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Peter A. Pate, DDS Dental Blog

October 13, 2010

Emergency Dental Care: What to do until you see Dr. Pate.

Filed under: Dental Pain,Family Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 11:25 pm

We handle dental emergencies all the time. If you have a dental emergency, please call the office immediately at 404-266-9424 so that you can see Dr. Pate. The most common dental emergencies are knocking out or loosening a tooth, a major toothache, and losing a crown.  For problems like severe trauma or bleeding, our first recommendation is to go to the emergency room. You will be treated more quickly for life-threatening emergencies at the ER. Remember, if it’s painful, it’s an emergency and should be addressed as soon as possible to increase the chances of saving the tooth and reducing damage to the nerves and tissue.

What do I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?

Don’t panic!  First, find the tooth and brush it off gently. Don’t run water over it unless it’s covered in dirt.  Place the tooth into a small cup of milk – yes, milk. Press a clean cloth against the space in your gums where the tooth was knocked out. Then call our office to let us know about the situation, and we’ll make time in our schedule for you to see Dr. Pate. He might be able to replace the tooth, depending on the break and the damage.

What do I do if I have a toothache that’s so severe I can’t sleep, eat, or think straight?

Please call our office for an appointment! We’ll fit you in as soon as possible. Take Tylenol or Advil to temporarily help ease your pain.

What do I do if my temporary or permanent crown falls off?

If you can find the crown, rinse it off and keep it. If the crown is not broken, use a dab of toothpaste or temporary cement (available at the drugstore) to reattach the crown. Then call our office and we’ll set a time, probably the same day, for you to see Dr. Pate.

The best treatment for an emergency is prevention!  Preventive treatment is obviously easier, more cost effective, and significantly less stressful (on your body and your schedule) than undergoing emergency treatment. Although some emergencies cannot be prevented, many are preventable.  For example, you should wear a mouth guard while engaging in sports.  In addition, regular preventive care visits with Dr. Pate will help you avoid unexpected toothaches by identifying developing dental issues.  You can take care of them before they become a painful nuisance!

 

October 1, 2010

Never at a Loss with Dental Floss

Filed under: Living It Up — Tags: , , , , , — dr_pate @ 5:51 pm

Dental floss. It comes in round, flat, mint, unflavored, green, white, blue. Your dentist and hygienist urge you to floss daily to protect against plaque buildup and gum disease. So, every morning, you stand in front of the mirror and diligently try to perform oral gymnastics with dental floss.

Dental floss is what it is, an important tool for your oral health… But is it more? YES!

We’ve found some creative uses for this nearly indestructible dental string. Check it out:

  • Fly a balloon
  • Save your spot with a bookmark that’s minty fresh
  • Clean the nooks and crannies in jewelry
  • Cut slices of cake or dough
  • Escape from jail (this one’s a secret)
  • Hang Christmas ornaments
  • Catch fish in a pinch with this fishing line
  • Hang clothes to dry
  • Repair a broken shoelace
  • Hang shower brushes and squeegies (it’s waterproof)
  • Separate stuck photos
  • Hang pictures or wind chimes
  • Play cat’s cradle
  • Sew industrial strength items or buttons
  • String beads
  • Support those lazy plants
  • String popcorn for the holidays
  • Tie a ponytail
  • Clean a hair brush (thread thru an upholstery needle, then push through the bristles and pull upward)
  • Tie a stuffed turkey
  • Tie packages

The next time you floss, think about ways you can use dental floss outside of the bathroom. Think like a kid; you’ll come up with something clever! Post your ideas as a blog comment or on our Facebook page. Keep an extra box of floss in your purse, pocket or car.  You never know when dental floss will save the day!

Until next time, keep flossing!  Click here to learn about proper flossing techniques.

September 27, 2010

10 Road Rage Remedies: Beat Stress in Atlanta Traffic!

Filed under: Living It Up — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 2:40 pm

Have you teetered on the brink of road rage?

Atlanta traffic may be the reason you started using “colorful” language.  It sure sends many of us over the edge.  You have undoubtedly been on the receiving end of rude gestures or verbal insults, or maybe you have delivered them on occasion.  Don’t let your emotions get the best of you!  Turn that energy into something fun and positive.

Did you know that people most prone to anger are almost three times more likely to have a heart attack than those with low anger?  That’s what the American Psychological Association tells us.  Other health risks seen in those who display hostility include obesity, depression and stroke.  Wow.  Safe driving promotes healthy hearts!

Try these ideas for some amusing ways to ease stress in the car.  Who cares if other drivers snicker at you?  They are just envious they can’t beat the stress in traffic.  The key is to relax and laugh.  Laugh a lot.  A whole lot! (more…)

September 15, 2010

YEEEOWCH! Do You Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity?

Filed under: Dental Pain — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 10:01 pm

Do you say no to sundaes? Do you wait for your soup to stop steaming? Is sugar painfully sweet? If your teeth ache with temperature fluctuations or sour and sweet tastes, you probably have sensitive teeth. The consequences of this touchy condition can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pains.

Teeth grinding, gum recession, gum disease, tooth decay at the gum line, cracks, chips, and plaque buildup can make teeth sensitive. Years of brushing too hard, consuming high-acid foods and drinks, “thin tooth enamel,” or using certain mouthwashes or toothpastes can also contribute to your sensitivity. If your sensitivity is a result of recent dental work, it may go away as quickly as it developed.

Is there hope that you’ll ever enjoy a brisk winter walk or a glass of refreshing iced tea without wincing when the cold hits your teeth?

YES!

As with most dental conditions, the first line of defense is good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Make your appointments with Dr. Pate for checkups and cleanings every six months (or as often as recommended). Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, using desensitizing toothpaste, and reducing the amount of acidic foods and drinks you ingest (colas, citrus, sports drinks, coffee, wine, etc.) are great first steps you can take at home. (more…)

September 7, 2010

Children’s Dentistry: Taking Care of Baby Teeth

Filed under: Children's Dentistry — dr_pate @ 8:48 pm

Did you know that you can spread decay-causing bacteria to your child with a kiss or by sharing food? It’s true. Dental caries (tooth decay or cavities) is the most widespread childhood disease.  Here’s the good news: as a concerned and loving parent, you don’t have to stop kissing your baby!

Most parents don’t know that when baby teeth (primary or milk teeth) get a cavity, the bacteria can cause pain, an abscess, infection, or even spread to the un-erupted permanent teeth that lie beneath. You should take steps to prevent decay from forming, and always address existing tooth decay, even in primary teeth.

In children, tooth loss caused by decay appears closely linked to poor speech development, lack of concentration, low self-esteem, and an overall inability to thrive. Taking good care of your child’s health includes preventive and restorative dentistry, as needed. I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a family dentist in Atlanta. At Dentistry in Buckhead, my team will work with you, providing the information, tools, and guidance you and your children need for great oral health.

Many expecting and new parents ask us when their baby will get teeth, and in what order. This video shows when teeth erupt. The bar at the bottom indicates age: (more…)

August 25, 2010

Are You Ready for Friday Night Lights in Atlanta?

Filed under: Atlanta Community — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 1:48 pm

High school football is back, and most of our local teams hit the field this week. Some of our schools are perennial powers. Some are new programs. Some are rebuilding. All offer a great opportunity for some good old-fashioned fun and healthy competition.

Head out to a high school football game with your friends, neighbors, and family this Friday, and be sure to kick off the night with a tailgate picnic. (Throw some dental floss in the ice chest to rid your teeth of those pesky popcorn kernels, and be sure to rinse with water after drinking sugar-filled sodas!) You’ll get caught up in the excitement, crazy fans and team spirit as you cheer on your team.

Call your local high school for game time and ticket information, or plan to purchase tickets at the gate. And if you have a football player in the family, be sure he wears an athletic mouthguard! At Dentistry in Buckhead, we care about community, kids, and strong, healthy smiles. And we know how to have fun.

Click here for a sneak peek from WSB-TV Channel 2 Sports, featuring some of our local talent!

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August 17, 2010

Clear Braces for Straight Teeth and a Gorgeous Smile

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry — dr_pate @ 7:29 pm

If your teeth aren’t quite straight; if your front teeth are unevenly spaced; if you wore braces in your youth and your teeth have shifted out of alignment, you should talk with me about Invisalign clear, removable braces. In just 6 to 18 months, custom Invisalign aligners straighten teeth without  wires and brackets.  I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a cosmetic and restorative family dentist in Atlanta, and I want to give you a reason to show off your smile.

Invisalign is an innovative style of orthodontics that works well for many adults and older teens. After a consultation, if we determine that clear braces are right for you, I’ll use 3D imaging technology and special software to create your custom treatment plan. Then, a certified Invisalign laboratory will fabricate your series of clear acrylic Invisalign aligners. (more…)

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