Chewing gum and braces don't mix. While it might seem like a minor detail, chewing gum with braces can lead to a range of problems, impacting both the effectiveness of your orthodontic treatment and your oral health. Let's delve into the reasons why you should avoid this seemingly harmless habit.
What Happens When You Chew Gum With Braces?
The primary reason you shouldn't chew gum with braces is the increased risk of damage to your orthodontic appliances. The sticky nature of gum can easily trap food particles and debris around your brackets and wires, leading to:
- Increased Plaque Buildup: Gum residue provides a breeding ground for bacteria, leading to plaque accumulation and a higher risk of cavities and gum disease. This is especially problematic with braces, as they make thorough cleaning more challenging.
- Bracket Damage: The pressure of chewing can dislodge brackets, bending or breaking wires. Repairing these issues can be time-consuming and potentially add to your overall treatment time.
- Wire Loosening or breakage: The force exerted while chewing gum can put undue stress on the wires, causing them to loosen or even break. This requires an immediate visit to your orthodontist for repairs, potentially delaying the progress of your treatment.
- Band Loosening: Similar to wires, the bands that encircle your teeth can become loose or detach due to the persistent chewing force. This compromises the stability of your braces and their ability to move your teeth effectively.
What Types of Gum Are Particularly Problematic?
While all gum poses a risk, certain types are more problematic than others:
- Sugar-free gum: While marketed as healthier, sugar-free gum still contains sweeteners that can contribute to plaque buildup. The sticky texture remains a significant concern.
- Extra-chewy gum: The increased chewing force exerted on extra-chewy gum increases the risk of damage to brackets, wires, and bands.
Can I Chew Sugar-Free Gum With Braces?
No. Even sugar-free gum isn't recommended for people with braces. While it avoids the sugar-related risks of cavities, its sticky texture remains a major concern. The sticky residue can still trap food particles and contribute to plaque buildup. It still poses the risk of dislodging your brackets or wires.
What are the Alternatives to Gum While Wearing Braces?
There are plenty of satisfying alternatives to chewing gum that won't compromise your orthodontic treatment:
- Sugar-free mints or breath strips: These offer a refreshing breath without the stickiness of gum.
- Fruits and vegetables: These provide healthy alternatives for satisfying your chewing needs, offering additional nutritional benefits. (Remember to cut them into manageable sizes)
- Water: Drinking plenty of water aids in rinsing away food particles and maintaining good oral hygiene.
Is it okay to chew gum after braces are removed?
Once your braces are removed and your retainer period is complete, you can resume chewing gum. However, it's still advisable to practice moderation and choose sugar-free options to minimize the risk of cavities.
Following your orthodontist's advice and maintaining good oral hygiene are crucial throughout your orthodontic treatment. Remember that preventing damage to your braces is key to a successful and timely treatment outcome. Avoiding chewing gum is a small sacrifice for a healthy, straight smile.
