Peter A. Pate, DDS Dental Blog

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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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 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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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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February 18, 2011

Fun Dental Facts on Former Presidents

Filed under: Atlanta Community,Fun Dental Facts,Uncategorized — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead atlanta family dentist, False teeth, President facts atlanta, president teeth trivia, presidential facts, presidential trivia, presidents teeth — dr_pate @ 10:06 pm

In honor of Presidents Day, we thought it would be fun to explore the dental history of some former US presidents.

George Washington – Growing up, we always thought that George Washington’s false teeth were made of wood. Scientists have proven this theory untrue. Washington actually had several sets of ill-fitting dentures made of various materials, including hippopotamus ivory, sea lion ivory, and lead, as well as teeth from pigs, cows, elks, and humans.

John Adams – President Adams had an incredible sweet tooth, which contributed to the loss of his teeth. However, this was not the only factor. Adams was in the habit of inducing vomiting to cure other ailments. He refused to wear dentures, and this led to difficulty speaking. After encountering a fellow senior citizen, Adams wrote: “He is above 80. I cannot speak, and he cannot hear. Yet we converse.”

(more…)

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