Chewing gum with braces is a big no-no, and for good reason. While it might seem like a minor detail, chewing gum can actually cause significant damage to your orthodontic work, leading to extended treatment times and potentially costly repairs. Let's delve into the specifics.
What Happens When You Chew Gum With Braces?
The primary reason you shouldn't chew gum with braces is the increased risk of damage to your brackets and wires. The sticky nature of gum can adhere to your brackets, pulling on them and potentially dislodging them from your teeth. This can lead to:
- Broken Brackets: The force exerted while chewing can snap brackets, requiring a visit to your orthodontist for repair. This means extra time and expense.
- Bent or Broken Wires: Similarly, the pressure from chewing can bend or break the archwires that connect your brackets. This can cause discomfort and disrupt the alignment process.
- Loose Brackets: Even if the bracket doesn't break, the constant tugging can loosen it, making it more susceptible to further damage or even falling off completely.
- Increased Risk of Cavities: The sugar content in many gums can contribute to plaque buildup around your brackets, increasing the risk of cavities. Braces create more crevices where food particles can get trapped, making this risk even higher.
- Gum Stuck in Brackets: The sticky residue left behind can attract more food debris and bacteria, making it more difficult to maintain good oral hygiene.
What Other Foods Should I Avoid With Braces?
Beyond gum, there are other foods and drinks to avoid with braces to ensure the smooth progression of your orthodontic treatment. These include:
- Hard candies: These can easily break brackets.
- Popcorn kernels: These can get stuck and damage brackets or wires.
- Hard nuts: Similar to popcorn, these can cause damage.
- Caramel and taffy: These are very sticky and can pull on brackets.
- Ice: This can chip or crack your teeth.
How Can I Keep My Braces Clean?
Maintaining excellent oral hygiene is crucial when wearing braces. This includes:
- Brushing: Brush your teeth thoroughly after every meal and before bed, using a fluoride toothpaste and a soft-bristled toothbrush. Pay special attention to the areas around your brackets.
- Flossing: Floss at least once a day to remove food particles and plaque from between your teeth and under your wires. Use a floss threader to help navigate the wires.
- Using an interdental brush: These brushes are specifically designed to clean between the teeth and around brackets.
- Mouthwash: Using an antimicrobial mouthwash can help reduce bacteria and plaque.
Can I Chew Sugar-Free Gum With Braces?
Even sugar-free gum should be avoided. While it doesn't contribute to cavities as much as sugary gum, it still poses a risk to your brackets and wires due to its stickiness and the pressure exerted during chewing. The potential damage outweighs any perceived benefit.
What Should I Do if a Bracket or Wire Breaks?
If a bracket comes loose or a wire breaks, contact your orthodontist immediately. Don't try to fix it yourself, as you could cause further damage. Your orthodontist has the tools and expertise to repair the damage and get you back on track with your treatment.
In conclusion, while the temptation to chew gum might be strong, the potential damage to your braces simply isn't worth the risk. Avoiding gum and other hard or sticky foods, combined with diligent oral hygiene, will ensure a successful orthodontic journey.
