I've actually wondered about this too, because when I had my braces, my mouth was always super dry, and I swear I got more cavities in those two years than the rest of my life combined. My orthodontist kept telling me to drink water constantly, but maybe chewing gum would've helped more with saliva? Wish I'd known sooner...though I'm not sure how thrilled he'd be about gum stuck in my brackets, lol.
I totally relate to your experience—braces made my mouth feel like a desert too. My dentist actually recommended sugar-free gum after meals to boost saliva production, and it genuinely helped me. I was skeptical at first (and worried about the brackets), but turns out there are gums specifically designed not to stick to braces. Wish I'd known sooner as well...might've saved me from some pricey fillings later on.
Sugar-free gum definitely helps with saliva, but honestly, I found it wasn't always the best solution for me. Even the braces-friendly gums sometimes got stuck in awkward spots, and picking gum bits out of brackets isn't exactly fun (or quick). Plus, those specialty gums can be pricier than regular sugar-free options, which adds up over time.
What worked better for me—and was way cheaper—was just sipping water regularly throughout the day. I carried a reusable bottle everywhere and took small sips frequently. It kept my mouth from drying out without any hassle or extra cost. Also, rinsing briefly after meals helped clear away food particles that could lead to cavities.
Not knocking gum entirely—if it works for you, that's great—but if you're budget-conscious like me, water's a simple and effective alternative.
Totally agree about the water thing—saved me from awkward gum-in-braces moments more times than I care to admit. Another trick my ortho suggested was swishing with fluoride mouthwash before bed. Honestly, it felt like a chore at first, but after a while it became second nature. Plus, my dentist said it noticeably reduced plaque buildup around brackets. Anything to avoid extra scraping at checkups, right?
The fluoride rinse definitely helps, but did your ortho ever mention interdental brushes? Mine recommended them halfway through my braces journey, and honestly, I wish I'd known sooner. They're tiny brushes that fit between brackets and wires—way easier than floss threaders. Took me a bit to get used to them, but now they're always in my bag. Anyone else find flossing with braces a total nightmare at first?
