Chewing gum can relieve nervous energy from building up however, it is no easy feat when retainers are involved. A restriction posed by retainers is adhering to the rules and restrictions that comes with maintaining them. Chewing gum with retainers poses a potential risk to the condition of your retainer which is far more severe than the benefits of fresher breath. In this article, we’ll explore why you should avoid chewing gum and how safely you can consume it with retainers.
Compatibility of Chewing Gum and Retainers
Chewing gum can damage or distort your retainers; because of its sticky nature.
If chewing gum adheres to your retainer’s surface, debris, plaque, and bacteria can build up, compromising oral hygiene and increasing the risk of dental issues.
Additionally, the constant chewing motion can apply pressure on them, potentially causing them to bend or lose their shape over time, and compromise their ability to maintain teeth alignment. That’s why it’s crucial to be mindful and follow the orthodontist’s guidelines to avoid damaging your retainers or teeth.
What type of Gum is Good for Retainers?
When chewing gum while wearing retainers, it’s crucial to select a soft and easy-to-choke gum. Choose sugar-free gum or gum with a soft texture, and avoid hard or sticky gums, as they can harm your retainers.
Due to its chemical composition, sugary gum can be stickier compared to sugar-free gum. This means it can more aggressively stick itself to metal appliances, getting wrapped up in wires. Even if it doesn’t cause direct harm to retainers, sugary gum can still lead to tooth decay by exposing your teeth to high levels of sugar for an extended period.
When choosing sugar-free gum, look for options that are specifically labeled as sugar-free and have the American Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval. The ADA seal indicates that the gum has been tested and proven to be safe and effective in promoting oral health.
Effects of Chewing Gum with Retainers:
While every now and then, one may like to indulge in the mindless act of chewing gum either to calm your nerves or just to enhance your jaw activity. This act of chewing however, comes with a price for such individuals who require dental appliances such as retainers. The constant grinding of the upper and lower surfaces of the retainers may cause the plastic appliance to crack and break. In severe cases, the cracks on the retainers may cause sufficient damage to the teeth as well.
Consideration of Chewing Gum with Retainers?
Certain types of retainers, like fixed retainers that are bonded to the back of teeth, might not be as easily impacted by chewing gum compared to removable retainers. If you are wearing removable retainers, it’s best to take them out to avoid any damage to them. It will also prevent any food particles getting trapped between your retainers and teeth which can be challenging to clean and result in bacteria build up. Always make sure to store the retainer in its case while you enjoy chewing gum.
Be Gentle and Avoid Excessive Chewing
When chewing gum with a retainer, be gentle to avoid damaging the retainer or your teeth. Excessive force could bend or distort the retainer, or even lead to misalignment of your teeth. Prolonged or excessive gum chewing can put unnecessary strain on your retainer and may lead to discomfort or misalignment of your teeth over time. Limit your gum-chewing sessions to shorter durations.
Clean Your Teeth and Retainers Afterwards
Brush and floss your teeth after chewing gum to remove any sugary or food particles to maintain optimal oral hygiene. Also, don’t forget to clean your retainers regularly with a soft bristle toothbrush, mild soap or retainer cleaning solution to remove debris and bacteria. Drink water after chewing gum to rinse away sugar and debris from the mouth and maintain saliva flow.
Maintenance Tips for Retainer Care:
In addition to being cautious while chewing gum, it’s important to avoid foods that are commonly restricted by dentists while wearing retainers, such as:
1. Sticky Food
Sticky foods such as caramels or taffy should be consumed occasionally or avoided altogether as they can stick to your retainers, making cleaning difficult and increases the risk of damage.
2. Hard Food
Eating hard foods such as popcorn, ice, crunchy snacks, nuts, and similar items can raise the risk of damaging your retainers. If they break, it’s important to visit your orthodontist. Delaying the repair for a few days could potentially impact the alignment of your teeth.
3. Foods That Require Chewing Force
Foods that require significant force to bite into or tear, like whole apples or tough meats, can put strain on the retainers and lead to discomfort. Consider breaking them into smaller, bite-sized portions to prevent any retainer-related issues.
4. Maintenance and Upkeep
While abiding according to the do’s and don’ts of consuming food. It is important to pay special attention to the condition of your retainers and to check their upkeep every night before bed. As the debris from food can remain on your retainers overnight where most of the damage takes place.
Stick to Orthodontic Experts
Accidents can happen unexpectedly. If you lose, damage, or break your retainer, schedule an appointment with your orthodontist ASAP to address the issue. Avoid giving your teeth an opportunity to shift back to their original positions, potentially ruining the smile you spent so long to achieve.
Avoid eating foods that can damage your retainers to preserve them for as long as possible. Avoid eating foods that need excessive pressure on the area where your Permanent Retainer is bonded. However, you can still consume harder foods if you chew using teeth that are not covered by the retainer.
On the other hand, it’s best to stay safe and only eat soft, easy-to-chew foods. If you have any concerns or queries regarding chewing gum with retainers, please contact Orthodontic Experts for specialized advice and guidance tailored to your specific treatment needs.
