist immediately. Don't attempt to fix it yourself, as this could cause further damage.
How Can I Maintain Good Oral Hygiene With Braces?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial when wearing braces. This includes:
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Brushing: Brush your teeth thoroughly at least twice a day, using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Pay special attention to cleaning around and under your brackets and wires.
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Flossing: Floss daily, using a floss threader to get under the wires effectively.
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Using an interdental brush: These tiny brushes help clean between your teeth and under your wires.
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Rinsing with mouthwash: An antibacterial mouthwash can help control bacteria and freshen your breath.
By following these tips and avoiding gum altogether, you can protect your braces and maintain a healthy smile throughout your orthodontic treatment. Remember, your orthodontist is your best resource for advice on maintaining good oral health while wearing braces.
