Children's Dentistry Archives - Page 2 of 2

May 20, 2011

HPV: Strong Link to Oral Cancer!

We’ve heard a lot lately about the Human Papilloma Virus, or HPV. Usually this is introduced to us by our physicians as it relates to our reproductive health. HPV is most easily transmitted through sexual contact, and is strongly linked to cervical cancer. However, there is new evidence that connects HPV to declining oral health as well. Would you believe that the HPV positive group is the fastest growing segment of the oral cancer population?

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead. It is important that you understand the dangers of HPV and what it can mean for your oral health. I recommend that you first become familiar with the characteristics of the virus and the way it is transmitted, and then learn how to best prevent you and your loved ones from contracting this destructive bug.

Although over 120 different versions of HPV have been identified, the most common strands are HPV-16, 18, 31, and 45. The virus is most easily spread through unprotected sexual contact. All of these HPV strands wreak havoc on the skin and mucosal linings of body tissues and results in an attack of the cells which can lead to various forms of cancer.

Specifically in the mouth, HPV-16 seems to be the culprit for the increasing rates of oral cancer in young adults. The virus manifests itself primarily in the back regions of the oral cavity like the base of the tongue, the back of the throat, and the tonsils. The double stranded DNA virus comes in contact with these areas in the mouth and infects the epithelial cells of the mucosa. The infected cells in the mouth can degrade and mutate to become squamous cell carcinomas (oral cancer).

So, how do you keep from getting HPV? The easiest and most effective way to safeguard yourself is to abstain from unprotected sexual contact – including oral sex, which is what causes the oral cancer we just discussed. Secondly, most physicians offer the HPV vaccine that can be administered at ages as young as 10 years old. This vaccine is thought to offer protection against the most harmful types of HPV, including HPV-16.

Now that you know what HPV is and how it is spread, I would like to remind you that it is vital that you continue your regular hygiene visits. In addition to the examination and cleaning, we screen for any signs of oral cancer. If you are due to visit us, schedule a thorough checkup and cleaning with me, Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead. Contact my Atlanta dental office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment.

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May 12, 2011

Catch Your ZZZ’s to Prevent Disease!

At times sleep can be elusive, but it is important to overall health and oral health. Sleep impacts your memory, curbs inflammation, spurs your imagination, sharpens your attention, lowers stress levels, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and slows the progression of periodontal disease.

Your mind and body are very active during sleep. While sleeping, cells repair themselves, and hormones and the immune system reset. With an out-of-whack immune system, the body can’t fight illness or disease effectively.

When you feel worn down due to sleep deprivation, your body’s immune system is suppressed. Then the body is slower to produce the antibodies needs to fight infections. The less sleep you get, the weaker the immune system becomes.

A recent study in Japan revealed that people who slept less than seven hours a night stood a greater chance of developing periodontal disease than those who slept seven to eight hours a night. Researchers concluded that the lack of sleep weakened the immune system, causing the gum disease to progress more rapidly.

Several factors may affect your sleep: stress, medications, diet, your mattress, or obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse and block the airflow during sleep.

If you experience sleepless nights due to sleep apnea or snoring, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead. I can determine if you need treatment for sleep apnea or require a snoreguard to keep your airway open as you sleep. Call my Atlanta dentist office at (404)266-9424 to schedule a consultation. We gladly welcome patients from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Lenox, and surrounding areas.

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April 3, 2011

Fun Dental Facts

Is visiting the dentist on your list of least favorite activities? That doesn’t have to be the case. I’m Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and we love to make you smile! Let’s lighten the mood — chew on our latest set of fun dental facts:

Teeth are as unique as fingerprints. Even identical twins have unique “dental fingerprints!”

Paul Revere not only warned the colonies of the impending British invasion, but he was also a dentist.

Diana Ross, Cher, Carol Burnett, and Jack Klugman improved their smiles with braces after they became celebrities.

Over 200,000 athletes avoid dental injuries each year by using a mouthguard.

Aged cheddar, Swiss, and Monterey Jack are the best cheeses to help maintain your white smile.

Did you know there is a name for burning your mouth on the mozzarella? It’s known as pizza palette.

Grand Rapids, Michigan, was the first city in the United States to add fluoride to its water supply.

If you need a dentist in the Atlanta area, call me, Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead. My team and I will address your dental concerns, from toothaches to cosmetic dental issues. We’ll partner with you to create a treatment plan for lifelong dental health. We make dental care fun for the whole family!

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March 1, 2011

To chew, or not to chew?

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,Family Dentistry,General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta childrens dentist, atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, buckhead atlanta childrens dentist, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead atlanta family dentist, buckhead dentist, buckhead general dentist — dr_pate @ 8:11 pm

We are often told that chewing gum is bad for our teeth. Research now shows that chewing gum may prevent cavities. But it has to be the right kind of gum.

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and I want you to consider using chewing gum as an after-meal snack – specifically, gum containing xylitol, not sugar, aspartame, or saccharine.

Xylitol is a natural substance that tastes like sugar and is non-fermentable. It cannot be converted to acid and as a result, it helps restore the proper pH balance in your mouth. This allows your mouth to become an alkaline environment and will reduce the time that your teeth are exposed to bacteria.

Xylitol Usage

You need to chew or ingest approximately 6-8 grams of xylitol daily to help prevent cavities. Xylitol should be used 3 times daily after meals and snacks. Some brands that include xylitol are IceBreakers, Trident, and Spry. When xylitol is the first ingredient listed on the packaging, a gum has true decay-preventing power.

Other Great Benefits of Xylitol

1. As xylitol restores the pH balance in your mouth, it also enhances mineral absorption in tooth enamel and increases its strength.

2. Saliva production is stimulated by using small amounts of xylitol consistently. This not only helps fight tooth decay, but it’s a benefit for those who suffer from dry mouth.

3. Xylitol is not easily converted to fat and has almost no effect on insulin levels, so it’s also great for diabetics and dieters.

4. Chewing gum with xylitol can help prevent ear infections. The chewing and swallowing promote clearing of earwax, and the xylitol helps prevent the attachment of bacteria in the Eustachian tubes.

5. Using a xylitol nasal spray can significantly reduce the incidents of sinus infections, allergies, and asthma.

6. Xylitol has been found to increase the activity of white blood cells involved in fighting bacteria and thus may help build immunity, protect against chronic degenerative diseases, and it may have anti-aging benefits.

For more information on preserving the health of your teeth, or to schedule a checkup, cleaning, or consultation with me, call my Atlanta office at (404)266-9424.

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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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