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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. Jason P. Tosto for suggestions the next time you’re at our Hellertown, PA 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!

What’s life like for the average 60-year-old today? It’s complicated! We travel. Or we work out. Or we relax with friends. We pursue favorite hobbies or we develop new ones. We work, or start businesses, or volunteer for schools, museums, and charities. We practice the art of writing letters or we text our grandchildren. Whatever else we do, we do our best to stay healthy so we can live our lives to the fullest.

Part of living our lives to the fullest means caring for ourselves. And caring for ourselves means learning how to look out for the potential dental problems that might come with age, and how to keep ourselves in the best of dental health.

• Gum Disease

Gum disease, or periodontitis, is not uncommon in older patients. Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, can leave you more vulnerable to gum disease. Because gum disease is often symptom free, it can remain unnoticed until the disease has progressed. Good oral hygiene and regular visits to the dentist are the best means of prevention—we are trained to discover gum disease in its earliest stages, and can treat it before the disease causes serious damage to gums, teeth and bone. But if you have delayed seeing a dentist, the good news is that there are many methods of treating gum disease available, including antibiotics, professional plaque removal, and periodontal surgery.

• Tooth Decay

As we age, our gums can recede from the teeth. The new root area that is exposed is more vulnerable to decay because it is not shielded by the hard enamel which protects the upper part, or crown, of the tooth. Maintaining your brushing and flossing routine is the best way to keep cavities from developing. If gum recession is severe, there are surgical methods we can discuss to restore gum health.

• Time

Cosmetically, teeth can yellow with age as the dentin beneath the enamel darkens and the enamel covering it thins. Years of coffee, wine, smoking and other stain-makers take their toll. If you are self-conscious about the appearance of your smile, talk to us about suggestions for whitening and brightening.

Medically, over time our teeth are subject to damage. Enamel and tooth surfaces can wear away, leaving our teeth more at risk for breaks or fractures that can lead to infection, which can result in the need for root canal work. Simple chewing puts an amazing amount of pressure on the teeth—and if you grind your teeth, there is even more stress placed on them. See us regularly for ways to maintain strong teeth, to repair damage if necessary, and to keep your gums and bones healthy if you are a denture wearer.

• Dry Mouth

Dry mouth can be a problem for older patients, often caused by medical conditions or medications. When we produce saliva, it helps remove sugar and the acids sugars produce which attack our enamel. Without normal saliva production, we are more vulnerable to cavities. Dry mouth can also lead to mouth ulcers, oral thrush, sores and infections. If you have been suffering from this condition, talk to us. Dr. Jason P. Tosto and our team have suggestions that will help.

• Oral Cancer

Oral cancer is something we look for during every check-up. And, if you ever notice any change that causes you concern, call us immediately. Early treatment of oral cancer and other oral diseases leads to the best possible outcome.

• Keep Up With Your Dental Care

The best way to keep our teeth and mouths healthy as we age is with prevention. Regular daily brushing and flossing and office visits twice a year for an examination and a professional cleaning are habits that should last a lifetime. Make sure to tell us about any medical conditions you may have and any medications you are taking, to avoid interactions and relieve unpleasant side effects.

What’s life like for the average older person today? There is no average older person! As we age, we are free to explore our interests in any number of creative and individual ways. But there is one goal we have in common: we all want to keep our smiles healthy and attractive. Call our Hellertown, PA office for preventative and restorative care. We want to help you work toward an ageless smile!

Need some gift ideas for family members and friends who seem to have absolutely everything? Who are impossible to shop for? Who tell you not to worry, it’s the thought that counts? Well, we have a few suggestions which will show the people on your gift list that you’ve put a lot of thought into their gifts this holiday season. 

You love to see your friends and family smile, so we’ve come up with some smile-worthy ideas designed for their specific interests. 

Environmental Ally

The world is becoming a more eco-conscious place, and happily this transformation includes products designed for personal care. Put together a spa basket which is good for your friend’s comfort, dental health, and the planet!

A recycled gift box filled with environmentally friendly bath products and organic cotton face cloths becomes even more mindful with the addition of bamboo or recycled plastic toothbrushes, zero-waste fluoride toothpaste tablets, and biodegradable picks and floss. 

Don’t forget to include a colorful, insulated water bottle for sustainable hydration—and washing away food particles when there’s no handy place to brush after eating. Healthy planet/healthy smile.

Talented Techie

If your friend or relative is cutting edge high-tech, maybe it’s time for a dental upgrade. 

Modern electric toothbrushes offer plenty of options for the tech-savvy. They come with different settings for brushing and massaging. They can let brushers know if they’ve brushed long enough, if they’re brushing too hard, or when the brush head needs to be retired. Smart models even link to apps, which can, among other things, map out any missed spots in brushing coverage or suggest more effective brushing angles. 

And for an extra thoughtful touch, include a packet of plaque disclosing tablets. Chew one of these helpful little tablets and they will reveal any plaque that’s still on the teeth.

Adventure Seeker

How about a new backpack or carry-all for outdoor or travel adventures? A travel first aid kit is always a welcome addition for the person on the go.

Go the extra step and help a friend be prepared for anything with an emergency dental kit. You can find these lightweight kits in stores or online, or you can assemble one yourself with a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste, floss, a travel mirror, cotton rolls, pain relievers, and even temporary fillings. Include a pack of sugar-free gum—it helps with altitude changes and hydration. Ask Dr. Jason P. Tosto or the team at Tosto Family Dentistry for suggestions!

Timeless Trendsetter

Older relatives might love a selection of modern gifts designed with old-fashioned comfort in mind, such as an automatic jar opener and a selection of jams, trekking poles for easier hiking, or wireless earbuds for enjoying music or an audio book.

For a lifetime of healthy smiles, consider adding a water flosser to your gift basket. Gum disease is a leading cause of tooth loss for older Americans. Water flossers are a great way to eliminate stubborn plaque, especially when mobility issues make manual flossing difficult. Adjustable water pressure applies just the right amount of cleaning power, and the flow can be directed to the gumline, between teeth, or anywhere necessary. 

Film Buff

If your bestie likes nothing better than an evening spent in front of the home screen, consider a subscription or gift card for a streaming service tailored to his or her favorites, whether it’s classic films, sci-fi, action, rom-coms, or epic adventures. 

And don’t forget the binge-watch treats! Fill a basket with dental-friendly goodies like fresh fruits, nuts, and dark chocolate. Include a collection of simple sparkling waters or a gift card for vitamin-rich smoothies. Who needs sugary candies and sodas with options like these?

No matter who’s on your shopping list, tailoring your gifts to their interests and their well-being is a great way to share happy, healthy holiday smiles with family and friends in Hellertown, PA.

Nothing is more welcome at the Thanksgiving table than your happy, healthy smile! Here are some ideas to keep your holiday smile looking and feeling its best.

#1 Good Dental Hygiene Doesn’t Take Holidays Off

Thanksgiving day is bustling with activity, with shared meals and travelling and get-togethers in Hellertown, PA. But it’s still essential to make time for proactive dental care. When foods stick around your teeth after you eat, the bacteria in plaque use those sugars and carbs to create acids which erode teeth and lead to cavities. And since Thanksgiving offers plenty of opportunities during the day to nibble on foods high in sugars and carbs, your teeth might need some extra TLC.

• If you’re home, brush and floss as usual after eating. If you’re travelling, bring a kit with a travel-size toothbrush and toothpaste and some floss to keep your teeth clean and your breath fresh throughout the day. 
• If you’ve been eating acidic foods like cranberry sauce, wine, or sodas, wait about 30-60 minutes to brush. Acids weaken enamel temporarily, and, until the enamel rehardens, brushing can be abrasive.
• Hydrate with water. Water helps wash away food particles from teeth and braces and helps neutralize enamel-damaging acids in foods and drinks by encouraging healthy saliva production.

#2 Be Choosy about Your Food Choices

• Make sure your plate has a healthy portion of protein and vegetables.
• If your dinner just isn’t complete without carbs, try whole grain rolls instead of soft breads and sweet potatoes instead of white potatoes.
• Eat sweets and desserts with meals, when saliva production is high. This helps wash away sugars and neutralize acids.
• If you or your child wears braces, be sure to keep to braces-friendly foods. This means nothing crunchy, chewy, hard, or sticky.
• Make water one of your go-to beverages. If you do drink acidic beverages such as coffee, soda, or energy drinks, don’t sip them throughout the day. This bathes the teeth in acid for long periods.
• Chew sugarless gum if the team at Tosto Family Dentistry recommends it. Sugar-free gum encourages saliva production.

#3 Use the Right Tools When You Cook and Eat

And the right tools are never your teeth! Even when every surface in the kitchen is devoted to food prep and you can’t find the bottle opener or the nutcracker or the scissors anywhere, using your teeth to open bottles or nuts or bags of chips is a recipe for disaster. Avoid fractured and chipped teeth by using the appropriate tool for the job.

#4 See Your Dentist to Prevent Small Problems from Becoming Big Holiday Disruptions

If you’ve been suffering tooth pain or sensitivity, schedule an appointment with Dr. Jason P. Tosto before the holidays to make sure your teeth and gums are their healthiest. Nothing takes the fun out of feasting more quickly than a dental emergency. 

Work with Dr. Jason P. Tosto to ensure that your dental health is at its best for the holidays and every day. With proactive care, a tooth-friendly diet, and regular examinations, you’ll be welcoming friends and family with a beaming, healthy smile all year long.