Now that you’ve got your braces, you may be wondering whether or not you can chew gum with them. For a long time, many orthodontists would advise against you chewing gum with braces. Gum could cause damage to your dental work and was full of sugar which could lead to cavities.
As time has changed, so has gum. Now there are many sugar-free gum options that people with braces can enjoy. Sugarless gum recipes are less sticky the regular gum, so they won’t stick to your braces as often.
Another way gum has become safer for braces is the advancement in the materials we use for braces. The materials currently being used for braces are more flexible and are less likely to become damaged by sugar-free gum.
Surprisingly, there are benefits to chewing sugar-free gum while wearing braces!
Braces can be uncomfortable. Some patients find that chewing gum can help alleviate the discomfort they are feeling in the jaws and ligaments.
While we don’t think of candy as something that prevents cavities, sugar-free gum can help! When chewing gum, you increase your saliva production. This, in turn, helps wash away food particles and bacteria in the mouth. Your braces often trap food particles, but by chewing gum, you can help wash them away, which is especially helpful if you’re unable to brush right after a meal.
This increase in saliva production also helps neutralize the acids in the mouth that come from food or are formed by oral bacteria. Saliva dilutes the acids and protects your enamel.
For chewing gum with braces, 4 out of 5 dentists recommend Trident, and so does Dr. King! Whether you chew Trident or want to try other brands, be sure to check that the gum is made with xylitol to ensure it is safe for braces and keeps your teeth cavity-free!
At King Orthodontics, we specialize in providing orthodontic care for children, teens, and adults! Schedule your appointment today, or contact us with any questions.