September 2010 - Peter A. Pate, DDS

September 27, 2010

10 Road Rage Remedies: Beat Stress in Atlanta Traffic!

Filed under: Living It Up — Tags: anger management atlanta, atlanta family dentist, atlanta traffic, buckhead dentist atlanta, cure road rage, driving in atlanta, road rage atlanta, roadrage atlanta — 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…)

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September 15, 2010

YEEEOWCH! Do You Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity?

Filed under: Dental Pain — Tags: acid erosion of teeth, atlanta dentist, atlanta ga dentist, atlanta sensitive teeth, buckhead dentist, family dentist atlanta ga, sensitive teeth after whitening, sensitive teeth in atlanta, teeth pain atlanta, teeth sensitivity atlanta, tooth enamel erosion, tooth pain atlanta — 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…)

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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…)

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