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March 2, 2012

Rock Star Dental Habits

February was a month full of awards shows, including the 54th Annual Grammy Awards. As your favorite musicians accepted their awards, what did their smiles look like? Dr. Pate can help protect your teeth from some common destructive rock-star habits.

Oral Habits

Some rockers have wild lifestyles. Drug, tobacco, and alcohol use can damage their smiles. First, these products contribute to stained teeth. Your teeth should not look the same gold color as your Grammy! Furthermore, these habits can lead to dry mouth and increase your risk of oral cancer. Most musicians should set an example to their young fans and avoid harmful habits to keep their smiles white and healthy.

Stage Accidents

Instrument wires and stage oils can make performances very hazardous. Slipping on stage or diving into the audience may cause oral injuries, like broken teeth or knocked out teeth. Actress-singer Hilary Duff admitted that she chipped four of her teeth on microphones, influencing her decision to get veneers. If rock stars plan rowdy dance moves, they should consider wearing mouth guards to protect their smiles against accidental injuries.

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February 8, 2012

Pet Dental Health

Eating table scraps, licking people, and digging through trash cans and outdoor surroundings can make your pet’s mouth very dirty. Dental disease affects 78% of dogs and 68% of cats, and poor dental health can lead to bacterial infection and tooth loss in any species.  Since your canine or feline doesn’t have access to professional dental care by Dr. Pate like you do, it’s important that you understand how to keep your pet’s mouth clean.

Pet Dental Problems

This month is National Pet Dental Health month. P. gulae is the bacteria responsible for causing gum disease in animals. Dental problems in pets can cause pain, discomfort, shyness, and irritability. Contact your vet if you notice any of these oral symptoms in your pet:

  • Tartar buildup
  • Bad breath
  • Bleeding
  • Difficulty eating or chewing
  • Wincing when touched near mouth
  • Red gums

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December 26, 2011

How to Recycle Your Toothbrush

The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three to four months, or sooner if you’re sick or the bristles become frayed. So what do you do with the brush when it can no longer clean your teeth? Dr. Pate suggests disinfecting your brush to prevent contaminating other areas, and trying these tips to make your old toothbrushes useful.

Around The House

Toothbrushes are useful cleaning tools because they can get into crevices that your sponge or rag cannot reach. The brush can clean between the bristles of your hairbrush or between the tongs of your forks. In addition, the long handle makes it easy to reach deep down into bottles or glasses. It’s also convenient to scrub grout and grime from the corners of kitchen and bathroom sinks. You’ve probably eaten while watching TV or using the computer, which leaves your buttons dirty and sticky.  A clean, dry brush can also help remove dust between keys on your remote control or computer keyboard.

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November 23, 2011

What is the Wishbone?

Breaking the wishbone is a popular Thanksgiving tradition. You may have battled your siblings for a shot at the wishbone pull since you were a kid, but how much do you know about the history of the wishbone?

1. What is the wishbone?

a. The collarbone
b. The rib
c. The leg

2. What animal’s bones were believed to have supernatural powers in medieval Europe?

a. Turkey
b. Chicken
c. Goose

3. Who started the Thanksgiving tradition of breaking the wishbone?

a. Your grandparents
b. The Pilgrims
c. The president

4. What is commonly believed to happen when you get the bigger half of the wishbone?

a. You get money
b. You’re unlucky
c. Your wish will come true

5. What is another name for the wishbone?

a. The lucky bone
b. The merrythought
c. The bone of thanks

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November 17, 2011

Turkey Talk

The turkey will probably be the main dish at your Thanksgiving feast. How much do you really know about the bird you’re going to gobble?

Test your turkey trivia.

1.   Who preferred the turkey as the national symbol of America, instead of the bald eagle?

a. Christopher Columbus
b. Benjamin Franklin
c. George Washington

2.   True or False? A female turkey is called a chicken.

3. What is a baby turkey called?

a. Poult
b. Pup
c. Turk

4.   What is a male turkey called?

a. Rooster
b. Chicken
c. Tom

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