changing file system names

[Robert Holtzman]

Just had occasion to look at my /etc/mtab and the file system names had 
changed from /dev/sda* to /dev/sdb*. My /etc/fstab still shows /dev/sda*.
This may have happened when I recently used gparted to create 3 new 
partitions (which I have yet to designate labels or mount points for).
What happened and can I rename back to /dev/sda* or do I live with it and
edit /etc/fstab?

The danger, of course, is that if anything happened that would force me to 
reboot, such as a power outage, I'd be screwed....I think.

Any pointers *greatly* appreciated!

-- 
Bob Holtzman
"If you think you're getting free lunch,
  check the price of the beer"