Chewing gum is a common concern for people wearing braces. While traditional, sugary, and sticky gum remains incompatible with orthodontic treatment, modern advancements have created exceptions. Certain types of sugar-free gum are now often acceptable, and sometimes even recommended, by orthodontists. This softer, non-sugary gum avoids many of the mechanical and hygiene risks associated with older gum formulations. The key difference lies in the gum’s composition and its inability to adhere aggressively to the appliance.
Understanding the Risks of Chewing Gum
Chewing conventional gum presents two primary risks: mechanical damage to the appliance and dental hygiene problems. The sticky, high-adhesion texture of regular gum is the main culprit for mechanical failure, allowing the gum to easily wrap itself around the intricate parts of the braces, such as the brackets and archwires.
The constant chewing action against the sticky material can exert a pulling force strong enough to loosen the cement holding brackets. This force can also bend or distort the delicate archwires, which apply precise pressure for tooth movement. A bent wire or a broken bracket interrupts the treatment schedule, requiring an emergency visit and potentially extending the overall time in braces.
Beyond physical damage, traditional gum poses a significant threat to oral hygiene because of its sugar content. When sugary gum adheres to the braces, it traps sugar directly against the tooth enamel and around the brackets and wires. This concentrated sugar feeds oral bacteria, leading to a rapid increase in plaque buildup.
The acidic byproducts from this bacterial activity cause demineralization of the enamel. This results in white spot lesions or permanent surface scars on the tooth once the braces are removed. The long-term risk of decay makes regular sugary gum highly discouraged during orthodontic care.
The Orthodontist’s Recommendation: Safe Gum Options
Orthodontists definitively recommend the exclusive use of sugar-free chewing gum. These products are formulated to be softer and significantly less adhesive than traditional gum, greatly reducing the risk of sticking to or damaging the brackets and wires. The absence of sucrose and other fermentable sugars also eliminates the primary fuel source for cavity-causing bacteria.
Many orthodontists specifically recommend sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol, a natural sugar alcohol. Xylitol is not metabolized by Streptococcus mutans, the primary bacteria responsible for tooth decay, and thus does not contribute to harmful acid production. Instead, Xylitol actively inhibits the growth of these bacteria, offering a protective effect for the teeth.
When selecting a product, look for soft, sugar-free gum that carries the American Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Acceptance, if available. This seal indicates the gum has met standards for safety and effectiveness. Patients should avoid any gum that is hard, has a crunchy shell, or contains chewy, sticky centers, as these features increase the likelihood of appliance damage.
The Potential Benefits of Chewing Gum (When Done Safely)
When using orthodontist-approved, sugar-free gum, the act of chewing offers physiological advantages that support oral health during treatment. The mechanical action of chewing stimulates the salivary glands, resulting in a substantial increase in saliva flow. Saliva is the mouth’s natural defense mechanism, containing minerals that aid in the remineralization of enamel and neutralizing bacterial acids.
This increased saliva production helps to wash away food particles often trapped in the small crevices of the braces after a meal. Removing these trapped particles reduces the opportunity for bacteria to colonize and form plaque. This is particularly helpful when immediate brushing is not possible.
Gently chewing soft, sugar-free gum can also provide relief from minor discomfort, particularly following an orthodontic adjustment. The mild pressure and increased blood flow to the periodontal ligament (the tissue surrounding the tooth roots) can help soothe the dull ache associated with the initial stages of tooth movement.