Can You Chew Gum With Braces?

When you get braces, you need to adjust your eating habits and lifestyle to help ensure the success of your orthodontic treatment. For example, you need to avoid foods that may get stuck in your braces or cause damage. Many people therefore wonder: can you chew gum with braces?

Chew Gum With Braces: Can You Do It Safely?

The answer to the question of whether or not you can eat gum with braces depends on the type of gum. While some types of gum can be safe to chew while you’re wearing braces, others are more likely to cause issues that complicate and prolong your orthodontic treatment. 

For example, regular gum contains sugar, which can get trapped between your teeth and the brackets. This trapped sugar can lead to plaque buildup, cavities and decay. Additionally, regular gum tends to be stickier than sugar-free gum, which makes it more likely to get caught in your braces.

Can You Chew Sugar-Free Gum With Braces?

If regular gum containing sugar is risky, what about sugar-free gum? Can you eat sugar-free gum with braces? The short answer is yes. The reason for this is that sugar-free gum doesn’t contain sugars that can turn into acids and damage your teeth. Sugar-free gum is, therefore, less likely to cause cavities or decay. 

Orthodontists sometimes recommend sugar-free gum because it can help stimulate saliva production. Increased saliva helps clean your teeth and braces by washing away food particles and neutralizing acids. 

However, it’s important to remember to chew gum in moderation. You should also always choose a soft gum that won’t get caught in your brackets or wires.

Does Chewing Gum Help with Braces Pain?

Can you eat gum with braces to help with pain? Some studies suggest that chewing sugar-free gum can help alleviate discomfort. When you first get braces, or after an adjustment, the pressure on your teeth can cause soreness temporarily. Chewing a soft, sugar-free gum can stimulate blood flow to the area, which may reduce pain and discomfort. Moreover, chewing gum helps to keep your jaw muscles active, which can relieve tension and soreness. 

What Candies Can You Eat with Braces?

Chewing gum isn’t the only thing to consider when you have braces—there’s a whole list of foods and candies that can impact your orthodontic treatment. You may be wondering: what candies can you eat with braces? To protect your teeth and braces, you should avoid hard, sticky and chewy candies. Examples of candies to avoid include caramels and taffy. These treats can easily get stuck in your braces and may lead to broken brackets or wires.

Snacks To Eat With Braces

Sweet treats aren’t the only foods that may cause problems for your teeth and braces. It’s also important to know what snacks to eat with braces. 

Snacks to eat with braces should be soft and easy to chew. This makes them less likely to damage your brackets or wires. Some great options include yogurt, smoothies, soft fruits like bananas and even scrambled eggs.

Should You Chew Gum With Braces? 

Many orthodontic patients ask, “Can you chew gum with braces?” The answer is yes, as long as the type of gum you choose isn’t going to damage your braces or teeth. If you have any questions about chewing gum with braces or are interested in orthodontic treatment, contact us at Peterson Family Orthodontics for a consultation. Our friendly team is committed to helping you get the smile of your dreams!