That “chew at your own risk” thing is so real. I remember trying to sneak a piece of gum in high school—felt like I was defusing a bomb every time I bit down. Never really relaxed with it, honestly. I agree, breath spray is a lifesaver, even if it feels awkward to whip it out in public. I’ve also used those little disposable toothbrushes after lunch, which helped my nerves about food getting stuck. Braces definitely make you hyper-aware of every little thing in your mouth...
Totally get what you mean about feeling hyper-aware—braces just make every snack or sip feel like an event. I used to be so paranoid about food getting stuck, too. Those disposable toothbrushes were my best friend for a while, but I never really got used to breath spray (always felt like I was on display). If it helps, you’re definitely not alone in the “chew at your own risk” club. It does get easier once you’re out of braces, promise. For now, you’re doing all the right things—just takes a bit of patience and some creative workarounds.
Those disposable toothbrushes were my best friend for a while, but I never really got used to breath spray (always felt like I was on display).
I totally relate to the breath spray thing—always felt weird whipping it out in public, like I was making an announcement or something. I leaned hard into sugar-free gum, but some of them just made my mouth feel stickier, not fresher. Have you found any brands that don’t get all mushy with braces? I remember Orbit being decent, but nothing’s perfect.
I totally get what you mean about gum getting weird with braces—some of them just turn into this gross, sticky mess. I found 5 Gum (the blue one?) didn’t get too mushy for me, but I still worried about stuff getting stuck. Did you ever try mints instead? I feel like those are less risky, but maybe not as satisfying for freshening up after lunch.
Mints definitely feel safer with braces, but I get what you mean—they just don’t last as long or give that fresh feeling like gum does. When I had braces, I used to break up sugar-free mints and let them dissolve slowly, which helped a bit. If you’re worried about breath after lunch, a quick rinse with water or even chewing on a tiny piece of parsley (if you can get your hands on it) works surprisingly well. Gum always made me nervous because of the sticking, so I stuck with mints and mouthwash most days. It’s not perfect, but it kept things manageable for me.
