Ask Dr. Martin: How often should I replace my toothbrush?

Great question! Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, Dr. Martin and our staff will tell you one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook! We hope you had a great Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks

With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season just around the corner, Dr. Jennifer Martin and our entire staff wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our orthodontic family. We realize that our practice thrives because of great patients like you - we are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you.

We hope that this Thanksgiving and holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

Dr. Martin wants to know: what's on your fall reading list?

This week marks National Young Reader’s Week, and during this time, it’s more important than ever to remind your child to read on a regular basis. After all, reading helps kids develop the mind, expands a child’s knowledge base, activates his or her flow of ideas and boosts their confidence. Plus, reading is fun!

Tell us: Are you reading a book this fall? If so, what’s on your reading list?

If you’re out of ideas for great fall reads, we encourage you to ask our staff or suggestions, and we’ll be happy to provide a few great titles. You may also ask a local librarian in Pleasant Hill or surrounding neighborhoods for some suggestions or check out various fall books for kids and teens that we found today, courtesy of Barnes & Noble.

Happy reading everybody!

Congrats to our GIANTS!

Dr. Jennifer Martin and our entire staff would like to congratulate the San Francisco Giants for winning the 2010 World Series last night! They won the Series in just 5 games, which is VERY difficult to do, and we couldn't be more proud of them!