Can you eat with wax on your braces? Many people seem to ask this question after having a tooth extraction. Of course, you need to figure out ways to eat your food without getting uncomfortable while the braces are intact.
Irritation in the walls of your mouth is a common problem associated with the early days of braces. The pointy edges cause friction against the oral cavity wall, making it difficult to eat food. To resolve this issue, you will need an orthodontic wax.
Furthermore, people also want to know if the wax used for this purpose is hostile to health or not. In this article, you will find answers to all of these questions. So, stay tuned and read the entire article!
What to avoid while dealing with braces and orthodontic wax? Click Here to find out!
Why is the Ortho Wax Used for Braces?
Your mouth will take some time to adjust during the early days of braces. As a result, you will feel irritation or get uncomfortable due to the rubbing action of the braces against your mouth. Therefore, you will need wax to minimize this effect.
The wax gives relief by reducing the friction against the mouth wall. It makes the interface between the braces and mouth wall smooth. So, when both move against one another, there is less interference. On the other hand, if the friction persists for too long, it will cause injuries to your oral cavity.
Types of Orthodontic Wax Used on Braces
Orthodontic wax is the commonly used wax for braces. It includes beeswax, paraffin, and carnauba wax. They come in different varieties, and you can get both tasteless and flavored wax. Additional components include fillers and modifiers for making the wax more efficient.
Are they Toxic?
The substances in orthodontic wax are not harmful since they are acquired naturally. If you have accidentally swallowed some of it, then there is nothing serious. However, you must take consultation from a dentist if the quantity is higher.
Orthodontic Wax Versus Dental Wax! Are they the Same?
Orth wax, orthodontic wax, and dental wax all refer to the same thing. Some people also use terminologies such as braces wax in many conditions.
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Can You Eat with Wax on Your Braces?
Yes, you can eat with wax on your braces, but it will come at the cost of the wax sticking to the food. Although it might not taste delicious, you can still eat it. Moreover, the dental wax is harmless and would not cause severe problems unless consumed in large quantities.
How to Apply Orthodontic Wax on Braces?
There are many steps you can follow to apply a dental wax. Some of which are as follow:
Wash Your Hands to Get Rid of Germs
No health procedure proceeds without proper hygiene. The first step is, therefore, to wash your hands. It will reduce the probability of germs transferring to your mouth. Additionally, contamination can pose more serious threats if you have already got injuries inside your mouth.
Time to Shape the Wax
After you have washed your hands, you are clear for the next step, which is making a ball of wax. Take appropriate dental wax and shape it. Be careful and refrain from using too much wax because it will not stick properly.
Locate the Area of Irritation
The most common places of irritation due to braces are the brackets of the front teeth and the sharp wires at the far end of your mouth. Furthermore, to get a clear view of the area, you will need to pull your cheek.
Use a sterilized metal rod or spoon if you are having difficulty finding the affected area. Lastly, make sure that your mouth remains unharmed during the procedure.
Brush to Get Rid of Germs
Before applying the wax, you will need to brush your teeth to get rid of germs and food particles. It’s not necessary but ensure that you don’t get any diseases after the procedure.
Dry Your Mouth
Once you have brushed your teeth, it’s time to dry your mouth.
Apply the Wax
The next step is to apply the wax to the affected area. Place the ball against the site of irritation and slowly rub it to spread it onto the surface. You will need to apply the wax regularly for fast recovery. If there is any complication, then contact a dentist as soon as possible.
Can You Sleep with Orthodontic Wax?
Yes, as stated earlier, no evidence supports severe complications linked with dental wax. So, you can keep it overnight and then wash it in the morning. Moreover, there is less mechanical activity inside your mouth while you are sleeping. So, we can expect that the wax would not move significantly during this period.
What to Avoid While Dealing with Braces and Orthodontic Wax?
- Contact your dentist in case the braces pull out. Trying to fix it on your own is not a good idea.
- Keeping one dental wax for more than two days is not recommended. You will need to change it regularly.
- Wax is insoluble in most liquids, hence use a more liquified food. Solid materials can easily adhere to the wax. Moreover, if you want to eat your food without interruption, you should wash the wax first.
- Always wash your hands before taking the wax.
- Don’t put too much pressure on your braces. Otherwise, they will break or pull out.
- Only use the doctor’s prescribed orthodontic wax and refrain from using any others.
- Clean and dry your mouth before applying the wax.
Can You Eat with Wax on Your Braces? Final Thoughts!
Orthodontic wax can give relief against the irritation caused by the continuous rubbing of braces against the oral cavity wall. Furthermore, you can still manage to eat your food while the wax is present. They are harmless and cannot invoke serious health problems.
If you are trying to apply wax on your braces, then follow the steps and maintain hygiene during the whole procedure. Contact your dentist if there is any severe side effect or allergic reaction.