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Dr. Carrie Webb
102 Church Street
Whitinsville, MA 01588
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Patient Library
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Gum Disease (Gingivitis)
Retainers
Brushing and Flossing
Mouthguards
If you are an athlete, we highly suggest the use of an orthodontic mouthguard while you are in braces. This is not only used to protect your teeth, but also your lips and cheeks should a significant bump to the face occur. Read More...
Separators
Welcome to the first part of your orthodontic treatment. Today you received blue elastics called separators. The separators are placed between your teeth to open a little space which is necessary for your next appointment. Read More...
How to care for your braces:
When you first get your braces, teeth may become sore. Take what you would normally take for a headache until your teeth begin to feel better. (An anti-inflammatory such as Advil, Motrin, etc will typically work best.) Because everyone is different, soreness can vary anywhere between a few days up to a week. Read More...
Minor Emergencies and Braces
Throughout the first few appointments as the teeth become aligned, the wire may become long and scratchy in the back behind the band. Wax can be used until a quick appointment is made to trim the wire. Read More...
Appliances you may receive throughout your treatment
The expander is designed to widen the palate and/or correct your child’s crossbite. Here are a few helpful tips for home. Read More...
Orthodontic Elastics
Elastics create a continuous force causing the upper and lower teeth to move into alignment. The elastics are connected to specific teeth to move the teeth in a planned direction. Read More...
Retainers
The essix retainer is made of clear durable plastic, it snaps into place over your teeth. Our office uses the essix retainer as a temporary retainer to maintain your orthodontic results. In a few weeks you will receive acrylic retainers which you will wear as instructed. Read More...
Gingivitis is the medical term for early gum disease, or periodontal disease. In general, gum disease can be caused by long-term exposure to plaque, the sticky but colorless film on teeth that forms after eating or sleeping.
Gum disease originates in the gums, where infections form from harmful bacteria and other materials left behind from eating. Early warning signs include chronic bad breath, tender or painful swollen gums and minor bleeding after brushing or flossing. In many cases, however, gingivitis can go unnoticed. The infections can eventually cause the gums to separate from the teeth, creating even greater opportunities for infection and decay.
Although gum disease is the major cause of tooth loss in adults, in many cases it is avoidable.
If gingivitis goes untreated, more serious problems such as abscesses, bone loss or periodontitis can occur.
Periodontitis is treated in a number of ways. One method, called root planing, involved cleaning and scraping below the gum line to smooth the roots. If effective, this procedure helps the gums reattach themselves to the tooth structure. However, not all instances of scaling and root planing successfully reattach the tooth to the gums. Additional measures may be needed if the periodontal pockets persist after scaling and root planing
Pregnancy has also been known to cause a form of gingivitis. This has been linked to hormonal changes in the woman's body that promote plaque production.