You might be wondering if you can still chew gum with your braces on. Many orthodontists told people with braces for a long time that they shouldn’t chew gum. Gum was full of sugar, which could give you cavities and hurt your teeth.
Gum has changed as times have changed. People with braces now have a wide range of sugar-free gums to choose from. Sugarless gum recipes are less sticky than regular gum, so they’re less likely to get stuck in your braces.
Also, the materials we use to make braces have changed, which makes it safer for people with braces to chew gum. Now, braces are made of materials that are less likely to break when you chew sugar-free gum and are more flexible.
Even though you have braces, there are some good reasons to chew sugar-free gum.
Why you should chew gum when you have braces
Chewing gum can help ease pain.
Sometimes braces are hard to get used to. Some people find that chewing gum helps to ease the pain they feel in their jaws and ligaments.
Tooth decay can be prevented by chewing gum without sugar.
We don’t think of candy as a way to avoid getting cavities, but sugar-free gum can! When you chew gum, your saliva flow goes up. In turn, this helps clean the mouth of food and bacteria. Food can get stuck in your braces, but chewing gum can help wash it out. This is helpful if you can’t brush your teeth right after eating.
This increase in saliva helps neutralize acids in the mouth that come from food or are made by oral bacteria. The enamel on your teeth can be hurt by acids, but saliva can protect it.
Many dentists and orthodontists say that Trident is the best gum to chew when you have braces. Make sure the gum has xylitol to make sure it’s safe for braces and keeps your teeth from getting cavities, whether you chew Trident or want to try other brands.
Braces for all ages.
At Ferris Orthodontics, we specialize in providing orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults! Schedule your appointment today, or if you have any questions, get in touch with us.
