Can You Chew Gum With Dentures?
Table of Contents
- 1 Overview Of The Different Types of Dentures
- 2 Keeping Dentures Clean
- 3 What to Consider When Chewing Gum With Dentures
- 4 The Benefits of Chewing Gum
- 5 How To Chew Gum With Dentures
- 6 The Best Chewing Gum For Denture Wearers
- 7 What To Do If You Feel Discomfort
- 8 Denture Adhesives & Gum
- 9 Chewing Gum With Dentures FAQs
- 9.1 Will Trident gum stick to dentures?
- 9.2 Is it safe to chew gum if I have full or partial dentures?
- 9.3 Will gum chewing affect the fit or stability of my dentures?
- 9.4 What type of gum is best for denture wearers?
- 9.5 Can I use regular chewing gum with dentures?
- 9.6 How do I choose denture-friendly chewing gum?
- 9.7 Will chewing gum with dentures cause discomfort?
- 9.8 Can gum chewing lead to denture damage or wear?
- 9.9 Should I avoid certain types of gum while wearing dentures?
- 9.10 How often and for how long can I chew gum with dentures?
- 9.11 Can gum chewing affect the adhesives I use for my dentures?
- 9.12 Are there any tips for maintaining denture comfort while chewing gum?
- 9.13 Should I remove my dentures before chewing gum?
- 9.14 Can chewing gum help with denture-related dry mouth?
- 10 In Conclusion
Dentures, also commonly known as false teeth, are manmade replacements for natural teeth. Individuals that have lost their natural teeth due to tooth decay, through a mishap that has damaged them, or from some other condition, will often look to dentures to replace their natural missing teeth. Dentures will not only restore eating and speaking capabilities, but they can produce a perfect smile. Dentures are also responsible for assisting many wearers with their self-esteem by improving their self-image.
Although dentures are not permanent teeth, they can act much like natural teeth. However, they should be removed nightly. Because they are different from natural teeth in the way they are made and fit in your mouth, certain foods and beverages may dislodge or cause damage to dentures. Sticky foods can cause them to move, staining food and drinks can discolor dentures, and hard foods can break or crack them. Chewing gum with dentures is possible, but there are a few considerations to keep in mind to prevent problems over time, which we will explain further in a moment.
Overview Of The Different Types of Dentures
Several different types of dentures are designed to meet different needs:
- A partial denture is used to replace a partial set of missing teeth, usually one or a few.
- A full denture replaces a complete row of teeth. These dentures are often called either uppers or lowers. The uppers are full denture that replaces teeth on the upper jaw. The lowers replace missing teeth in the lower jaw.
- Fixed dentures are false teeth that are permanently attached. They are either connected to existing teeth or snap into place on implants that have been inserted into the jawbone.
- Removable dentures are the most common of the false teeth varieties. These are partials or full dentures that sit in place on your gum line (full) or clip into place using natural teeth as anchors (partials).
Keeping Dentures Clean
Just like with your natural teeth, dentures require regular cleaning. The way they are cleaned differs somewhat from brushing natural teeth simply because the material dentures are made from is different from that of your natural teeth.
By cleaning them at least twice daily, you will extend their life and enjoy many years of trouble-free use. There are a few simple steps to follow to properly clean dentures, which we outline below:
Step 1 – Prepare the Area
Either fill a sink with water or line it with a towel. This will prevent serious damage to dentures if they are dropped during the cleaning process.
Step 2 – Rinse Your Dentures
Rinse the dentures under warm, not hot, running water. This will loosen and remove some food particles.
Step 3 – Brush Your Dentures
With either a denture toothbrush or a soft-bristled one, gently brush the dentures. Do not use regular toothpaste as it contains abrasives that can damage denture material. Either use denture-friendly toothpaste/cleaner or mild dish soap.
Step 4 – Rinse Again
Rinse the dentures once more under warm, running water. If you have an ultrasonic denture cleaner, place the dentures inside of that with a water solution or water and an effervescent cleaning tablet. Remove dentures once the cleaning cycle has been completed.
Step 5 – Insert Your Dentures
Carefully place dentures back into your mouth and continue with your day.
What to Consider When Chewing Gum With Dentures
Can you chew gum with dentures? Yes, you can, but you can’t just chew any type of gum. Here are some things to consider:
- First, the chewing gum you select must be sugar-free. The reason for this is that the sugar content in regular chewing gum can damage not only any of your remaining natural teeth but the dentures you wear as well. Always opt for sugar-free chewing gum with Xylitol.
- Regular gum can stick to dentures which may dislodge them and cause them to misalign which can result in cracks and breaks.
- Regular gum also contains ingredients that can weaken a seal when mixed with dental adhesive.
The Benefits of Chewing Gum
Aside from the enjoyment of being able to participate in an activity that will keep your jaw muscles strong and healthy, chewing gum has other benefits.
Depending on the brand you chew, you can freshen your breath. More importantly, chewing gum stimulates saliva production. This can help in many ways if you suffer from a denture-related dry mouth. Dry dentures can warp, crack, or break. Saliva production will not only moisturize the mouth but will help to flush away food particles and keep dentures lubricated so that they don’t dry out.
How To Chew Gum With Dentures
You can’t chew gum with dentures like you did with your natural teeth. You have to start slowly and allow your mouth to get used to the feeling of false teeth working with the gum. As you become comfortable with the chewing action, you will be able to chew harder.
Just remember to not chew too hard as the force of the pressure applied to your false teeth can damage them. It is also a good idea to choose chewing gum that has a soft texture and comes in small pieces.
The Best Chewing Gum For Denture Wearers
When trying to determine what gum you can chew with dentures, there are two main considerations. They include:
- Sugar-free Gum: Choosing sugar-free gum over regular gum is important for various reasons. Not only is sugar-free gum better for your overall oral health preventing cavities from forming, but regular gum can stick to false teeth.
- Soft Texture Gum: Soft textured chewing gum is easier on the muscles of the mouth and prevents you from having to exert extreme force to bite down and chew. The pressure from having to bite down on something hard or large in the mouth can cause damage to dentures.
Here are two great chewing gum options for denture wearers:
Freedent Peppermint Chewing Gum
This product contains individually-wrapped sticks of “cool peppermint” flavored chewing gum. Freedent is well-known as the first non-stick gum to hit the consumer market in 1975 and is promoted as a gum that won’t stick to most dental work. Freedent, a product of the Wm. Wrigley Jr. Company, freshens breath with each chew.
Pros
Cons
Active Denture Chewing Gum
Manufactured by Orthogum, Active Denture Chewing Gum is more than just gum. It freshens breath, cleans dentures, naturally kills bacteria, and is naturally sugar-free. The best thing about this gum is that it does not stick to full or partial dentures. The chewing action also helps you to maintain bone density in your jaw.
Pros
Cons
What To Do If You Feel Discomfort
Chewing gum that doesn’t stick to dentures should be enjoyable. However, there may be times when it may not feel that way. This is why you should take note of how your mouth feels once you begin chewing gum and monitor it to ensure you catch anything before it becomes a serious problem.
If chewing gum dislodges your dentures or doesn’t feel right for some reason, stop chewing and remove the gum. Visit your dentist as soon as possible so that your mouth can be examined, and the problem can be determined and treated. Regular checkups are a good idea also as your dentures will eventually fit differently in your mouth. With regular visits to your dentist, adjustments can be made when required.
Denture Adhesives & Gum
Sometimes you need a little help in holding your dentures in place. Denture adhesives are designed to help with this. They come in creams, powders, and pads so that you have a choice and can use whichever format works best for you. The cream and powder adhesives create a suction seal between your denture and gums that hold false teeth in place. The pads have sticky surfaces that hold dentures in place.
Chewing gum can sometimes cause dentures to dislodge. If you do not chew sugar-free gum, the nutrients that are found in regular chewing gum can make denture adhesive less effective when mixed together. This can damage dentures and possibly develop sores within your mouth.
When using denture adhesives, be sure to follow the instructions that are printed on the packaging to create a solid hold. Also, remember when cleaning dentures to pay particular attention to where the denture adhesives were applied as they may leave behind a sticky residue.
Chewing Gum With Dentures FAQs
Will Trident gum stick to dentures?
Trident is one of several types of chewing gum that contains compounds in the ingredients that makes it less sticky than other varieties of chewing gum. While the less sticky gums are easier to chew with dentures, they may still attach to false teeth if chewed for an extended period. Plus, if your dentures are loose and no longer fit properly, the less sticky chewing gum may attach and dislodge your dentures. To reduce the risk of chewing gum sticking to dentures, follow these guidelines:
· Select sugar-free gum as it is less likely to leave behind sticky residue from the sugar it contains
· Be mindful of how long you are chewing gum and place a time limit as gum can become sticky if chewed for a long time
· Keep your dentures clean by removing any sticky residue left behind by anything you eat that could cause gum to stick
· Ask your dentist for gum recommendations if you experience issues with chewing gum sticking to your dentures
Is it safe to chew gum if I have full or partial dentures?
It is typically alright for individuals to chew gum if they have full or partial dentures. However, there are a few tips to follow to ensure that your dentures last long and do not get damaged in the process:
· Do not chew gum if you have just received a new set of dentures. Instead, wait until your mouth heals and the dentures fit properly
· Chew sugar-free gum as the sugar found in regular gum can stick to dentures and cause damage in addition to promoting tooth decay in remaining natural teeth
· Do not chew aggressively. Dentures may become damaged if you do not chew gum gently
· Always see your dentist regularly as the condition of your dentures can be monitored at each check-up and the fit corrected if needed. Also, any potential damage from chewing gum can be accessed and repaired
Remember to properly clean your dentures at least twice daily paying particular attention if you have been chewing gum.
Will gum chewing affect the fit or stability of my dentures?
Over time, there is a risk of the fit and stability of dentures changing as a result of chewing gum. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
· Chewing gum will add to the wear and tear of your dentures due to the stresses put on them during the chewing action. This wear and tear can impact both the fit and stability of your dentures.
· If your dentures are currently loose-fitting, chewing gum will add to this problem which could produce irritations inside the mouth and on the gums from rubbing
· The force of chewing gum on dentures could result in cracks forming or breakage. This is particularly true with partial dentures that rely on clasps or attachments to stay in place
· Finally, the longer you chew gum, the more likely it is to become sticky. When gum sticks to dentures, it makes them unstable and can alter the way they fit.
What type of gum is best for denture wearers?
The best type of chewing gum for denture wearers is soft, sugar-free gum. When choosing chewing gum, look for information on the label that clearly states the gum is sugar-free, denture-friendly, and contains Xylitol as an ingredient. Xylitol is a sugar alternative that has bacteria-fighting properties and is safe to chew as a result. Other factors to consider include choosing gum that has a soft texture and has the approval of the American Dental Association (ADA). The ADA seal of approval should be obvious on the packaging.
Are there any chewing gums specifically designed for denture wearers?
There are several types of chewing gum promoted as denture safe. However, if you look for sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol, and has a soft texture, you will find a gum that will be enjoyable to chew.
Can I use regular chewing gum with dentures?
It is not recommended to chew regular chewing gum with dentures. The main reason is that regular chewing gums that contain sugar are stickier which could cause problems with dentures by impacting their fit and stability of them. Regular chewing gum may be more difficult to clean off denture surfaces because of how sticky it is compared to sugar-free chewing gum.
How do I choose denture-friendly chewing gum?
There are several factors to consider when choosing denture-friendly chewing gum. They include being sugar-free, denture-safe, containing both a soft texture and Xylitol, and have the ADA Seal of Approval. When in doubt, ask your dentist for directions and suggestions so that you choose a chewing gum that not only you will enjoy chewing, but one that is safe for you to chew with dentures.
Will chewing gum with dentures cause discomfort?
There are risks of discomfort coming from chewing gum. Some of the reasons for that may include:
· If your dentures do not fit properly, chewing gum can add to the discomfort that comes from this
· Regular gum or chewing sugar-free gum for excessive periods can cause stickiness that may dislodge your dentures or create issues during the chewing action
· The force of chewing gum puts high pressure on dentures which could cause damage making them uncomfortable to wear
· Chewing gum shortly after receiving new dentures or dentures that have had repairs can irritate the gums and other soft tissue in the mouth. It is best to allow your mouth to heal properly before you add gum chewing to your daily activities
Can gum chewing lead to denture damage or wear?
Over time, chewing gum can damage dentures or cause them to wear. The main reasons why you should be cautious with chewing gum are that the chewing action puts excessive force onto dentures and constant chewing of gum can result in dentures shifting slightly and misaligning over time. Gum may also stick to dentures if chewed for long periods which can cause damage and denture material can break down from the pressure exerted in the chewing action.
Should I avoid certain types of gum while wearing dentures?
There are certain types of chewing gum denture wearers should avoid. They include:
· Regular gum with sugar as sugar can stick to dentures which can be hard to remove
· Gum that does not have a soft texture, as hard or sticky gum forces you to chew harder putting extreme pressure on your false teeth
· Large pieces of gum or gum that contain nuts can damage or dislodge dentures
· Watch the ingredients as gums that contain acidic ingredients or flavors can cause denture material to break down over time
How often and for how long can I chew gum with dentures?
Although there is nothing wrong with chewing gum with dentures, there are a few things to keep in mind related to care and moderation. For example, chewing gum on occasion is better than chewing it constantly. Chewing gum for short periods is better than chewing for long durations. Also, chewing gum gently is better than using excessive force to chew.
Can gum chewing affect the adhesives I use for my dentures?
The adhesives used for dentures can be impacted by chewing gum. Whether you use cream, powder, or adhesive strips, chewing gum can weaken the bond between your gumline and the dentures causing misalignment or dislodging of your false teeth. Some chewing gum can mix with the dental adhesive which can result in contamination making the adhesive less effective.
Are there any tips for maintaining denture comfort while chewing gum?
There are many tips that you can use to make chewing gum comfortable with dentures. They include:
· Choose a sugar-free gum that has either “denture-safe” or “dentist-approved” on the packaging
· Avoid applying excessive force when chewing gum
· Chew for short periods rather than for a long time during the day
· Pay attention to how your dentures feel in your mouth while chewing. Discomfort can result from chewing the wrong type of gum or chewing for a long period
· Clean your dentures properly after chewing gum to ensure any sticky residue is removed
· Refrain from chewing sticky or very hard pieces of gum
Should I remove my dentures before chewing gum?
Provided you are chewing a brand of gum that is considered denture-safe, you do not have to remove your dentures before chewing gum. Sugar-free gum that contains Xylitol is the best option for denture wearers who wish to chew gum.
If you suffer from denture-related dry mouth, chewing sugar-free gum may be beneficial to you. The reason why this is because chewing gum stimulates saliva production. Saliva does many good things inside of your mouth ranging from moisturizing it and lubricating dentures to washing away loose food particles and neutralizing acids. It is important to choose sugar-free chewing gum as they are typically less likely to stick to false teeth. If you continue to experience denture-related dry mouth even after chewing gum, you should consult with your dentist.
In Conclusion
It is possible to chew gum with dentures. That is if you choose a sugar-free variety and gum that is soft. Remember to properly clean your dentures after chewing gum and to avoid excessive biting down to prevent damaging your false teeth.
You can enjoy chewing gum with dentures at any time, just limit the length of time you chew, stop if you experience discomfort, and always see your dentist for regular checkups and adjustments.
