Yes, a perfect movie is not that perfect without a bag of popcorn, cheesy nachos, and soda by your side, and we know it. Indeed, the journey to having a perfect smile requires some overwhelming sacrifices, especially when we are foodie lovers. In addition, dietary recommendations during orthodontic treatment are sometimes frustrating. However, we invite you to persevere on this commitment with a life-changing result.
Again, we want to emphasize the resulting outcome of the discomfort of orthodontic treatment. Eating crunchy, hard-to-bite foods and meat off the bone augment the likelihood of your braces falling off, wires getting broken, and small pieces of food getting stuck. Bacteria loves sugar, so patients must avoid sugary foods like candy. During the first two weeks of wearing braces and two days after adjustments, teeth are sensitive. Therefore, patients should take out frozen foods like ice cream and spicy foods from their diets.
But what about sticky food? We mean bubble gum in particular. Can you chew gum with braces? Can chewing gum clean your teeth? What type of gum is good for braces? Can you chew gum with braces and rubber bands? Can you chew gum with Invisalign Clear Aligners? This article addresses these questions and provides some recommendations for new patients.
Can You Chew Gum With Braces?
Yes, you can chew gum with braces. Most Orthodontists are a bit skeptical about chewing gum while wearing braces. However, some orthodontic specialists aren’t that negative about it. Regardless of either position, something is true; Patients must refrain from chewing sugar-added chewing gum. Sugar in chewing gum creates an optimum environment for bacteria and biofilm to reproduce.
Can Chewing Gum Clean Your Teeth?
Yes, chewing gum helps your teeth to be clean. Saliva production acts as an agent against bacteria and protects enamel. Conversely, orthodontic patients should not chew gum; evidence suggests that chewing gum produces positive effects. Here are some of the most important of them.
- Clinical evidence reveals that chewing gum for twenty minutes after meals helps prevent tooth decay.
- Saliva production helps counterbalance bacterial acids and strengthens the enamel portion of teeth.
- Gum chewing helps remove plaque from teeth.
- Some chewing gum helps whiten teeth.
- Chewing gum is an anxiety and stress auxiliary, helping control teeth grinding.
- It upturns breathing.
What Type of Gum Is Good for Braces?
It is also true that braces nowadays are made of more resistant and flexible materials, allowing patients to chew gum. So ask your Orthodontist if your braces are apt to chew gum. You just need to make sure the gum is sugarless and American Dental Association ADA-accepted. Also, refrain from doing it constantly during your treatment.
Can You Chew Gum With Braces and Rubber Bands?
Gum sticks to braces and wires, so you need to be aware of clearing small pieces of gum if they get stuck. However, don’t do it if your treatment includes elastics, and you might want to remove them before chewing gum. Elastics (rubber bands) are part of the treatment, and you should wear them all the time. Removing your elastics might delay your treatment time.
Can You Chew Gum With Invisalign Clear Aligners?
The answer is a bold no. You can’t chew gum while wearing your Invisalign trays; doing so would cause your devices to get damaged. Just keep in mind you should remove your Invisalign trays before eating anything.
If you feel like bubble gumming a bit, remember always to remove your aligners. But even if you do remove your aligners to chew gum, don’t do it for too long. It is essential for your treatment efficiency to wear your aligners the longer possible. Also, be mindful of the final outcome; a beautiful smile requires some sacrifice, so push yourself to skip removing your appliances if it is not needed.
All the previously addressed considerations do not at all replace proper oral hygiene habits. Orthodontic treatment yet requires patients to practice proper brushing and floss with specially designed utensils. Ask your Estes Orthodontic Professional about all the measures you need to follow to prevent damage to your appliances, braces, or Invisalign.
