I was wondering: I'm using wax to soften the friction of metal brackets on my braces, but if it falls off and you accidently swallow it, is that toxic or dangerous? And what is the proper way to apply and remove wax from your braces?
2007-03-03 16:05:01 · 4 answers · asked by Reviving Aerith 3 in Health ➔ Dental
Some wax, Partylite candles for instance, are actually food based. So ingesting it isn't recommended, but not harmful. I sold these candles for a long time, and at one of my shows, I was saying to the group how great the birthday cake candle smelled, and I put it on the table, the dog walked by and ate the whole thing... he probably had a belly ache but he was fine. As far as braces, (had them too) you wouldn't be given a wax that was toxic for that use. Use enough to cover the spot that is hurting you, it will eventually wear off, due to moving your teeth and tongue and you will need to reapply it. No need to worry about ingesting that tiny bit of wax, its harmless. Your mouth will be used to your braces soon and you won't need the wax anymore. Good luck with your beautiful smile! The pain is worth it in the end!
2007-03-03 16:30:03 · answer #1 · answered by chefck26 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The wax isn't dangerous to swallow. However, if you are having trouble keeping it on your braces, I'd recommend this plastic lip protector designed for musicians. It's clear soft plastic and kind of clips onto the brackets of your braces. You can trim it down to pretty much any size, so if it's only a small area that bothers, you won't have to wear the whole thing. I was able to play the french horn with braces because of these things (wax would always fall off for me and didn't give enough protection), and I'd use them all the time when I had areas that my braces irritated.
2007-03-04 01:37:21 · answer #2 · answered by chrissea 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, it doesn't really interact with your body, it won't hurt you if you swallow it.
I always applied wax by making a tiny ball and pressing it onto and around the bracket that was bothering me. It comes off really easily, too.
2007-03-04 00:13:28 · answer #3 · answered by wonderer152 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe wax is one of those indigestible substances (like chewing gum) that simply passes right through you. I'm not sure about getting it off braces (I never wore them myself).
2007-03-04 00:14:43 · answer #4 · answered by Resident Heretic 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋