If you have been using retainers you might be wondering Can you chew gum with retainers? It’s a frequent query and the answer matters for your dental health. It can be quite tricky chewing gum with retainers. And while this sounds innocuous it will damage retainers or even the fit of your teeth. In this post we will cover why gum with retainers isn’t always a good combination and tips for protecting your retainers while keeping your smile healthy. Now let’s look at how to take care of your retainers.

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Can you chew gum with retainers you need to know.

If you wear retainers you live wondering Can you chew gum with retainers? It’s an important question because chewing gum is something that can be detrimental when you have retainers. Gum sticks in your retainers if it doesn’t damage them that means also to your teeth. Here’s what can happen and how to keep your retainers safe. In this post we will break down the risks for you and give you some tips on how to set your retainers up for success. So here’s what you have to know about chewing gum with retainers.

What are retainers and how do they work ?

Retainers small devices to hold teeth in their new position after braces or other treatment. When your braces come off your teeth are capable of moving into their previous place. A retainer helps prevent this by keeping your teeth in place as they settle into their new positions.

There are two main types of retainers removable and fixed. Removable retainer These can be easily removed and cleaned. Fixed retainers are glued to the behind your teeth and are not removable. Both types keep your teeth gently in place but removable retainers provide more flexibility.

That means wearing your retainer as your orthodontist has directed. It helps keep your teeth straight and your smile healthy. Eventually you might only need to wear your retainer at night but always listen to your orthodontist’s advice for optimal results.

Can you chew gum with retainers in ?

If you are wearing retainers you may be wondering Can you chew gum with retainers in, The truth is that it’s a bad idea. However chewing gum with retainers may cause several issues.

First gum can get wedged in your retainer which is difficult to clean. This can leave a sticky mess that may also lead to a buildup of bacteria not great for you or your retainer. In fact this gum can sometimes harm your retainer leading to cracks or bends.

Also Read: Can I chew gum when on a clear liquid diet

Second chewing gum can alter the fit of your teeth when wearing retainers. If the retainer shifts or doesn’t fit properly your teeth may move back to their original positions over time. Doing so can undo a lot of hard work you have put in with braces or other treatments.

For that reason you should probably take your retainer out before chewing gum. It will protect both your retainer and your teeth. But stop chewing if you forgot to remove it and immediately cleanse your retainer.

Ultimately if you want to do your best to protect your retainers and keep your teeth from moving around you should refrain from chewing gum while wearing them.

What happens if you chew gum with retainers ?

Now there are a few issues that come from chewing gum with retainers in and understanding why it isn’t advised is half the battle. Chewing gum may not seem dangerous but it can create sticky uncomfortable situations as well as damage your retainer.

Here’s what chewing gum with your retainers in does:

That’s because if you are chewing gum while your retainer is in place the gum is going to stick to it almost immediately. That will be messy and it will make it harder to clean your retainer.
Damp gum can cling to your retainer it can harbor bacteria and as a result, contribute to bad smells as well as cause tooth decay and gum disease.
Especially chewing gum will unnecessarily stress retainer since they use things. Over the time the retainer cracks or bends causing loss of shape and fit.
Then as you chew gum and your retainer shifts or no longer fits properly your teeth can drift back to their original position, negating all that orthodontia.
What happens is that the gum does not clean out completely in the retainer thus making the cleaning improper with a lot of plaque.

This is why always take out your retainer before chewing gum. That simple step will go a long way toward preserving your retainer but also protecting your teeth and making cleaning easier.

Tips for proper retainer care.

Taking proper care of your retainer helps to ensure that it stays clean, safe and effective. Without proper care your retainer can break or fail to function as desired.

These are some simple tips to follow to keep your retainer in tip top shape:

Wash your retainer with lukewarm water, Use a soft toothbrush to remove plaque and bacteria. Do not use hot water as this will warp the retainer.
Can you chew gum with retainers, No, Chewing gum with retainers can cause the gum to stick to them making it difficult to clean the gum. It can also damage the retainer or alter the fit.
Store retainer in case, When not wearing your retainer, carry it in its case. This keeps it from becoming lost or damaged.
Avoid eating or drinking with your retainer, Aside from water don’t eat or drink with your retainer in. Food and drink can stain or damage your items.
Inspect your retainer, Make a habit of looking over your retainer for cracks, bends or any other form of damage. Contact your orthodontist if you see any.
Adhere to your orthodontist’s instructions, For the best outcome wear and clean your retainer according to your orthodontist’s recommendation.

Alternatives to chewing gum while wearing retainers .

You may be tempted to chew gum if you are wearing retainers but the questions is Can you chew gum with retainers is a question many people have. Sticky types of candy like chewing gum also get stuck on your retainer which can be hard to clean and might damage your retainer. Instead try these alternatives that will keep your mouth fresh without endangering your retainer.

Do you miss chewing sugar free gum nd it Just be sure to properly clean the retainer after taking it off.
Mints, breath strips or sprays are an effective substitute for chewing gum. They don’t cling to your retainer but they do freshen your breath.
If you must have sweets then suck on hard candies instead of chewing gum. Just skip sticky or chewy candies.
Drinking lots of water keeps your mouth hydrated and fresh. It also helps wash away bacteria that can collect in your retainer.
If you have a taste that’s bothering you just brush your teeth or rinse with mouthwash.

These alternatives will certainly help you to avoid the risk of chewing gum with your retainer and keep your mouth fresh at the same time.

Risks of chewing gum with retainers

There are a few reasons why you should avoid chewing gum while wearing retainers. First gum is tacky and can become stuck in your retainer making it difficult to clean. When gum come unstuck it can simultaneously trap bacteria and leads to bad smells and decay of teeth. It can also cause your retainer to appear dirty.

There is also the risk chewing gum can ruin your retainer. The chewing forces can cause cracks bends or warpage. If you damage your retainer it might not fit correctly and your teeth might move back to where they started.

Chewing gum while you have your retainers on can even make them painful. The retainer might not fit and you may feel discomfort while using the retainer if the gum affects the fit and shape.

To prevent this from happening take out your retainer beforehand when chewing gum. Doing so will help keep your retainer in good condition and prevent your teeth from shifting.

FAQ

Can I chew gum with a retainer ?

Ans: No, Recommended to not chewing gum with a retainer. Gum can stick on your retainer which can be very difficult to clean and may even damage your retainer.

Can you chew through a retainer ?

Ans: You are not eating through a retainer. Retainers are made from durable materials but chewing on them can create fissures or damage. Be sure to take them out before you eat.

What can you not eat with retainers ?

Ans: Avoid sticky or hard foods such as caramel chewing gum or nuts. These can also damage your retainer make it difficult to clean or shift your teeth.

Can I chew gum while fasting ?

Ans: Yes, you can chew sugar free gum in your fasting phase but it’d be wise to take out your retainer first. This can stop gum from sticking and ruining the retainer.

Can I drink water with retainers ?

Ans: Believe it or not, You can drink water with retainers in. But be careful to only drink non acidic/sugar drinks as they will damage your retainer and affect your oral health.

Conclusion

If you chew gum with retainers nothing is released and the retained gum sticks and can be tough to remove which can often damage the retainer. It can also affect the fit causing your teeth to drift back. To protect your retainer it’s best to remove the appliance before chewing gum. With regular care and by following your orthodontist’s recommendations your retainer can last longer and keep your teeth in place. Taking care of your retainer will save you both time and trouble later. So can you chew gum with retainers, the answer is no take out your retainer first bro.

Can you chew gum with retainers – usage guide