Patients should not chew gum while they have their expander, but patients with traditional braces can chew gum if it is on the ADA (American Dental Association) approved list of sugar-free gums. These gums are sweetened by non-cavity causing sweeteners such as aspartame, sorbitol or mannitol.
Dentists advise patients to chew a little piece of gum only while experiencing tooth discomfort and spit it out as soon as the pain subsides. They are then instructed to brush their teeth and braces and continue their oral hygiene regimen until their next meal.
Your orthodontist may let you know that it is acceptable to chew on gum occasionally, but if you choose to do so, make sure that you go for a sugar-free type. Even if you don't have braces, it is not advisable to chew gum that contains sugar.
Another common problem with chewing gum while wearing braces is the interference of gum with bands. Gum can easily get wrapped around the rubber bands, which is a messy and sticky problem. Even worse, if you remove the rubber bands while chewing gum, it can prolong the length of time you have to wear braces.
Yes. But before you do, the Gorman & Bunch Orthodontics team suggests that, while in braces, you only select sugarless gum, chew it in moderation, and always brush and floss around your wires and brackets after eating. Be sure to check this list of sugarless chewing gums that meet ADA criteria to prevent cavities.
Active is the first gum that doesn't stick to braces, aligners, or dentures.
Freedent is the gum that freshens your breath without sticking to your dental work.
Research corroborates that constantly chewing gum, at all hours of the day can create problems like jaw pain, headaches, diarrhea, and tooth decay. There is no ideal time frame for chewing gum. But, you should avoid regularity, and it should not become a habit.
And studies have shown that braces can cause gum recession due to the increased visible plaque and inflammation increases before and after treatment.
Thankfully, your inflamed gums to return to normal in within a couple of weeks. It can be even quicker if you see your general dentist for a check-up and professional clean soon after your braces are removed.
If you find yourself unable to brush your teeth after meals due to braces, you can use sugar-free gum as an alternative. Chewing gum can help remove food particles that accumulate in and around the brackets and wires, reducing the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
As your braces move your teeth, small spaces temporarily open up. Food and plaque become trapped in these spaces, causing bacteria to grow and inducing inflammation. Gum disease that progresses beyond gingivitis can eventually lead to the deterioration of bone tissue around your teeth, causing irreversible damage.
First and foremost, it's because they're new, so your mouth isn't used to the pressure yet. Depending on how the braces are installed, the configuration may make it difficult to bite down the way you have before. The usual places your teeth meet when chewing may differ under these new circumstances.
Steak. Steak is definitely off the list. Even the most tender cut of eye fillet can cause tricky issues with your braces. Chewing meats like steak can bend wires or dislodge brackets.
We encourage you to eat less high sugar foods as this may weaken the adhesive holding the brackets in place and may weaken enamel causing cavities. Examples of high sugar foods include: candy, cookies, pies, ice cream, soda and sugar-coated cereals.
Neutral, silver, or clear color braces and combinations are the least noticeable options.
Can you eat pizza with braces? Yes! You certainly can, as long as you avoid crusts and toppings that are too tough and hard, sticky, or stringy, and eat in small, careful bites. Of course, it's also essential to clean your teeth and the metal wires after eating for optimum dental health.
Carbonated Soft Drinks Cause Damage to Tooth Enamel
If you have a soda, please brush your teeth thoroughly as soon as possible. We suggest milk, water, fruit juices, Crystal Light, or Snapple. During sports, it is best to drink water, because many sports drinks, including Gatorade, are also very acidic.
Yes – you may eat fries – but you need to make sure that you're brushing your teeth properly and after every meal. Remove any leftovers with a proxy tip or floss tip. Also, don't forcefully remove any leftovers if you are having a hard time doing so – trying repeatedly will only cause damage to your braces.