Yes, you can chew gum with braces, but only sugar-free gum and only after your orthodontist gives approval (usually after 2-3 months). The key is choosing ADA-approved sugar-free brands like Orbit, Trident, or Extra, chewing gently for short periods, and never chewing gum if you have loose brackets or a palate expander.
Below, you’ll discover when it’s safe to start chewing gum with braces, which types are safe, proper chewing techniques, potential risks, helpful alternatives, and essential oral care tips. You’ll learn exactly what your orthodontist wants you to know about enjoying gum safely during your treatment while protecting your investment in a beautiful smile.
Understanding the Rules and Restrictions
The answer isn’t as simple as yes or no. While chewing gum with braces is possible, it comes with specific conditions and timing requirements that many people don’t realize.
The timing matters most. Most orthodontists recommend waiting at least 2-3 months after getting braces before chewing any gum. This waiting period gives your teeth time to adjust and allows your orthodontist to move you to stronger wires that can handle the repetitive chewing forces.
When Can You Start Chewing Gum with Braces?
First Few Months: No Gum When you first get braces, your orthodontist uses thin, flexible wires to begin moving your teeth gently. These initial wires are delicate and can easily break or bend if you chew gum too early.
After 2-3 Months: Ask Your Orthodontist Once your orthodontist upgrades you to thicker, stronger wires, you may get the green light for sugar-free gum. Each patient is different, so always check with your orthodontist first.
Never Chew Gum If You Have:
- A palate expander (absolutely no gum allowed)
- Loose or broken brackets
- Sore teeth after adjustments
- Jaw pain or TMJ issues
What Type of Gum Can You Chew with Braces?
Sugar-Free Gum Only The most important rule is to only chew sugar-free gum. Regular gum contains sugar that feeds bacteria in your mouth, leading to tooth decay and gum problems. This is especially risky with braces because it’s harder to clean around brackets and wires.
ADA-Approved Brands The American Dental Association recommends these sugar-free gum brands for people with braces:
- Orbit Sugar-Free
- Trident Sugar-Free
- Extra Sugar-Free
- Eclipse Sugar-Free
- Dentyne Ice Sugar-Free
- Ice Breakers Sugar-Free
- 5 Sugar-Free
These brands use safe sweeteners like xylitol, sorbitol, or aspartame instead of sugar. They also have softer textures that are gentler on your braces.
Avoid These Gum Types:
- Any gum with sugar
- Bubble gum (too sticky)
- Hard gum with outer shells
- Gum with fillings or pieces inside
- Extra sticky or chewy varieties
How to Safely Chew Gum with Braces
Start Small and Chew Gently: Break your gum into smaller pieces before chewing. This reduces the force on your braces and makes it easier to control. Chew slowly and gently, avoiding aggressive or forceful chewing motions.
Limit Chewing Time: Don’t chew gum for more than 10-15 minutes at a time. Extended chewing can put too much pressure on your brackets and wires, potentially causing damage or discomfort.
Remove Before Eating: Always take out your gum before meals. Food can mix with the gum and create a sticky mess that’s difficult to clean from your braces.
Check Your Braces After: Look in the mirror after chewing gum to make sure no pieces are stuck in your brackets or wires. If you find stuck gum, don’t try to pull it out yourself. Contact your orthodontist for help.
What Happens If You Chew the Wrong Gum?
Sticky Situations: Sugary or extra-sticky gum can get firmly attached to your brackets and wires. Removing it often requires a trip to your orthodontist, which can delay your treatment and cost extra money.
Bracket Damage: Hard or chewy gum can pull brackets off your teeth or bend wires out of shape. This means emergency orthodontic visits and potentially longer treatment time.
Increased Decay Risk: Sugar in regular gum feeds harmful bacteria in your mouth. With braces making cleaning more difficult, this can quickly lead to white spots, cavities, or gum disease around your brackets.
Treatment Delays: Any damage to your braces can set back your treatment timeline. What might have been an 18-month treatment could stretch to 24 months or longer.
Making the Right Choice for Your Treatment
The decision to chew gum with braces is ultimately between you and your orthodontist. Every patient’s treatment is different, and what works for one person may not be right for another.
Some patients find that avoiding gum entirely is easier than managing the rules and risks. Others enjoy the benefits of sugar-free gum and successfully incorporate it into their routine.
Consider your own habits, treatment stage, and risk tolerance when making this decision. Remember that your braces are a temporary commitment toward a lifetime of beautiful, healthy smiles.
The Bottom Line
Chewing gum with braces is possible with the right type, timing, and technique. Always choose sugar-free, ADA-approved brands, wait for your orthodontist’s approval, and chew gently for short periods.
For personalized guidance about your braces care, contact Oasis Orthodontics in Markham at (905) 209-1900. Dr. Khushee Sharma-Fung provides expert orthodontic care to help protect your investment in a beautiful smile.