Starting orthodontic treatment requires adapting to new rules, including the consistent prohibition against chewing gum. Braces consist of small brackets bonded to the teeth, connected by a flexible archwire, and often secured with elastic bands. This precise mechanical system is designed to move teeth slowly. Chewing gum introduces a sticky substance into this intricate hardware, creating a high risk of interference and damage. Following these instructions protects the appliance and ensures the straightening process stays on schedule.
Physical Damage to Orthodontic Hardware
Chewing gum’s sticky nature adheres effectively to the complex surfaces of the braces. It quickly wraps itself around the brackets, wires, and elastic ligatures, becoming deeply embedded in the appliance’s crevices. This entanglement is difficult to remove, often requiring specialized tools and significant time to clean out completely. The force exerted during chewing attempts to pull the gum away, which translates directly into stress on the orthodontic components.
This mechanical stress can have immediate consequences for the treatment plan. Repeatedly pulling on the gum weakens the bonding agent securing the brackets to the tooth enamel, causing them to loosen or detach. The forceful action of chewing can also bend or distort the thin archwire running through the brackets. A bent wire changes the direction and magnitude of the force applied to the teeth, which can slow down or reverse intended tooth movement, necessitating unscheduled repair appointments and delaying the overall treatment time.
The force also affects the molar bands and elastic modules used to hold the archwire in place. Molar bands, cemented around the back teeth, can be dislodged by the tacky, pulling action of the gum. When any part of the hardware is damaged or detached, the system stops working correctly, requiring emergency visits for re-cementing or replacement. These repairs consume valuable time and interfere with the calibrated sequence of tooth movement.
Increased Oral Health Risks
Beyond mechanical damage, chewing gum poses a significant risk to oral health while wearing braces. Brackets and wires already make meticulous brushing and flossing challenging, creating numerous surfaces where plaque can accumulate. Gum, even when fully chewed, leaves behind microscopic, sticky residues that act as magnets for food particles and bacterial plaque.
When gum residue mixes with food debris, it creates hard-to-reach pockets of trapped material that are nearly impossible to clean. This prolonged retention of plaque increases the risk of decalcification, which appears as permanent white spots on the tooth enamel once the braces are removed. Decalcification is the initial stage of enamel erosion, caused by the acidic byproducts of bacteria metabolizing trapped sugars and starches.
If the gum contains sugar, the risk is amplified because sugar provides a direct food source for oral bacteria. The constant supply of sugar fuels rapid acid production, intensifying the demineralization process under the gum residue. This acidic environment increases the likelihood of developing cavities, which must be addressed before orthodontic treatment can be completed. Even sugar-free gum, while eliminating the sugar risk, still creates the physical trapping mechanism, compromising the complex hygiene required by the appliance.
Acceptable Alternatives and Chewing Rules
The primary objection to gum is its mechanical stickiness and physical interference. Acceptable alternatives must be non-adhesive and either dissolve or be easily removed. Sugar-free mints or lozenges are good substitutes for freshening breath, as they dissolve quickly and leave no sticky residue to snare the appliance. For those seeking the sensory satisfaction of chewing, soft, non-sticky foods or specially designed orthodontic chewies are safer options.
Some orthodontists may conditionally allow soft, sugar-free gums, but this permission is not universal and must be confirmed with the treating doctor. Even soft sugar-free varieties still carry the risk of sticking and causing mechanical damage. If allowed, they must be chewed gently and for a limited duration, such as 10 to 15 minutes. Gum chewing must be avoided entirely when the appliance is new, recently adjusted, or if any component is loose.
Maintaining a brace-friendly diet extends beyond avoiding gum and includes other high-risk, sticky or hard foods. Patients should avoid high-risk foods, including:
- Hard candies
- Ice
- Popcorn
- Extremely chewy breads
- Caramels
Cutting firmer foods like apples or carrots into small, bite-sized pieces reduces the force needed for chewing, protecting the hardware from accidental breakage. Adherence to these dietary rules is the most effective way to protect the orthodontic treatment and ensure a timely, successful outcome.