A 45-year-old member asked:
are there any alternatives to chewing gum if you have braces?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 53 years experience
Flat out NO: If you work-harden metal it breaks. If you chew gum you can cause the metal parts of your braces, especially the wires, to bend (then teeth move incorrectly) or break (then correction stops). Constant chewing can cause the braces to separate from the teeth halting treatment, or partially separate allowing bacteria to get behind the braces and make cavities. Avoid hard/sticky/chewy foods.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
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Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
Wanted to know if i can chew mentos and trident gum with braces?
1 doctor answer • 1 doctor weighed in
Dr. Arnold Malermananswered
Orthodontics 53 years experience
Dumb move: Hard/sticky/chewy foods bend wires, break wires, fully dislodge braces, or partially dislodge braces. All of these problems can extend time in braces, result in more frequent visits, and compromise your treatment result. Additionally feeding the bacteria that cause cavities with sugar can lead to cavities.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Dec 12, 2013
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