It covers the sharp edges of a chipped or broken tooth while you wait for your dentist appointment. Did you know that dental wax can also provide short-term relief for a damaged tooth? You can even use dental wax for a broken tooth. In these cases, you can coat the irritating parts of the metal framework with tooth wax. But if you still experience discomfort, dental wax is a great short-term solution.īecause of the metal framework that holds the dentures in place, partial dentures can also cause discomfort. First, try pushing the protruding wire against your tooth with a Q-tip or tweezer into a comfortable position, as recommended by The American Association of Orthodontists. Or suppose a bracket of your braces pops off, or a wire comes out of place. If the brackets of your braces rub against the inside of your cheeks and cause discomfort, covering the jagged edge with wax can provide relief. If you have braces, dental wax can make a big difference for an at-home solution while you wait to see a dental professional. While the wax is generally flavorless, some varieties have added flavors like mint, cherry, or bubble gum. It is usually transparent and unnoticeable when used. Dental wax's primary use is to protect the mouth's sensitive areas such as the gums, lips, and cheeks' lining.

It sticks to sharp surfaces inside your mouth and creates a smooth surface. It's solid at room temperature but softens from the warmth of your hands. The wax barrier stops the irritation and allows the mouth the time to heal any sore spots.Dental wax is a substance most often made from paraffin, beeswax, or carnauba wax. Step 6: Allow the wax to work: Once you applied the wax, your mouth should heal itself quickly. Using your thumb or forefinger, press the ball of wax over the bracket or wire causing you pain. Step 5: Press the wax over the painful area and rub it in place. The drier the area, the longer the wax will stick. This can be braces or wires poking far in the back of your mouth. Wax can cover up any area where sharp or rough metal is irritating your inner lips and cheeks. Too much wax may result in it falling off. A blob the size of a popcorn kernel will usually do the job. Pull off a little piece of wax from the pack and roll it with your fingers into a ball shape for at least 5 seconds to warm the wax. We want to reduce the introduction of bacteria. Step 1: Wash your hands and brush your teeth. Below, we describe the proper steps to use wax to maximize its ability to provide you relief.

There is only one place for this wire to slide, and that is in the back of your mouth.įortunately, orthodontic wax is a great and easy way to rid yourself of any discomfort until you can see your orthodontist for your next appointment. As those spaces close, the arch or perimeter of your teeth decreases. Another common reason for the wire to start poking is when the orthodontist is closing spaces or gaps between your teeth. However, if the wire shifts far enough, you will begin to feel that discomfort in the back of your cheek. First, as your teeth begin to straighten, the wire has a tendency to shift. There are a few different reasons why this may happen. No matter what we as orthodontists do, it is an unfortunate inevitability. Anyone who has ever had braces has experienced the nuisance of a pokey wire.

Ortho wax