One reason clear aligners to straighten teeth have become so popular is their comfort compared to traditional metal braces. However, metal braces remain a viable option for certain orthodontic situations. If you wear metal braces, you are familiar with the discomfort to your cheeks and gums caused by the brackets and wires and the need to use dental wax. When using dental wax, one of your concerns is whether this material is safe to swallow. Read more about dental wax below and discover if it is safe to swallow.
To find out if braces or another cosmetic dental procedure can straighten your teeth and give you a brighter smile, schedule an appointment with Trident General Dentistry.
What is Dental Wax?
Dental wax is a natural substance typically used when wearing traditional metal braces. It is most often used during the early phase of wearing braces until your oral soft tissues adjust to their contact with the orthodontic brackets and wires.
How Should You Apply Dental Wax?
It is essential to take the time necessary to prepare and place the wax correctly. The steps to accomplish this include:
-
Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water and antibacterial soap.
-
Brush your teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
-
Roll a small piece of the dental wax into a ball about pea or popcorn kernel-sized.
-
Identify the painful area of your mouth and dry the braces in this area.
-
Press the ball of wax over the bracket or wire in the painful area.
Should You Sleep With Dental Wax Overnight?
When you begin wearing braces, they can diminish the quality of your sleep because you need time to adjust to the brackets and wires in your mouth. Tooth movement also creates soreness that keeps you up at night. Another factor is the irritation and abrasion injury to the sensitive cheek and gum tissue caused by the metal brackets and wires. One of the recommended solutions for this problem is correctly applied dental wax. It is safe and highly recommended that you wear wax while sleeping at night.
When Should You Remove Dental Wax?
While you can benefit from leaving wax on overnight, it may be better to remove it sometimes, such as:
-
Before you eat. Food can easily adhere to dental wax, leading to bacterial buildup around your braces.
-
Before brushing your teeth. Removing the wax prior to brushing prevents the wax from getting stuck in the toothbrush bristles.
-
After a couple of days. You should remove the wax if it begins to come off. It is best to replace all the wax after one or two days in most cases.
Is It Safe to Swallow Dental Wax?
Dental wax is made from natural materials such as beeswax produced by honeybees, paraffin, or carnauba wax from a palm plant grown only in Brazil. It can contain various filler materials, and some waxes are flavored. Although it is solid at room temperature, it softens from the warmth of your hands and mouth. Dental wax is non-toxic and contains no harmful chemicals. You should try to apply it well enough to stay in place for as long as possible. However, it poses no health risk if you swallow small amounts.
Schedule an Appointment
Straight teeth can enhance your smile, improve chewing efficiency, and improve your speech. Contact us to learn more about enhancing your smile with straighter teeth at Trident General Dentistry.