Should i chew gum with braces

We love our chewing gum here in America. But what if your orthodontist recommends braces to straighten your teeth? Can you chew gum with braces or must you abandon the habit until your orthodontic treatments end? Read on to find out how to chew gum with braces, what gum you can chew with braces, and a few things to consider about gum and braces.

And so we can now be more flexible in permitting our patients to chew gum with braces. In fact, in some cases we not only permit chewing gum with braces, we encourage it. But not all gums work this way. When selecting the best types of gum for braces, we always discourage our patients from using any gums that contain sugar. Most over-the-counter pain relievers will do the trick for the short period of discomfort you may feel after adjustments, and you can also drink cold water or use an ice pack to decrease inflammation.

But what about that fresh feeling? Sometimes, in between brushings, we want a little freshness boost. To knock out two birds with one stone, drink water infused with lemon or lime. If you just love the sensation of chewing, try some less hard and sticky alternatives like ginger slices or peppermint herbs. At Birmingham Orthodontics, our mission is simple: we create smiles.

There are two main types of gum on the market — chewing gum and bubble gum. Chewing gum is usually sugar-free, and can actually protect teeth from cavities because it stimulates saliva, which washes away the sugars that might have remained on the teeth. While there is no special type of chewing gum for braces, you can choose out of soft strips or hard pellets. It is better to choose the soft strips for those with braces, to reduce the chance that appliances will be bent or broken.

On the other hand, bubble gum usually contains sugar, which can lead to cavities and tooth decay. Luckily, the materials used to make braces have improved over time and are now more flexible so you can enjoy the benefits of less cavities and fresher breath while chewing gum.

Still not convinced? Speak to your orthodontist who will provide handy hints for chewing gum with your selected appliance.