Can You Chew Gum with Braces?

Braces help you get a healthier, straighter smile, but they come with a few rules. One of the most common questions from people starting orthodontic treatment is: Can I chew gum with braces? The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. In this blog, we’ll explore whether chewing gum is safe during treatment, what kinds (if any) are okay, and how to protect your braces while still enjoying your favorite habits.

Is Chewing Gum with Braces Safe?

For many years, the answer from orthodontists was a firm "no." Traditional wisdom said that gum could get stuck in brackets and wires, bend them out of place, or make cleaning harder. And that’s still true for sticky, sugary gum. It can cause damage, get lodged in hardware, and increase your risk of cavities. When it comes to sugar-free gum and braces, however, opinions have started to shift.

More recent research and orthodontic advances suggest that sugar-free gum may be okay in moderation for some patients. Chewing sugar-free gum can even have a few oral health benefits, like increasing saliva production and helping reduce plaque.

Still, it's important to check with your orthodontist before popping in a stick of gum, not all cases are the same.

What Happens If You Chew Gum with Braces?

Chewing the wrong kind of gum while wearing braces can lead to several problems, some annoying, some serious.

• Gum can get tangled in the brackets and wires. It can be tough to remove and may even require a visit to the orthodontist.
• Wires may bend out of shape, which affects how your teeth move and could slow down your progress.
• Sticky gum can pull off brackets, especially in the early weeks when they're still adjusting.
• Sugary gum feeds bacteria, increasing your risk of cavities and plaque buildup around the braces, which are already hard to clean.
• Even sugar-free gum, if chewed too aggressively or for too long, can put pressure on your braces and lead to minor damage.

It might seem harmless, but gum and braces don’t always mix well. That's why being gentle and choosing the right kind is key.

Best Gum for People with Braces

If your orthodontist gives you the green light, stick to sugar-free gum only. Look for these features:

• Xylitol-sweetened: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that may actually help prevent cavities.
• Soft and non-sticky: Avoid gums that are too chewy or tacky.

Popular braces-friendly gum brands include:

• Orbit Sugar-Free
• Trident Sugar-Free
• 5 Gum (some varieties)

These options are less likely to stick to your braces and are easier to clean off.

Orthodontic Gum Safety Tips

If you're going to chew gum with braces, keep these safety tips in mind:

• Chew slowly and gently to avoid bending wires.
• Stick to short chewing sessions, don’t chew all day.
• Brush and rinse afterward to remove any leftover gum bits.
• Avoid gum in the first few weeks after getting braces, as your mouth adjusts.

And remember: always follow your orthodontist's advice first.

Foods to Avoid with Braces

Even if your orthodontist allows sugar-free gum, there are certain foods that should be avoided entirely while wearing braces. These foods can damage your brackets and wires, delay your treatment, or even lead to oral hygiene issues.

Here are the main culprits to watch out for:

• Hard candies: These can easily crack or snap brackets and wires. Even biting down on something small can undo weeks of progress.
• Popcorn: The kernels can get lodged between braces and teeth, while unpopped ones can damage your appliances.
• Nuts: Tough to chew and hard on braces, nuts can cause brackets to break or loosen.
• Sticky caramels and taffy: These are especially risky. They stick to braces and are difficult to clean off, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
• Crunchy chips and hard bread: Foods like tortilla chips, crusty rolls, or bagels can cause pressure points that snap wires or pop brackets.

In general, avoid anything that is overly sticky, crunchy, chewy, or hard. When in doubt, cut food into small pieces, chew carefully, and stick to braces-friendly snacks like yogurt, soft fruits, smoothies, and cooked vegetables.

Chewing Gum and Braces

So, can you chew gum with braces? It depends. If your orthodontist gives you the okay, sugar-free gum can be a safe treat in moderation. Just be careful, follow your orthodontist’s advice, and always choose a gentle, non-sticky gum. With the right habits, you can enjoy your treatment journey without sacrificing your smile’s future.