Peter A. Pate, DDS Dental Blog

October 22, 2011

Is It Wise to Pull Wisdom Teeth?

Do you still have your wisdom teeth? If you do, and they’re straight, you may or may not have any problems…yet. Most people have their wisdom teeth removed as they begin to erupt—meaning as they break through the gum line. Long feared a painful event, and rightfully so, dentists admit, nearly 80% of the population has wisdom teeth extracted as they begin to break through.

Every year, millions of people have wisdom teeth removed that have no obvious sign of disease. Routinely, dentists advise extraction at the early signs of wisdom teeth. Most individuals start to get their wisdom teeth between the ages of 16 and 25.

The “wisdom”—pardon the pun—behind this practice is generally endorsed for reasons of crowding, difficulty of reaching and cleaning the teeth and gums, the increased potential for infection and gum disease, and other problems down the road. Almost without exception, dentists are in favor of extracting wisdom teeth for these motives. Still, there are plenty of individuals whose wisdom teeth come in straight, without any problems. These folks are indeed the exception to the rule, earning peculiar bragging rights. But is it wise to keep extra teeth that will require the same care all teeth do?

Interestingly, some health experts are changing their opinion about extracting wisdom teeth before problems arise. They contend the latent health risks of extracting wisdom teeth for preventive reasons outweigh anticipated problems. Bottom line – each case is unique.

If you have wisdom teeth coming in, or if you have a teenager with emerging wisdom teeth, visit Dr. Peter Pate for a consultation. Before you make any decisions, Dr. Pate can ascertain the progress of the teeth to help you make an informed choice of action. Call us at 404-266-9424 or request an appointment online. You would be wise to do so.

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October 14, 2011

Kiss Your Dental Fear Goodbye!

Filed under: Sedation Dentistry — Tags: atlanta sedation dentistry, buckhead atlanta dental sedation, dental fear, dental phobia, dental sedation atlanta ga, dental stress, gag at the dentist, laughing gas, nitrous oxide, oral conscious sedation, oral sedation, pain at the dentist, scared of the dentists, sedation dentist atlanta, sedation dentistry, special needs dentist — dr_pate @ 12:38 pm

About half of Americans do not visit the dentist, and up to 20% of this number feel scared, anxious, or stressed about dental appointments. Dental phobia has many levels. Some folks just get kind of queasy, while others experience debilitating fear. The good news is, you don’t have to be scared any longer. You’re thinking, yeah right! Consider, however, that while Dr. Pate and our staff are friendly, gentle, and caring, I’m talking about medication to ease your fear. This is not a mind-over-matter suggestion. Sedation dentistry will make you feel relaxed and calm during dental visits.

In addition to providing nitrous oxide (laughing gas), a safe and effective way of alleviating dental phobia, Dr. Pate also offers oral conscious sedation. He can prescribe a single dose of anti-anxiety medication for you to take before your dental treatment. The drug will make you feel groggy, but it will not induce sleep. Some people do fall asleep because they’re so relaxed. Rest assured, with oral sedation, you’ll retain the ability to speak and respond to Dr. Pate. While you’re sedated, we’ll keep a close eye on your heart rate, as well as your comfort level.

Sedation dentistry is perfect for patients who: (more…)

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October 13, 2011

From Kings to Kids, Germs Aren’t Picky

Filed under: Family Dentistry,General Dentistry,Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dental checkup, bad breath, buckhead family dentist, childrens dentist atlanta, dental checkup atlanta, dental checkup buckhead, dental cleaning atlanta, dental cleaning buckhead, family dentist, family dentist buckhead, general dentist atlanta, general dentist buckhead, kids denitst atlanta, kids dentists buckhead, oral health and heart — dr_pate @ 8:06 pm

730 years ago, the famous Egyptian king, Ramses II, was a powerful leader but an extremely poor example of oral health. Upon investigation, scientists postulate that the king died from heart disease that sprung directly from his rampant gum disease. His teeth can still be examined today, held in place by strong tartar buildup that holds them in like concrete. He did not brush and floss like he should have, which allowed plaque to build and harden into tartar. This resulted in an infection in his gums, or periodontal disease.

Did you know those germs in your mouth were so powerful? It’s kind of scary, but it’s true. Our mouths are full of bacteria — up to 600 different kinds. The really dangerous strand is Streptococci mutans, which causes cavities. Unlike many body parts, teeth don’t shed an outer layer. It’s up to you to control oral bacteria and keep it from getting out of control, which could lead to dental problems and serious overall health issues.

The germs that cause cavities do not discriminate based on your occupation or age – you might be a king, an executive, or an elementary school student; they’ll overtake your mouth and destroy good oral health if you let them. While cavities can seem rather innocuous, they are more serious than you might think. Letting cavities grow and harmful bacteria to flourish can allow infection to reach the brain. In fact, in 2007, a 12-year-old boy in Maryland died from a tooth infection, which entered his bloodstream and eventually reached his brain. S. mutans also cause bad breath and, even worse, gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes complications, and the list goes on. Look at Ramses II. Gum disease can be fatal.

To reduce the potential for cavities and gum disease, you have to brush, floss, and attend regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings. Not only will this approach give you fresh breath and save your teeth, it might just save your life.

Set an appointment with Dr. Peter Pate in the Buckhead community. Call 404-266-9424, or contact us online to schedule your visit. Located in Buckhead, our Atlanta dental office serves many local families from all around the metropolitan area.

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October 1, 2011

Should You Use Mouthwash?

Filed under: Family Dentistry,General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, dental chekcup atlanta, dental cleaning in atlanta, family dentist, general dentist, is mouthwash safe, mouthwash and oral cancer, mouthwash and pregnancy, mouthwash reduces cavities, mouthwash reduces risk, prevent early delivery, prevent pre-term birth, using mouthwash — dr_pate @ 6:23 pm

Dr. Pate often recommends the use of mouthwash, as does the American Dental Association, but mouthwash is really a matter of preference. Brushing twice a day, flossing once a day, and attending regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings are tasks you should count as mandatory for your oral health. Mouthwash isn’t a must, but it does help control oral bacteria. It also makes your breath minty fresh, and some varieties reduce the risk for gum disease and cavities.

Here are a few interesting facts on the use of mouthwash:

A recent study suggests that using alcohol-free mouthwash could help prevent pre-term births. Learn more.
Some studies suggest that regular, prolonged use of mouthwash with alcohol may increase the risk for oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Learn more.
Prescription strength chlorhexidine mouthwash reduces plaque by 55% and gingivitis by 30 to 45%. Learn more.
Listerine, an antimicrobial mouth rinse made with essential oils, is the most effective over-the-counter mouthwash to fight plaque. Learn more. (more…)

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September 22, 2011

A Whole Grains Quiz

Filed under: Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta healthy living, atlanta whole foods, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead dentist, denitst atlanta, denitst buckhead, eating whole grains, healthy living atlanta, lower cholesterol, what are whole grains, what is whole grain — dr_pate @ 8:09 pm

Happy Whole Grains Month! How much do you know about whole grains? It may seem trivial, whole grain versus processed grain, but whole grains have a wide range of benefits over their processed cousins. Test your knowledge with this Whole Grains Quiz:

Q: Which of these is not part of a whole grain:

Bran
Shell
Germ
Endosperm
None of the above

A: Shell – A whole grain consists of bran, germ, and endosperm.

Q: Which of these is a whole grain?

Amaranth
Barley
Wheat
Wild Rice
All of the above

A: All of the above – For a list of whole grains, click here.

Q: Whole grains help reduce the risk for:

Heart Disease
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
Gum Disease
All of the above

A: All of the above – Whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. They may also reduce risk for gum disease, asthma, colorectal cancer, high blood pressure, and tooth loss.

Q: How many servings of whole grains do you need each day?

1
1-2
2-4
3-5
None

A: 3-5 servings per day

Q: How can you tell if a food is made with whole grains instead of processed grains?

Look for the Whole Grains Council stamp
Ask the butcher
Ask the cashier
Ask the stocker
Ask your spouse

A: Look for the Whole Grains Council stamp. Every product bearing the whole grains stamp contains at least half a serving of whole grains.

Q: How much money could you win in the Whole Grains Council September Sweepstakes?

$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
$5,000

A: $5,000 – Click here in the month of September to enter the sweepstakes.

Q: Is “whole white wheat” a whole grain?

Yes
No

A: Yes: “White wheat” is bleached wheat, which is processed. “Whole white wheat” is actually a white variety of wheat that is used whole.

Be sure to incorporate whole grains into your daily diet to reap some of the bountiful rewards these types of grains offer. Here at Dentistry in Buckhead, Dr. Pate cares about your whole health, and not just your dental health. Call the office today at 404-266-9424 and reserve your appointment with Dr. Pate and his team.

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September 20, 2011

The Toothbrush: Small Tool with a Big Impact

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Fun Dental Facts,General Dentistry — Tags: ADA dentist atlanta, atlanta dentist office, buckhead dental cleaning, buckhead dentist, buckhead dentist office, choosing a toothbrush, dental cleaning buckhead, dentist buckhead, dentist office atlanta, dentist office buckhead, history of toothbrush, toothbrush tips — dr_pate @ 4:40 pm

Did you know that some form of the toothbrush has been around for nearly 5,000 years? You might not even recognize these ancient brushes, as the bristles were made of unique materials such as hog’s hair, twigs and bamboo. The first modern-looking toothbrush was invented in 1948 in China. Over the average lifetime, this little invention gets a lot of attention from us. We spend about 38.5 days brushing our teeth! With this in mind, Dr. Pate and his team would like to share some tips with you, whether you’re choosing a new toothbrush or altering your brushing technique.

Regardless of your preference for manual, powered, pink, or blue (the most popular color), the key is to choose a soft bristle brush that fits comfortably in all areas of your mouth. The ADA recommends disposing of your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are worn. After all, your brush won’t clean your teeth properly with flattened or bent bristles. Children typically will need to replace their toothbrushes more frequently.

Toothbrushes usually have about 2,000 bristles. For the best clean, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line while using short gentle strokes to cover each surface of the tooth. Dr. Pate suggests brushing for at least two minutes for an effective cleaning. Don’t forget your tongue! Giving it a scrub down will help to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

There has long been a vital connection between a healthy body and a healthy mouth. It’s a good idea to toss your toothbrush after a bacterial infection such as strep throat. Always allow your brush to air dry after each use, and keep it separate from other people’s toothbrushes. Whether you have natural teeth or dentures, bacteria likes to lurk in the mouth. NEVER use someone else’s toothbrush!

Dr. Peter Pate and his team are always here to answer questions or offer tips for a healthy smile. To schedule your family’s dental cleanings, please call our Atlanta dentist office, Dentistry in Buckhead, at 404-226-9424.

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September 13, 2011

A+ for oral health: Help your child make the grade!

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,Family Dentistry — Tags: acid erosion of teeth, best gum for kids, buckhead neighborhood dentist, cavity prevention, childrens dentist atlanta, dental cavities, dental checkup atlanta, dental cleaning atlanta, dental hygiene atlanta, family dentist atlanta, going to the dentist atlanta, gum disease, kids dentist atlanta, sugar and dental cavities, xylitol gum — dr_pate @ 3:12 pm

School and extracurricular activities are in full swing. While it’s important to help prepare your child for class projects, piano lessons, and football, you’ll also want to make sure your children’s teeth and gums are ready for the new school year.

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. More than half of children ages 5 to 17 have had at least one cavity or filling in their lifetime. Being proactive about protecting your child’s teeth from plaque, tartar, and decay can prevent gum disease and begin a lifetime of consistent oral healthcare.

A daily schedule that includes brushing and flossing is essential to preventing pediatric dental decay. Returning to the structure of the school year should help make such a schedule easier to follow.

Maintaining healthy family eating habits will help your son or daughter choose to eat foods that promote good oral health. Plan well-balanced meals and avoid sugar-loaded foods. It is also important to limit drinks and foods with a high acid content.

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a good time to continue educating your child about tooth decay and why candy and sugary snacks should be enjoyed sparingly. You might also try some candy alternatives, such as xylitol-infused candies or sugar-free licorice root lollipops, which research has shown fight dental bacteria and plaque.

Call Dentistry in Buckhead today if you live in the Atlanta area and would like a family dentist who understands parenting firsthand. As a family man and father, Dr. Peter Pate knows that you want the best for your kids, and he’ll help you by providing excellent dental care in an inviting, comforting atmosphere. Call 404-266-9424 and schedule your family’s checkups today.

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