Wearing braces requires dietary restrictions, and giving up chewing gum is a common one. This restriction is a necessary safeguard to protect the delicate hardware working to straighten your teeth. Keeping the brackets and wires intact ensures the treatment stays on schedule and achieves the desired results.
How Gum Damages Orthodontic Hardware
The sticky nature of chewing gum poses a significant mechanical threat to braces components. As you chew, the gum adheres to the porous surfaces of the brackets and the archwire, quickly becoming entangled. This sticky mass acts as an adhesive, applying disruptive forces directly to the orthodontic appliances.
The repeated motion of chewing generates stress that directly challenges the bond between the bracket and the tooth surface. This action can weaken the specialized dental adhesive, leading to a bracket loosening or completely detaching from the tooth. A detached bracket instantly stops applying the programmed force, causing an interruption in the tooth movement plan.
Damage to the archwire is also problematic, as this thin metal component guides teeth into position. Gum can wrap around the wire and ligatures, and chewing pressure can bend the wire out of its precise shape. A bent wire moves teeth in the wrong direction, necessitating an emergency appointment and extending the overall treatment duration. Repairing damage, such as a loose bracket or bent wire, adds unexpected time and cost.
The Hidden Hygiene Danger
Beyond mechanical risks, chewing gum introduces a serious biological hazard, especially if it contains sugar. Sugary gum leaves a sticky residue trapped in the crevices and under the wires of the appliance. This trapped sugar acts as a direct food source for oral bacteria.
The bacteria rapidly metabolize the sugar, producing acidic byproducts that accelerate the formation of plaque. This localized, concentrated acid exposure around the hardware quickly begins to dissolve the tooth enamel, a process called demineralization. This can result in permanent white spots or lesions on the teeth, which become clearly visible once the braces are removed.
Cleaning is challenging with braces, and sticky gum residue makes effective plaque removal nearly impossible. Even sugar-free gum can get lodged around brackets and wires, trapping existing food particles and bacteria. This adherence creates an environment where plaque thrives, increasing the risk of decay and gum inflammation.
Safe Alternatives and Accidental Chewing Protocol
Safer alternatives exist for those who rely on gum for fresh breath or to satisfy a habit. Sugar-free mints that dissolve quickly are an excellent option without posing a sticking risk. Some orthodontists may permit soft, sugar-free gums containing xylitol, which promotes saliva production and neutralizes plaque acids. This should only be attempted after explicit approval from your orthodontist, and the gum must be chewed gently for short periods.
If you accidentally chew gum or find a piece stuck in your braces, remain calm and avoid forceful pulling. First, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the gum away from the hardware. Then, dental floss or a floss threader can be carefully used to work the sticky material out from between the teeth and around the brackets.
Rinsing your mouth with warm water or mouthwash can help loosen the gum’s grip on the components. If the gum is impossible to remove or if you notice visible damage, such as a loose bracket or a bent wire, contact your orthodontist immediately. Forcefully removing the gum or attempting to fix the hardware yourself can cause greater damage and further delay treatment.