Can You Chew Gum with Braces? What Dentists Say in 2025

With braces, you can chew gum, but only a certain kind. Many people think gum and braces don’t mix, but that’s not entirely true. 

While some types of gum can damage brackets or wires, dental research has shown that certain sugar-free gums are not only safe but can even help improve oral health during orthodontic treatment.

Why was gum traditionally Avoided with Braces?

In the past, orthodontists strongly advised patients to avoid chewing gum altogether, and for good reason:

Sticky trouble

Gum used to be much stickier than it is now, and it would easily get tangled around brackets and wires, making cleaning a nightmare and potentially damaging the braces.

Risk of damage

The constant chewing motion could loosen brackets or even bend the delicate wires, which could delay treatment and require extra trips to the orthodontist.

Sugar concerns

Most gums contained sugar in the past, which could get trapped around the braces and lead to plaque buildup, increasing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Because of all this, the golden rule was clear: No gum, ever.

But thanks to modern advancements, like sugar-free gum and better brace designs, that old rule is now being re-examined.

What Has Changed Now?

Thanks to new materials and formulations, some gums are now sugar-free, soft, and even approved by the American Dental Association (ADA).

A study featured in the American Journal of Dentistry revealed that chewing sugar-free gum helps lower plaque buildup, boost saliva production, and aid in the remineralization of early enamel damage. It all can lead to white spot lesions. 

According to the American Dental Association, xylitol-containing sugar-free gum can stop the growth of dangerous germs that cause cavities. It further promotes oral health during orthodontic treatment by encouraging saliva flow.

What Is ADA-Approved Gum?

Gums that satisfy a few standards for safety and benefits to oral health are granted the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Seal of Acceptance. To earn this seal, a gum must:

• Be sugar-free, meaning it won’t feed cavity-causing bacteria.
• Boosts saliva which helps keep your teeth safe as it washes away leftover food and calms down harmful acids that cause decay.
• Be safe for daily chewing, with ingredients and texture that don’t harm teeth or dental work.

When you see the ADA seal, you can be confident that the gum is dentist-approved and safe to eat even with braces, as long as it is used correctly.

Can I Chew Sugar-Free Gum with Braces?

You should only chew sugar-free gum that is ADA-approved. These gums don’t stick to braces and help in saliva production, which keeps your mouth clean and reduces acid levels.

Examples of sugar-free gums often recommended:

• Trident
• Orbit
• Extra
• Happydent

These products are low-stick, soft, and include xylitol, a natural sweetener that inhibits bacteria that cause cavities.

Read More: What Can and Can’t You Eat with Braces?

What About Chewing Gum with Rubber Bands?

You must use extra caution if you are wearing rubber bands with your braces. Thats because gum can:

• Get wrapped up in the rubber bands
• Pull on brackets or wires if chewed carelessly
• Make rubber bands snap off, affecting your progress

Still, soft sugar-free gum in small amounts is often okay. But always check with your orthodontist before trying.

Can You Chew Gum with Invisalign?

You can definitely chew gum with Invisalign but it’s important to remove your aligners first. Chewing with them can:

• Warp the plastic
• Cause bacteria buildup
• Delay your treatment

This means that if you have Invisalign, remove your aligners, chew sugar-free gum, and then wash your teeth before re-installing them.

Can You Chew Gum with Retainers?

If you have fixed retainers, chewing gum is not recommended, it can get stuck and cause damage. If you wear removable retainers, take them out before chewing.

After that, brush or rinse your teeth before replacing them.

What Happens If I Chew the Wrong Gum?

Chewing the wrong kind of gum such as sticky or sugary types can cause serious trouble for your braces and your teeth. Here’s what can happen:

• Sticky gum can latch onto brackets and pull them loose, which means an extra trip to the orthodontist.
• The constant pressure from chewy gum can bend the wires, disrupting your treatment and slowing down progress.
• Plaque might build up in difficult-to-clean spots because sticky gum can easily lodge. 
• Sugary gum feeds harmful bacteria, which can lead to tooth decay when it gets stuck around your braces.

To stay safe, always choose ADA-approved, sugar-free gum and chew gently.

Final Thoughts: Should You Chew Gum with Braces?

Chewing gum with braces isn’t a hard no anymore. With the right gum, you can enjoy its benefits without hurting your orthodontic treatment. Following the steps discussed can support better oral hygiene during your braces journey.

Still unsure which gum is right for your braces? Speak with your orthodontist for advice. For more expert tips and trusted information, visit Palm Valley Orthodontics Scottsdale. Your smile is worth the extra care.

People Also Ask

What would happen if I chewed gum while wearing braces?

Ordinary gum could stick to your braces, damaging the wires and brackets. However, when eaten cautiously, soft gum without sugar is usually harmless.

Which gum brands are safe to chew while wearing braces?

Safe brands include Trident, Orbit, and Extra, especially ADA-approved and sugar-free ones. These gums help protect your braces while being gentle on your teeth.

Does gum stick to braces?

Traditional gum can stick to braces and cause issues with cleaning and damage. Modern sugar-free gums are designed to be softer and non-stick, making them safer for braces.

Can gum help with oral health during braces?

Sugar-free gum indeed increases saliva, which helps in removing food particles and combating bacteria. When wearing braces, this can encourage healthier teeth and gums.