Family Dentistry Archives - Page 5 of 7

June 1, 2011

Teeth Whitening Has Never Been Easier

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Family Dentistry,Fun Dental Facts — Tags: atlanta ga bleaching trays, atlanta ga cosmetic dentist, atlanta ga dentist, atlanta ga fast teeth whitening, atlanta ga teeth whitening, atlanta ga zoom whitening, bleaching trays atlanta ga, cosmetic dentist atlanta ga, dentist atlanta ga, fast teeth whitening atlanta ga, teeth whitening atlanta ga, white teeth atlanta ga, zoom whitening atlanta ga — dr_pate @ 12:28 pm

Did you know that methods of teeth whitening have been around for thousands of years?

The Egyptians beat the world to the invention of toothpaste, and used wine as one of the major ingredients. We know now that wine easily stains our teeth.

Believe it or not, the Romans used human urine as the main ingredient in their toothpaste! In fact, Roman toothpaste was so popular among Roman aristocracy that human urine was imported from Portugal. As disgusting as it sounds, the Romans were onto something. Ammonia has lightening and brightening qualities and is the main chemical found in human urine.

Luckily, we don’t have to use any ancient methods to whiten our smiles these days. I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a dentist in Atlanta, GA, and I am proud to offer in-office and at-home teeth whitening solutions to my patients.

Zoom! Whitening is the leading in-office teeth whitening system, which can remove discolorations and lighten your teeth 8 to 10 shades. The entire process takes only a few hours. You will feel good and look great with brighter, whiter teeth after your in-office whitening appointment!

If you prefer to whiten your teeth at your own convenience, I offer take-home whitening kits. Just fill the custom trays with the whitening gel that we provide and wear them for the specified time over a period of two weeks. You will see gradual results and end the process with a luminous, white smile. Bleaching trays are great for occasional touch-ups and can be used following in-office and at-home teeth whitening procedures.

Call my dental office at (404) 266-9424 to find out more about teeth whitening or to schedule an appointment.

Comments (0)

May 31, 2011

Kick the Habit

Are you a tobacco user? This is a great time to kick the habit! The American Cancer Society recently stated that 90 percent of people with oral cancer used at least one form of tobacco.

In addition to cancer, tobacco products increase the risk of gum disease, discolor your teeth, give you bad breath, slow your healing after an oral procedure, and can cause white patches and scar tissue inside the mouth.

The tobacco industry recently introduced a dissolvable tobacco product for smokers to use in establishments that ban smoking. The marketing led consumers to believe that smokeless tobacco and dissolvable tobacco products are less harmful than pipes, cigars, and cigarettes. However, snuff, chewing tobacco, and dissolvable tobacco contain more nicotine than cigarettes, thus making them more addictive.

Nicotine is bad enough, but consider the added chemicals that increase the risk of throat, oral, and esophageal cancers. These products contain cyanide, arsenic, sand, grit, sugars, and sweeteners that irritate gums, generating a higher risk of gum disease. Gum disease is the #1 cause of adult tooth loss.

Kicking the habit now will reduce your potential for gum disease. When left untreated, gum disease increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, pre-term births, low birth-weight babies, and oral cancer.

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and I encourage you to be aware of oral cancer and give up tobacco products forever. Improve the quality of your life, and those of your friends and loved ones! If you need help quitting, or if you need your teeth whitened after you quit, contact my Atlanta dental office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment. I care for patients in Buckhead and the greater Atlanta area.

Comments (0)

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.

Comments (0)

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.

Comments (0)

April 25, 2011

7 Food Surprises for a Healthy Smile!

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Fun Dental Facts,General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, buckhead atlanta childrens dentist, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead atlanta family dentist, buckhead atlanta ga dentist, buckhead dentist, buckhead general dentist, general dentist buckhead, smile makeover atlanta — dr_pate @ 5:51 pm

Now that we have finished eating Valentine’s Day chocolates and Easter basket treats, it is time to concentrate on a healthier way to treat your teeth. So what are some mouth healthy foods and what are their benefits?

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and here are some great food choices for a healthy smile.

Cheese – Cheese is low in carbohydrates and high in calcium and phosphate. Cheese helps balance the pH level in your mouth and can help to preserve and rebuild tooth enamel.

Celery – Celery protects your teeth by giving your mouth a workout. The chewing increases saliva production which neutralizes the bacteria that cause cavities. The chomping on celery massages the gums and cleans between the teeth.

Onions – Onions contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds that kill cavity-causing bacteria. You may not have sweet breath, but you’ll have a happy mouth!

Parsley – Parsley will help freshen up your onion breath. The leaves of parsley are rich in chlorophyll, which acts as a powerful neutralizer of bad breath.

Kiwis – Kiwis contain more vitamin C than any other fruit. When you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums can break down, which makes your gums tender and more susceptible to bacteria.

Sesame Seeds – Seeds slough off plaque and help build tooth enamel. Sesame seeds are also high in calcium, which is good for your bones that support your teeth and gums.

Shiitake Mushrooms – The natural sugar found in shiitake mushrooms prevents mouth bacteria from creating plaque.

So next time you are heading to the grocery store, pick up some of these delicious and nutritious treats. For more information on other healthy foods, contact my Atlanta office at (404)-266-9424.

Comments (0)

April 16, 2011

Healthy Sweet Substitutes

As people become more health conscious, desserts continue to present a problem. Your sweet tooth will not let you rid your life of sugary treats, but with some smart substitutions, you can find balance. Try these simple culinary tricks and you will find that you can have your cake and eat it too!

Use apple sauce in place of cooking oil
Try whole wheat flour instead of white bleached flour
Use 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa for every ounce of sweetened chocolate
Substitute evaporated skim milk for cream – or better yet, experiment with non-dairy alternatives like almond or coconut milk
Bake with xylitol instead of sugar
Add vanilla extract or lemon zest to compensate for reduced sugar
Use egg whites or egg substitutes instead as opposed to whole eggs
Skip the top crust and use fresh or frozen berries in pies
Sprinkle cookies, cakes, or brownies with cinnamon, cocoa powder, or powdered sugar instead of frosting

These healthy tips will help control your sweet tooth, while setting you on the road to a healthier diet. Be sure to maintain healthy teeth and gums, as well! Remember to brush two times a day, floss once a day, rinse after meals, and keep your semi-annual dental visits.

If you have concerns about the health of your teeth and gums, or need a thorough cleaning, call me, Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead, at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment. We care for families from Buckhead and throughout Atlanta. Don’t let your sweet tooth cause you pain!

Comments (0)

April 13, 2011

Gettin’ Flossy With It!

Filed under: Family Dentistry,General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta dental checkup, atlanta dental cleaning, atlanta dental floss, atlanta dental hygiene, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist — dr_pate @ 11:05 pm

If you’ve shopped for dental floss lately, you’ve probably noticed many different styles, flavors, and brands to choose from. What’s best? It really comes down to personal preference.

A study conducted by periodontists at the University of Buffalo found that nylon waxed dental floss and Teflon floss (wide, plytetrafluoroethylene floss, also known as dental tape) yield the same results. They both remove food particles and plaque. Be aware when choosing a floss – if it seems too slick, it may not remove the glue-like substance that bacteria use to stick to your teeth!

Even if you can decide on threaded floss or dental tape, you still have some decisions to make. Waxed or unwaxed? Flavored or unflavored? Round or flat? What matters more than the type of floss, is the frequency at which you are using it! Once you have chosen the best floss for yourself, focus on how you floss. Ask your hygienist for a demonstration on the perfect flossing technique for your individual oral health needs.

Another option is to purchase a floss holder. These little gizmos are Y-shaped with a small piece of floss stretched across the Y. Much like a tiny toothbrush, a floss holder has a handle for maneuvering in the mouth. Floss holders are great to keep in your purse or wallet. Nothing replaces conventional floss; however, floss holders can be a more convenient option and are less damaging to the gums than toothpicks.

If you refuse to floss, there is another option that helps take care of those otherwise neglected areas between the teeth. Check the dental section to see if the store offers a tool called a water pick. Water picks are devices that provide a pressurized stream of water capable of removing plaque on your teeth, between your teeth, and around the gum line.

In conclusion, the best option is to purchase a few types, try them out, and go with the one you find most effective and easy to use. Invite your family to participate in the trials!

Got questions? Call Dentistry in Buckhead at 404-266-9424 to schedule a visit. I’m Dr. Peter Pate, and I’d love to make you smile. My office caters to the oral healthcare needs of families from across the greater Atlanta area.

Comments (0)

« Newer Posts — Older Posts »