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Your dashboard lights up when you need an oil change. Your smoke detector beeps when you need to switch out the batteries. But when it’s time to replace your toothbrush, you’re on your own. Luckily, there are several not-too-subtle clues that you should be shopping for a new model.

• Fraying

Is your toothbrush looking a bit scruffy? Do those once orderly bristles look like they have the toothbrush equivalent of bed head? Have some bristles vanished altogether? Time to retire that toothbrush. Once the bristles are frayed, you just can’t reach plaque as effectively, especially where it likes to hide between the teeth.

Are you prematurely fraying? You could be brushing too hard. Overbrushing can damage delicate gum tissue and cause wear and tear to tooth enamel. If you find your brush fraying after only a few weeks of use, you might be using too much force. Remember, plaque is a sticky film, but it’s a soft sticky film. Ask us for advice on just how hard you need—or don’t need—to brush.

• Odor

This one really goes without saying—no one wants an aromatic toothbrush! How to make sure your toothbrush is fresh and clean?

Always rinse carefully after you brush. This will get rid of any toothpaste, bits of food, or other particles left on your brush.

Let your toothbrush air dry. It might seem more hygienic to keep your brush covered in a bathroom setting, but a closed, moist container is a perfect breeding ground for germs. Don’t let them make a home in your bristles!

• Illness

A cold or a bacterial infection (like strep throat) is no fun. But now that you’re feeling better, it might be time to throw out your toothbrush. The chances of re-infection are very low, unless your immune system is compromised, but this is a perfect opportunity to replace your brush with a fresh, germ-free model.

And if you share your toothbrush, or if you store it right next to a loved one’s or family member’s (which you really shouldn’t do, for this very reason), germs get shared, too. Quarantine your brush while you’re ill, and replace it once you’re out and about.

• Discomfort

Bigger isn’t necessarily better. A brush with a head that’s too big won’t allow you to get into those small spaces in your mouth where plaque likes to collect.

And harder doesn’t mean more effective. A brush with hard bristles can cause damage to your gums and enamel. We almost always recommend soft-bristled brushes for this very reason.

There are so many styles of brush out there, you’re bound to find the perfect fit with a little trial and error. Or ask Dr. Keith J. Fabre Jr. for suggestions the next time you’re at our Marrero office for a cleaning!

• The “Best By” Date Has Passed

Because of its durable construction, your toothbrush can last a long, long time. But no matter how comfortable and effective your toothbrush is right now, it was never meant to go through life with you. Bristles break down over a period of months, and just don’t clean as effectively. Your brush should be changed every three months, and this includes changing the head on your electric toothbrush.

Unfortunately, you don’t have a flashing light or annoying beep to remind you when it’s time to change brushes, so you’ll have to devise your own reminders. Reminder apps, calendar notes, the first day of a new season—use whatever works best for you. 

Don’t ignore the clues your toothbrush is leaving you. Replacing your brush whenever it’s necessary helps guarantee that the time you spend cleaning your teeth and gums will lead to confident, healthy smiles. Case closed!

When you smile, you share your happiness with the world. But if your smile isn’t bringing you all the happiness it should, it might be time to talk to Dr. Keith J. Fabre Jr. about orthodontic treatment.

Orthodontic treatment provides both physical and psychological benefits:

• Straight Teeth

Perhaps you’re motivated to seek orthodontic treatment because you want straighter, more evenly spaced teeth. And straight teeth are more than simply an aesthetic preference--there’s a health bonus for your teeth and gums as well!

Crooked, overlapping teeth are more difficult to brush and floss effectively, creating hard-to-reach spaces which trap food particles and plaque. Proper tooth alignment and spacing help you keep your teeth and gums cleaner, reducing the risk of cavities and gum disease.

• Healthy Bite

“Occlusion” means the way your jaws and teeth fit together when you bite. A healthy occlusion lets you bite, chew, and speak easily and comfortably because your teeth, jaws, muscles, ligaments, and tendons are aligned in harmony. A malocclusion, or bad bite, occurs when the teeth and jaws don’t align properly, putting excess stress and pressure on the teeth, jaws, joints, and muscles.

The result? Malocclusions can cause difficulties eating and speaking, affect facial symmetry, and have long lasting consequences for your dental and overall health. An unbalanced bite can lead to worn and cracked teeth. Damaged teeth might require root canal treatment and crowns. You could experience jaw, neck, or facial pain, headaches, and sleep problems. Creating a well-aligned bite will help ensure a healthy dental future.

• Improved Self-Esteem

If you hesitate to share your smile because you are concerned about the appearance of your teeth or bite, orthodontic treatment can help you greet the world with confidence.

If your happy smile isn’t bringing you maximum happiness, it’s time to consider orthodontic treatment. Talk to the team at Fabre Family Dental Care of Marrero in Marrero to learn about all the benefits orthodontic treatment can offer you!

Some people choose bottled water over tap because they think it’s cleaner. Some do it out of convenience: It’s easy to grab a bottle of water to take with you for the day as you run out the door or hop in your car.

Whatever the reason, bottled water has been coming in ahead of tap water for the last couple of years. What many people may not know is that choosing bottled water over tap can actually be detrimental to your dental health.

Most brands of bottled water fail to include a vital ingredient: fluoride. Fluoride plays an important role in helping maintain good oral health because it helps strengthen our teeth. Stronger teeth mean a lower chance of tooth decay, and who doesn’t want that?

When we choose bottled water over tap water, we deprive our pearly whites of something they might very well need.

The good news is that the American Dental Association has endorsed both community water fluoridation and products that contain fluoride as a safe way to prevent tooth decay. If bottled water happens to be the preference for you or your family, you don’t necessarily have to force everyone to start drinking tap water.

Just check the label and make sure the brand you purchase contains fluoride.

It’s essential to remember that switching up the water you drink isn’t going to put you on the fast track to perfect teeth, though. Flossing and brushing three times a day is vital!

If you have any questions about fluoride or your dental health, don’t hesitate to ask Dr. Keith J. Fabre Jr. at our Marrero office!

Psst—here’s some time sensitive information just for you. If your teeth are sensitive to heat, cold, sweets, acidic foods, wind and/or air, it could mean it’s time to see Dr. Keith J. Fabre Jr.!

Normally, we don’t notice how external conditions affect our teeth at all. Tooth enamel—the hardest substance in the body—protects the inner tooth from outside stimuli. So, why do strong, solid teeth suddenly feel sensitive? The answer’s found in tooth anatomy.

The crown of the tooth, the part we can see above the gum line, has three distinct layers.

• Enamel, a strong mineral-rich coating, surrounds the outside of each tooth and protects the dentin and pulp inside.
• Dentin is the softer, porous middle layer of the tooth. Dentin contains thousands of tiny, fluid-filled tubules which extend to the pulp.
• In the center of each tooth is the pulp chamber, filled with nerves, blood vessels and connective tissue which keep the tooth alive and healthy.

The roots below the gumline have a similar structure, with one important exception.

• Cementum, which is not as hard and strong as enamel, covers the root surface instead of enamel.

Healthy, undamaged teeth allow you to enjoy an icy beverage, a hot latte, a sweet treat, or a brisk walk without any dental discomfort.

When the tooth’s protective enamel covering is worn or damaged, the dentin below the enamel is exposed to external conditions. Temperature changes, air, wind, sweets and acids—all the stimuli which normally have no effect on our teeth are now transmitted through the dentin’s tubules to the nerves inside the pulp.

The pulp’s nerves respond to these sensations by sending out pain signals. The uncomfortable tooth sensitivity which results is often described as an annoying twinge, a sharp, brief stabbing pain, or a shocking sensation.

There are several potential causes of dentin exposure, including:

Aggressive Brushing

Brushing is great! Over-aggressive brushing? Not so much. Heavy-handed brushing can wear down mineral-rich tooth enamel and is even more damaging to less-mineral-rich cementum.

Dental Products

Some mouthwashes, rinses, and whitening treatments containing alcohol or bleaching agents can cause temporary sensitivity, especially when there’s exposed dentin.

Cavities and Damaged Restorations

The bacteria in plaque create acids which strip minerals from tooth enamel. Over time, a hole in the enamel develops, uncovering the sensitive dentin below. Similarly, when fillings or crowns loosen or suffer damage, the dentin surface underneath is exposed to air and temperature changes.

Injuries

A crack or fracture can expose dentin, or, in severe cases, tooth pulp, to foods, heat, cold, and air.

Diet

An acidic or sugary environment in the mouth harms enamel. Consuming acidic foods and beverages erodes the minerals which make enamel so strong. Sugars give plaque bacteria the perfect fuel for producing their enamel-eroding acids.

Tooth Grinding

Bruxism, or tooth grinding, often takes place during sleep, and can apply over a hundred pounds of pressure to the teeth and jaws. Continuous grinding and clenching wears away tooth enamel, exposing dentin. Bruxism can also cause chipped and cracked teeth, as well as jaw damage and even tooth loss.

Malocclusion

Occlusion refers to the way our teeth and jaws fit together. In a healthy occlusion, the forces of biting and chewing are normal and evenly distributed. A malocclusion, or bad bite, can cause excessive or uneven pressure on teeth and jaws, leading to worn enamel, cracked teeth, and more serious bite problems.

Gum Disease

Gum disease can cause the gums to pull away from the teeth. This gum recession exposes the tooth’s root, which is covered with softer cementum, making it more vulnerable to sensitivity and decay.

Just as there are many causes for tooth sensitivity, your dental team at Fabre Family Dental Care of Marrero has many solutions to restore your comfortable, healthy smile.

Choose the Right Products to Protect Your Smile

• If you’re not using a soft-bristled brush, trade in your old model ASAP, or try an electric toothbrush.
• There are special toothpastes which are formulated to reduce sensitivity.
• Talk to your dentist or hygienist at Fabre Family Dental Care of Marrero to learn the best ways to brush and the best products to use to protect your dental health and your tooth enamel.
• Ask your dental team to recommend less acidic mouthwashes and whiteners designed for more sensitive teeth.

See Your Dentist Regularly

• Regular exams will reveal any cavities before they become deeper and more damaging.
• Dr. Keith J. Fabre Jr. can set broken restorations to rights by creating a new filling or crown.
• If you suspect you have an injured tooth, call our practice immediately to prevent more serious damage or infection.

Eat a Dental-Healthy Diet

• Cut down on acidic and sugary foods.
• Check ingredients. The amount of acids and sugars in foods like sodas and sports drinks could surprise you!
• If you do eat something acidic, don’t brush right away—rinse with water and wait an hour to give your enamel time to strengthen and remineralize.

Protect Your Smile from Trauma

• A custom-fitted nightguard can prevent enamel erosion and other damage caused by bruxism.
• If you’re concerned about your bite, ask your dentist for an orthodontic referral.
• Wear a mouthguard when playing contact sports or activities to protect your teeth from injuries.

Guard Your Gum Health

• Regular exams and cleanings help prevent gum disease.
• Bonding and sealers can be used to cover and protect exposed root surfaces.
• Dr. Keith J. Fabre Jr. might recommend periodontal treatments such as deep cleaning or gum grafting for more severe gum recession.

The first step in treating sensitivity is a visit to Fabre Family Dental Care of Marrero in Marrero to diagnose the source of your discomfort. Tooth sensitivity is time sensitive. Take care of small problems before they become serious ones, and you’ll help make sure your smile is something you’re not the least bit sensitive about!