When considering braces for your teen or pre-teen, they may object with: “That means no gum chewing!” You can reply with: That’s a myth that’s been around for a while, not a hard-and-fast rule. The truth is, chewing gum with braces is safe with the right timing and type of gum.
When your teeth are connected with wires and brackets, it’s important to know what works and what doesn’t. Your oral health and comfort determine the success of your orthodontic treatment. The American Dental Association reports that chewing sugar-free gum for 20 minutes after meals can actually prevent tooth decay. So why do we hear, “chewing gum with braces is never allowed?”
Let’s discuss:
- Gum that’s safe to chew with braces
- Gum types you should not chew with braces
- When should gum chewing with braces be avoided?
- What happens if you forget and chew the wrong gum?
Yes, You Can Chew Gum With Braces—But With Caution
In the past, chewing gum with braces was problematic due to weaker bands and stiffer wires. Orthodontic advancements have now designed stronger braces with more flexible wires, making it feasible to chew gum while wearing braces. Additionally, chewing sugar-free gums, especially those with xylitol, can actually support oral hygiene by fighting cavity-causing bacteria. Chewing sugar-free gum increases saliva production, helping to clean teeth between brushings. However, as with any dental practice, it’s best to consult with your orthodontist first, as individual needs vary.
The Best Types of Gum for Braces
Only sugar-free gums are considered safe to chew while sporting teeth jewelry. Most orthodontists will recommend sugar-free gums containing xylitol because they are less sticky and won’t cling to your braces like sugary types will. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that reduces the risk of cavities and fights oral bacteria.
Here are some safe gum brands to choose from:
- Orbit Sugar-Free Gum
- Trident Gum with Xylitol
- Ice Breakers Ice Cubes
- Spry Xylitol Gum
Gums like these support oral hygiene and will not compromise your braces.
What Types of Gum to Avoid
Protect your beautiful smile and avoid chewing sticky, sugary gums – especially with braces. Bacteria thrive in sugary gums, leading to plaque buildup that clings to hard-to-reach spots around your braces, causing cavities. A sugary gum can get caught in brackets and wires, bend the wires, loosen the brackets, and cause them to fall off.
Stay clear of these gum types:
- Bubble gum, like Hubba Bubba, Bazooka, and Double Bubble
- Sticky gum, like Big Red, Juicy Fruit, and Fruit Stripe
- Gas station or vending machine gums with no dental oversight
Always choose a dentist-recommended brand. The wrong chewing gum with braces will harm your pearly whites and can set your orthodontic progress back for weeks.
When It’s Safe to Start Chewing Gum With Braces
Your teeth will feel tender and sore after each appointment. When you want to chew gum with braces, timing matters. Chewing gum can cause discomfort after adjustments, so let the pain be your guide. You may need to wait a week or so before chewing gum with braces.
Some individuals may have to stop chewing gum with braces due to elastics, expanders, or complex adjustments. Always ask the orthodontists: “Can I chew gum with braces?” as your situation could be different. To protect your smile and your progress, follow the advice of your orthodontist.
What Happens If You Accidentally Chew the Wrong Gum?
You should always avoid chewing sugary gum with braces on, but if you accidentally forget – don’t worry. We have a sound action plan for you. Look in the mirror and carefully check for loose brackets, bent wires, or gum stuck in tight places. Rinse your teeth with warm water, gently brush them, and use an interdental brush to clean around the brackets. Call your orthodontist if you discover a problem with your braces. It’s best to fix a problem early to prevent treatment delays.
Do this, not that:
| Do rinse and brush ASAP | Don’t “test” chewing another piece again |
| Do check for broken appliances | Don’t try to fix broken parts yourself |
| Do contact the orthodontist if something feels off | Don’t ignore pain, pressure, or change |
Don’t worry if you mess up a time or two; use mistakes as learning tools to keep your smile on track.
Also read: First Orthodontist Visit: When to Book for Your Child
Gum and Braces Can Get Along—With the Right Advice
Chewing gum with braces on is now feasible for 2 main reasons:
- Improved orthodontic materials provide braces with stronger brackets and flexible wires that support chewing gum while wearing braces.
- Sugar-free gum options, especially those with xylitol, are not only allowed, but they can be used to support oral health.2) Sugar-free gum options, especially those with xylitol, are not only permitted but can also promote dental health.
To answer the question: “Can you chew gum with braces?” never say never, and never say always. The answer is yes; in most cases, you can chew gum with braces when you make smart choices.
Each orthodontic treatment plan is tailored to individual needs, and chewing gum with braces may not be recommended. Always follow the advice of your orthodontist. If you’re in the Temecula area, contact Miles of Smiles to find out what’s safe for your orthodontic treatment. We’re happy to talk about chewing gum with braces. Your comfort, progress, and oral health are our top priority.
