Waxing poetic

If you have a child with braces, you’ve likely been given packets of dental wax during your child’s orthodontic journey. What is this stuff, exactly?

Dental wax is made of non-toxic and medical grade ingredients, so while it’s safe to consume, you don’t want to intentionally eat it. It wears off over time, as saliva slowly washes it away.

Dental wax has many uses. For a child with new braces, it can help with any initial discomfort. Only a tiny amount is needed: a small pea-sized amount, rolled between clean fingers, warms and softens it. It works best when teeth are clean and dabbed dry with a cotton swab or gauze square. The wax ball then can be pressed directly over a bracket, forming a cushion.

Dental wax also helps when braces or retainers have sharp edges, new or loose brackets, or poking wires. If your child plays a horn instrument, like a trumpet, they might find wax makes playing a lot more comfortable.

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This smile is brought to you by:

Wade L. Haslam, DMD, PC

2657 NW Rolling Green Drive Corvallis | 541.757.2440 valleyvieworthodontics.com