Can You Chew Gum with Braces? Here’s What Orthodontists Say

July 16, 2025

When you first get braces, there’s a lot to learn about what you can and can’t eat. But one of the most common questions patients ask is: Can you chew gum with braces?

Whether you love gum for freshening your breath, helping with focus, or simply out of habit, it’s tempting to keep chewing even after getting braces. However, orthodontists have clear guidance on this topic, and understanding it can help you avoid unnecessary setbacks in your treatment.

In this blog, we’ll cover why gum can be a problem with braces, what orthodontists recommend, potential exceptions, and safer alternatives to keep your mouth feeling fresh.

Why Do People Want to Chew Gum?

Chewing gum is incredibly popular around the world. Many people rely on it to keep their breath fresh after meals, manage stress, or stay focused during long days at school or work.

Some also enjoy gum for its taste and texture – it’s a simple pleasure that can feel comforting. If you’ve had the habit for years, it can be especially difficult to stop once you start orthodontic treatment.

But before you reach for that stick of gum, it’s important to understand what it can do to your braces and your overall oral health.

Can You Chew Gum with Braces? Orthodontists Weigh In

No. Most orthodontists recommend avoiding gum because it can:

Break brackets
Bend wires
Get stuck around braces
Increase cavity risk

Choose sugar-free mints or mouthwash instead.

So, can you chew gum with braces? The short answer: most orthodontists strongly recommend that you don’t.

Here’s why:

Damage to wires and brackets: Gum is sticky and stretchy, which can easily pull on wires and loosen brackets. This damage may require extra appointments to repair and can delay your treatment timeline.
Getting stuck in your braces: Once gum sticks to the braces, it’s difficult to remove completely. It can wrap around brackets and wires, creating a sticky mess that attracts plaque and bacteria.
Increased risk of cavities: Many types of gum contain sugar. With braces making it harder to clean your teeth thoroughly, sugary gum can increase your risk of cavities and tooth decay.

Some orthodontists may allow sugar-free gum in very rare situations, but this is not common. Always check with your orthodontist before assuming it’s safe.

Risks of Chewing Gum with Braces

Let’s break down the risks more specifically so you can see why skipping gum is the best choice during your braces journey.

Broken brackets and bent wires

When you chew gum, the constant sticky pulling force can easily break brackets or bend wires out of shape. This can disrupt the alignment process and might mean extra visits to your orthodontist.

Gum stuck in hard-to-reach areas

Gum can wrap around your brackets and wires, making it almost impossible to remove with normal brushing and flossing. It can stay trapped, allowing bacteria to grow and causing bad breath, staining, or decay.

Delayed treatment progress

If your braces are damaged, your treatment schedule gets pushed back. You might need to wear braces longer than planned, which is something most patients definitely want to avoid.

Increased plaque buildup

Sticky gum can hold onto food particles and bacteria, leading to plaque buildup around your braces. This can cause inflammation, tooth decay, and gum disease if not properly cleaned.

White spots are one of the most common side effects of poor hygiene during braces. Find out what causes them and how to prevent them.

Are There Any Exceptions?

While most orthodontists say a clear “no” to chewing gum with braces, there are a few rare exceptions.

Some orthodontists may allow sugar-free gum, particularly those sweetened with xylitol. Xylitol can help increase saliva flow and reduce cavity-causing bacteria.

However, even sugar-free gum can still get stuck in your braces and cause damage if you aren’t careful. Just like choosing the right mouthguard for braces depends on your treatment plan, gum use should only be allowed if your orthodontist explicitly approves it.

Remember, every patient’s treatment plan is different, and what might be allowed for one person could be risky for another.

Alternative Ways to Keep Your Breath Fresh

If you’re worried about bad breath without gum, don’t stress. There are several safe and effective ways to keep your breath fresh while wearing braces.

Sugar-free mints

Mints dissolve rather than stick, making them a safer option than gum. Just make sure they are truly sugar-free to avoid increasing your risk of cavities.

Excellent oral hygiene

Brush at least twice a day and floss daily. Using an interdental brush or water flosser can help you clean around brackets and wires more thoroughly.

Want to make sure you’re cleaning your braces the right way? Read our guide on the best ways to clean with braces.

Mouthwash

A fluoride or antibacterial mouthwash can help kill bacteria and leave your mouth feeling clean and fresh.

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water throughout the day helps rinse away food particles and bacteria, keeping your breath fresher naturally.

How to Keep Your Breath Fresh Without Gum

Keeping your breath fresh with braces doesn’t require chewing gum. With a few simple daily habits, you can maintain a clean, healthy mouth and avoid anything that might damage your brackets or wires.

Follow these easy steps:

1. Brush After Every Meal

Food particles can easily get trapped around brackets and wires, leading to bad breath and plaque buildup. Brush thoroughly after eating using fluoride toothpaste, paying special attention to the areas around your braces.

2. Use an Interdental Brush or Floss

A regular toothbrush can’t always reach between wires and brackets. Use an interdental brush, floss threader, or water flosser to clean those tight spaces and remove hidden debris that causes odor.

3. Rinse with Fluoride Mouthwash

An antibacterial or fluoride mouthwash helps kill odor-causing bacteria and strengthens your enamel at the same time. Rinse once or twice daily for extra freshness and protection.

4. Drink Plenty of Water

Water naturally washes away food particles and bacteria throughout the day. Staying hydrated also prevents dry mouth, which is a common cause of bad breath.

5. Choose Sugar-Free Mints

If you need a quick refresh, sugar-free mints are a safer option than gum. They dissolve instead of sticking to your braces and won’t damage your brackets or wires.

By following these simple steps, you can keep your breath fresh and your braces safe throughout your orthodontic treatment.

Tips for Managing the Urge to Chew Gum

Breaking the habit of chewing gum can be challenging, especially if you’ve been doing it for years. Here are some practical tips to help you avoid reaching for gum during your braces treatment:

Find a substitute: If you need to chew on something, try sugar-free mints or chewable silicone devices made specifically for stress relief.
Keep your mouth clean: Carry a small dental kit with a toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss picks. Freshening up after meals reduces the urge to chew gum.
Remind yourself of the long-term benefits: Remember that braces are temporary. Following your orthodontist’s guidelines will help you achieve a beautiful, healthy smile faster.
Stay busy: When you feel like chewing gum out of boredom, try distracting yourself with a quick walk, a sip of water, or deep breathing exercises.

What to Do If You Accidentally Chew Gum

Sometimes, habits take over and you might accidentally start chewing gum. Don’t panic. Here’s what to do:

Stop chewing and carefully remove the gum right away.
Check your braces: Look for any loose brackets or bent wires. If you notice anything unusual, call your orthodontist as soon as possible.
Clean your teeth and braces thoroughly to remove any leftover gum or residue.
Schedule an extra check-up if you feel something is off, even if you don’t see visible damage.

Catching and addressing problems early can prevent more serious complications down the road.

FAQs

1. Can sugar-free gum be safe with braces?

Some orthodontists allow it occasionally, but it can still stick and cause damage.

2. What happens if gum gets stuck in my braces?

Remove it carefully and brush thoroughly. Contact your orthodontist if anything feels loose.

3. Can gum delay my braces treatment?

Yes. Broken brackets or bent wires can extend treatment time.

4. What’s the safest way to freshen breath with braces?

Use sugar-free mints, mouthwash, or brush after meals.

Final Thoughts & Orthodontist’s Advice

So, can you chew gum with braces? The safest answer is no. Chewing gum with braces can lead to broken brackets, bent wires, trapped residue, and an increased risk of tooth decay.

While a few orthodontists might allow sugar-free gum in specific situations, it’s always best to follow your own orthodontist’s advice.

Your orthodontic journey is temporary, but the benefits of a healthy, straight smile will last a lifetime. By avoiding gum and sticking to recommended care habits, you’re setting yourself up for the best possible results.

Curious about more orthodontic myths and facts? Check out our surprising truths about braces and oral health.