General Dentistry Archives - Page 6 of 7

May 17, 2011

Toothpaste: Not Just for Teeth!

Toothpaste cleans, restores, and protects tooth enamel. But did you know that toothpaste serves multiple purposes around the house? Non-gel toothpaste can soothe common ailments, remove strong smells, and act as a household cleaner. Try these toothpaste tips outside of your oral care routine:

Aloe doesn’t have to be the first thing you reach for when you sustain a minor burn. Delicately apply toothpaste to the burn for immediate and temporary relief.
Toothpaste can decrease swelling and stop the itch of bug bites, blisters, sores, and pimples. When applied to sores, the wound heals more rapidly. For best results, leave toothpaste on the blister overnight.
For stronger and shinier fingernails, scrub them with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
Garlic, onions, and fish can leave a pungent odor on your skin, even after washing with soap and water. Next time, scrub your hands with toothpaste to remove the lingering odor.
Toothpaste not only removes food stains from teeth, but can also remove unsightly marks from fabric and carpets. To treat stains on clothing, apply a small amount of toothpaste and rub briskly until the stain has vanished. When tackling carpet stains, scrub with toothpaste and a firm brush, then rinse immediately. (Avoid whitening toothpastes on colored fabrics and carpets due to the bleaching effects.)
Silver jewelry and diamonds sparkle after cleaning with toothpaste. For diamonds, scrub gently with a toothbrush and water. Rinse thoroughly to bring out a stunning shine. For silver jewelry, rub toothpaste on and leave overnight. Wipe dry toothpaste off in the morning with a soft cloth. Warning: do not use toothpaste on pearls and opals.
To keep goggles from fogging underwater, apply a small dab of toothpaste to the lens. Rub gently to avoid scratching the lens. Rinse thoroughly.

Brushing your teeth twice a day with toothpaste can reduce your chances for developing gum disease and tooth decay. To ensure healthy teeth, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate at (404)266-9424 to schedule a thorough dental cleaning and check up. I am a general family and cosmetic dentist in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, and I provide excellent oral care for families in Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Lenox, and surrounding areas.

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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 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.

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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!

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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.

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April 6, 2011

Your Mouth, the Tattle Tale

“You are what you eat!” Did you know that during a dental checkup, I am usually able to determine how you have been eating? I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and I can often spot potential nutritional imbalances by examining your teeth and gums.

Your gums reveal nutritional deficiencies such as low zinc, iron, and folic acid. These deficiencies can promote gum disease. Indications of other conditions, such as infection and diabetes, may also be identified during your dental visit.

Your teeth will tell me if your diet consists of too many sugary or acidic foods. Foods high in acids or sugar will cause tooth enamel to soften, and may eventually lead to tooth decay. Untreated decay can lead to infection and tooth loss.

Since your dentist is often the first member of your healthcare team to discover potential nutritional problems, you should not skip your regular dental cleanings! During your exam, I will look for signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Studies have shown that poor periodontal health can increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and preterm births.

I hope this post inspires you to establish good eating habits to promote the health of your teeth and gums! Stay tuned for an upcoming post listing specific foods that are great for your oral health.

If you experience tooth pain, or are in need of your regular exam and cleaning, contact my Atlanta dentist office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment. Remember – your mouth is your first line of defense in fighting disease.

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March 31, 2011

Omega-3s, Oh My!

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential in heart-healthy diets. But did you know that they may help prevent gum disease?

Nearly 80 percent of the population has some form of gum disease. The condition is linked to diabetes, heart disease, premature births, low birth weight, and various forms of cancer. When detected early, gum disease can be treated conservatively. However, left untreated, patients may have to undergo surgery to correct the problem.

A recent study shows that consumption of even moderate amounts of omega-3s may decrease the likelihood of developing gum disease. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in nuts, seeds, cooking oils, and fatty fish such as tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel. The American Heart Association recommends indulging in some of these foods and supplements at least twice a week.

I’m Dr. Peter Pate, an Atlanta dentist, and I encourage you to add omega-3 fatty acids to your diet, as well as continuing proper oral hygiene of brushing twice daily, flossing, and keeping your six-month checkups and cleanings. If you detect the early signs of gum disease (redness, swelling, and bleeding of the gums), call my office, Dentistry in Buckhead, at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment.

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