If you have embarked on a journey to a healthy and beautiful smile, you might question whether chewing gum will affect your braces. It is important to follow a restricted diet while you are undergoing an orthodontic treatment. You should not show neglect towards the instructions given by your dentist.
Modern braces are made of flexible material, which allows the patient to chew gum. However, it might still not be a good idea to use them. If you have doubts regarding your child’s dental health, visit a children’s dentist in Fullerton today.
Can you chew gum with your braces on?
It is possible to chew gum with braces. However, you need to be very cautious. Many chewing gums have sugar content. It can get in the way of your orthodontic treatment.
Chewing gums like orbit or trident will not affect your braces a lot. These two brands have soft textures and are proven to have sugar-free content. This makes it the safest choice for your kids by far.
In order to avoid your wires and braces, break the gum into small pieces and chew gently. While chewing, avoid applying excessive force and be aware of the pressure you apply.
What kind of gum is good for your braces?
The best gums to chew while you are under orthodontic procedure are sugar-free chewing gums. Xylitol is a natural sweetener used in sugar-free chewing gums to improve taste. It helps freshen your breath and fights against tooth decay.
Sugary chewing gums promote bacteria growth in your mouth and damage your braces. However, xylitol does the exact opposite. It eliminates damage-causing bacteria. Also, it promotes saliva production, which washes away debris and other food particles from your mouth. This makes it the best alternative for people undergoing orthodontic treatment.
How does chewing gum affect your braces?
Chewing any gum while wearing braces can affect you in several ways. It is important to educate your child about the risks. They should be educated about the negative impacts. Some of them are as follows:
- Tooth decay: Chewing sugar-containing gum while wearing braces increases the risk of cavities and tooth decay. The sugar from the chewing gum can lodge around braces, resulting in cavities.
- Pain and discomfort: If the gum gets stuck between your child’s braces, the braces may bend, leading to pain and discomfort. It may also result in soreness.
Are there any benefits?
Chewing gum stimulates salivary glands and increases saliva production. This is beneficial for people with braces. Increased saliva helps with dry mouth and regulates digestion.
However, it is often found that the disadvantages outweigh the benefits.