The early days of getting braces, especially the traditional ones with metal brackets and wires can be uncomfortable. The rubbing of the brackets on the inside of your mouth can cause irritation. However, this discomfort should subside eventually once your mouth gets used to the new device. Until that happens, you can use dental or orthodontic wax to get relief.
Dental wax provides immediate relief from your new braces. To smooth the pointy surface, you can cover the brackets or troublesome wires with wax as needed. The wax creates a smooth protective layer over your braces and prevents rough or sharp edges from causing irritation. You can get dental wax from the midtown east orthodontics clinic or a pharmacy.
Dental wax- Dos
- Replace dental wax as needed.
You should replace dental wax every two days. Over time, dental wax can build up bacteria from food particles and increase the risk of infection and inflammation. It is advisable to replace the wax when it becomes visibly dirty.
- Dry the area first.
Before applying the wax:
- Ensure your mouth and braces are dry.
- Remember that the wax will not stick properly or fall off after some time if the area is wet.
- With a small paper towel, dry the surfaces.
- Eat soft foods and liquids.
Wax can move easily out of place. Therefore, it is recommended that you eat soft foods, such as mashed potatoes, oats, yogurt, and soups. You can also drink fulfilling liquids like shakes and smoothies. Eating hard food items or ones that are difficult to chew can dislodge dental wax.
Dental wax- DONTs
- Reuse dental wax.
While there are various things you can reuse and recycle, dental wax is not one of them. Dental wax should be discarded after use, and a single piece should not be worn for more than two days. Reusing dental wax means inviting bacteria into your mouth.
- Use too much at once.
Do not use too much dental wax at once. You can ask your dentist for advice on how much you should apply. Generally, a pea-sized amount should be sufficient to cover the irritating agent. Using too much tax can cause the entire thing to fall off and lead to wastage.
- Keep wax with food stuck in it.
It is not uncommon for food to become stuck in wax. Remove any wax with food stuck to it and clean the area before reapplying. Keeping the same wax can cause irritation and bacterial growth, leading to an infection. To avoid this, eat soft foods that do not require much chewing.
