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
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. Any exceptions should always be discussed directly with your orthodontist — never assume it’s safe just because the gum is sugar-free.
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.
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.
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.
Book a Consultation or Ask Us Your Questions!
Have more questions about what you can and can’t eat with braces? Or want personalized advice on caring for your smile during treatment?
Contact us today to schedule a consultation or get your questions answered by our friendly team. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
