Introduction
If you wear braces, you may be wondering whether it’s safe to indulge in your favorite gum. Chewing gum has been a popular pastime for decades, but the sticky, chewy substance can pose a challenge for orthodontic patients. In this article, we’ll explore the dos and don’ts of chewing gum with braces, provide tips for safe gum consumption, and suggest delicious alternatives to satisfy your craving for a chewy sensation.
The Do’s and Don’ts of Chewing Gum with Braces
If you are wearing braces, not all gums are safe to chew. For example, you should avoid sticky and hard gum that can damage your braces and interfere with your treatment process. Fortunately, there are gum options safe for oral care.
Sugar-free gum containing xylitol is a good choice because it helps stimulate saliva flow and promote healthy teeth and gums. Another option is to go for gum that contains a relatively low amount of sugar content. The idea is to avoid gum that sticks to your braces, which can be frustrating and time-consuming to remove without damaging your hardware.
It’s crucial to avoid chewing gum aimlessly as it increases the risk of unintentionally damaging your braces. Instead, chew slowly and focus on moving the gum around your mouth, avoiding biting down on it. Also, it would be best to discard the gum after 20-30 minutes to ensure that you don’t stress your jaw muscles.
5 Alternatives to Chewing Gum with Braces
If you’re looking for an alternative to chewing gum, there are many healthy and tasty options to try. For instance, crunchy fruits such as apples, carrots, and celery can give you the same satisfying snack sensation as gum. Not only do they clean your teeth, but they also improve your overall diet. Chewing sugar-free gum containing xylitol is a good choice because it helps stimulate saliva flow and promotes healthy teeth and gums. Another option is to go for sugar-free breath fresheners such as mint, cinnamon, or clove. These little treats are not only refreshing but also have added health benefits, including antimicrobial properties that help combat oral bacteria.
Interview with an Orthodontist: The Truth about Chewing Gum with Braces
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, Xylitol, a sugar-free sweetener, is less likely to damage braces and affect the overall quality of treatment. We spoke with Dr. Lily Singh, an experienced orthodontist, who gave her professional advice on selecting the right gum for people with braces.
Dr. Singh emphasized the importance of avoiding gum with high sugar content and stickiness. Instead, she recommends sugar-free gum, which is less likely to stick to braces and helps maintain oral hygiene. She also suggested that patients consult their orthodontist before selecting a gum to ensure it’s compatible with their braces’ hardware.
From Sweet to Sour: Our Top 10 Gum Picks for People with Braces
If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful way to satisfy your gum cravings, there are many options to try. Here are ten of our top picks for people with braces that are tasty, safe, and orthodontist-approved:
- Sugar-free mint gum
- Xylitol sweetened gum
- Bubble gum
- Sugar-free cinnamon gum
- Peppermint gum
- Frooty gum
- Citrus and sour gum
- Bubblegum-flavored gum
- Hubba bubba bubble gum
- Sugar-free spearmint gum
When Braces Meet Gum: Horror Stories and Prevention Tips
Unfortunately, not all chewing gum experiences have a happy ending. Some orthodontic patients have learned the hard way, finding their braces bent or broken because of gum accidents. To avoid being part of such statistics, it’s crucial to be proactive. For instance, check your braces regularly to ensure there’s no gum sticking to them. Besides, avoid chewing gum when tired, stressed, or sleepy. Finally, be mindful of the type of gum you chew.
The Benefits of Avoiding Gum While Wearing Braces
Although chewing gum is fun, it’s not the only way to improve oral hygiene. In fact, some of the benefits of avoiding gum outweigh the low advantages it has. Gum chewing increases the risk of tooth decay and oral bacteria buildup, leading to bad breath and tooth discoloration. Instead of chewing gum, use brain breaks to focus on your breath, drink plenty of water, and choose nutritious foods that fill you up, leaving no room or need for gum.
Conclusion
Chewing gum can be a fun and satisfying experience, but it’s crucial to be cautious when wearing braces. Stick to sugar-free gum with xylitol, avoid hard, or sticky gum that can damage your braces, and consider trying some of the alternative snacks and foods we’ve suggested. Finally, be open to suggestions from an orthodontist because they know precisely if a gum is safe or not. Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or consult your orthodontist for more information on safe gum consumption.
