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Dr. Carrie Webb
102 Church Street
Whitinsville, MA 01588
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Patient Library
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Nutrition and Your Teeth
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...
It has long been known that good nutrition and a well-balanced diet is one of the best defenses for your oral health. Providing your body with the right amounts of vitamins and minerals helps your teeth and gums—as well as your immune system—stay strong and ward off infection, decay and disease.
Harmful acids and bacteria in your mouth are left behind from eating foods high in sugar and carbohydrates. These include carbonated beverages, some kinds of fruit juices, and many kinds of starch foods like pasta, bread and cereal.
Children's Nutrition and Teeth
Good eating habits that begin in early childhood can go a long way to ensuring a lifetime of good oral health.
Children should eat foods rich in calcium and other kinds of minerals, as well as a healthy balance of the essential food groups like vegetables, fruits, dairy products, poultry and meat. Fluoride supplements may be helpful if you live in a community without fluoridated water, but consult with our office first. (Be aware that sugars are even found in some kinds of condiments, as well as fruits and even milk.)
Allowing your children to eat excessive amounts of junk food (starches and sugars)—including potato chips, cookies, crackers, soda, artificial fruit rollups and granola bars—only places them at risk for serious health problems, including obesity, osteoporosis and diabetes. The carbonation found in soda, for example, can actually erode tooth enamel. Encourage your child to use a straw when drinking soda; this will help keep at least some of the carbonated beverage away from the teeth.
Adult Nutrition and Teeth
There's no discounting the importance of continuing a healthy balanced diet throughout your adult life.