When I have orthodontic appliances in your mouth, can I chew gum? Its is the most common question that may wearers ask. Using orthodontic appliances can be challenging, especially when it comes to developing new habits and maintaining them. An orthodontist in Pleasanton advises against chewing gum use while receiving orthodontic treatment.
Gum chewing may be among the meals that cause the most issues for people wearing braces. Chewing gum with added sugar promotes the growth of harmful bacteria, raising the possibility of tooth decay, gum disease, and ultimately tooth loss.
Few dietary practices are known to raise the risk of oral diseases and cause the breakdown of orthodontic appliances. One of the fundamental tip is to consume food in smaller portions, whether it is whole fruits, carrots, or thick tomahawks of meat (i.e., apples). Avoid acidic foods, such as citrus fruits, pineapple, tomatoes, vinegar, etc., as much as you can is vital. These foods contribute to tooth enamel degradation.
Can You Chew Gum with Braces?
Want to know if you can chew gum with braces? In reality, it’s generally not a good idea to eat gum while wearing braces. The cause? Your chance of breaking your braces and teeth increases. When people say that you can chew gum while wearing braces, they mean gum without added sugar.
Never chew sugar-containing gum with braces or no braces. This kind of gum can coat your teeth with bacteria. It can result in cavities, decay, and gum disease.
It is not advisable to chew gum while receiving orthodontic treatment since it may damage your braces. The gum can attach to wires and brackets, which is a concern since if you try to remove it firmly, your wires might bend.
The Effects of Gum Chewing on Braces and Teeth
The followings are a few effects of gum chewing on braces and teeth:
Migraines
According to a recent study, daily chewing of gum was associated with headaches in a few teenagers. After giving up chewing gum for a month, 2/3 of the test subjects reported a complete absence of headaches. However, roughly 1/2 of the remaining participants experienced significantly less frequent and more severe headaches. Their headaches returned as soon as they started chewing gum once more.
Increase Junk Food
Many people use gum as a substitute for unhealthy snacks. However, the actual outcome is the opposite. Although those who chew gum are less motivated to eat, they consume less nutritious foods overall. When chewing gum, people are more inclined to grab candies and potato chips than fruits and vegetables.
Increase Chances of TMJ
Gum chewing causes your jaw to work too hard, which can cause TMJ. Temporomandibular joint disease, or TMJ, is a painful illness caused by overusing a few jaw muscles. It may cause headaches, neck discomfort, earaches, and other issues.
Tooth Damage
When you chew sugar-containing gum, the sugar coats your teeth as you chew. It may result in plaque accumulation and tooth decay. Even sugar-free gum poses a risk to your teeth due to artificial flavors and preservatives that can gradually erode your teeth. Chewing gum might cause the neurotoxin to be released into your body if you have mercury fillings.
Stomach Problems
Gum chewing might cause tension in your intestines and stomach. It may make IBS symptoms worse. For your body to digest food effectively, your stomach needs time to recuperate. However, if you chew gum frequently, you swallow a lot of spit, which prevents your body from doing this.
The chewing process also alerts your body that you are ready to swallow food, which activates the enzymes and acids needed for digestion, leading to a variety of issues. When you eat, your body may grow bloated, generates too much stomach acid, and have a hard time breaking down the food. Additionally, the gum’s artificial sweeteners may contribute to gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea.
Contact Our Elite Dental and Orthodontics Office
Chewing gum can benefit your teeth and keep them clean. However, if you wear braces, you should refrain from several forms of gum. The basic line is that it’s generally okay to chew sugarless gum while wearing braces.
Just be sure you stay away from any gums that are sugary or sticky. These may damage your braces and result in cavities. If you want to know about clear aligner therapy in Pleasanton, call our office today!