Request Request Appointment Forms Download Our Forms Reviews Read Our Reviews Like Us Like us on Facebook Gallery See our Instagram Call Give us a Call Map View our Map

October 26, 2010

Toothbrush Facts that Make You Say, “REALLY??!”

Filed under: Fun Dental Facts,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , — dr_pate @ 8:53 pm

Get this!  In 2003, Americans chose the toothbrush as the “cannot live without” invention. The toothbrush won over computers, cars, cell phones, and the microwave!

People have always wanted clean teeth. Until the first toothbrush was invented, folks used a frayed stick, feathers, bones, porcupine quills, and just about anything they could come up with to get plaque and food off their teeth.

The first toothbrushes on historical record were created in China around 1498. They were made of hog’s hair in bamboo and worked much like today’s toothbrush.

In 1780, William Addis first mass produced a toothbrush. He came up with the idea and made the prototype while in prison (for causing a riot — those rowdy oral healthcare guys!). The toothbrush was made with a small animal bone and bristles inserted through drilled holes. (What small animals are in a prison? Ugh. Don’t ask.)

In 1857, Mr. H. N. Wadsworth patented a toothbrush in the United States, and mass production came about in 1885. Again, the inventor used a bone handle and boar’s hair in the design.

DuPont introduced nylon bristles in 1938, and they were a much better choice. They did not harbor bacteria, and they dried much faster than boar’s hair.

Broxodent released the first electric toothbrush at the American Dental Association (ADA) convention in 1960. (Yay!)

Now, here are the best toothbrush practices for your family…

  • Get a new toothbrush every six weeks. Opt for a soft or medium brush for adults, and a soft brush for children and elderly, unless Dr. Pate or our hygienist has other advice for you.
  • Kids need appropriately sized toothbrushes and non-fluoridated toothpaste.
  • If you’re ill, microwave your toothbrush for a minute in a glass of water to kill bacteria. If the bristles fall out, get a new toothbrush!
  • Electric toothbrushes are great – just replace the head every six weeks.
  • Be sure to clean your travel toothbrush thoroughly and let it dry before packing it away. You might even consider using the newer version of the travel toothbrush: a disposable toothbrush with water-activated toothpaste powder in the bristles.

October 19, 2010

Got Dry Mouth?

Filed under: Dental Pain,General Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 8:34 pm

Dry mouth is that dry, cottony feeling you get when your salivary glands don’t produce properly. Saliva is important to digestion and lubrication of oral structures.  It also contains enzymes, electrolytes, anti-bacterial compounds, and mucus. Without the proper amount of saliva, you might experience bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, trouble eating and talking, and general discomfort in your mouth.

Often, people with dry mouth feel excessively thirsty, their saliva seems thick, and their mouths feel sticky. Dry mouth can contribute to a hoarse voice, scratchy or burning tongue, chapped lips, thrush (oral yeast infection), mouth sores, or dryness in the nose.

So what causes this irritating condition?  Factors that may affect dry mouth include:

  • Smoking or chewing tobacco
  • Drinking too little liquid
  • Drinking alcohol or caffeine
  • Mouth breathing
  • Anxiety and stress
  • Using one of over 1,000 over-the-counter medications
  • Taking 3 or more prescription drugs
  • Medical Conditions: HIV/AIDS, anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, cystic fibrosis, Sjorgren’s Syndrome, diabetes, mumps, stroke, and others
  • Radiation and chemotherapy
  • Trauma to the mouth or throat

If you’re struggling with dry mouth, tell Dr. Pate at your next appointment. He’ll help you find the factors contributing to your condition, and then he can recommend ways to alleviate the problem.

September 15, 2010

YEEEOWCH! Do You Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity?

Filed under: Dental Pain — Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 10:01 pm

Do you say no to sundaes? Do you wait for your soup to stop steaming? Is sugar painfully sweet? If your teeth ache with temperature fluctuations or sour and sweet tastes, you probably have sensitive teeth. The consequences of this touchy condition can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pains.

Teeth grinding, gum recession, gum disease, tooth decay at the gum line, cracks, chips, and plaque buildup can make teeth sensitive. Years of brushing too hard, consuming high-acid foods and drinks, “thin tooth enamel,” or using certain mouthwashes or toothpastes can also contribute to your sensitivity. If your sensitivity is a result of recent dental work, it may go away as quickly as it developed.

Is there hope that you’ll ever enjoy a brisk winter walk or a glass of refreshing iced tea without wincing when the cold hits your teeth?

YES!

As with most dental conditions, the first line of defense is good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Make your appointments with Dr. Pate for checkups and cleanings every six months (or as often as recommended). Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, using desensitizing toothpaste, and reducing the amount of acidic foods and drinks you ingest (colas, citrus, sports drinks, coffee, wine, etc.) are great first steps you can take at home. (more…)

August 25, 2010

Are You Ready for Friday Night Lights in Atlanta?

Filed under: Atlanta Community — Tags: , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 1:48 pm

High school football is back, and most of our local teams hit the field this week. Some of our schools are perennial powers. Some are new programs. Some are rebuilding. All offer a great opportunity for some good old-fashioned fun and healthy competition.

Head out to a high school football game with your friends, neighbors, and family this Friday, and be sure to kick off the night with a tailgate picnic. (Throw some dental floss in the ice chest to rid your teeth of those pesky popcorn kernels, and be sure to rinse with water after drinking sugar-filled sodas!) You’ll get caught up in the excitement, crazy fans and team spirit as you cheer on your team.

Call your local high school for game time and ticket information, or plan to purchase tickets at the gate. And if you have a football player in the family, be sure he wears an athletic mouthguard! At Dentistry in Buckhead, we care about community, kids, and strong, healthy smiles. And we know how to have fun.

Click here for a sneak peek from WSB-TV Channel 2 Sports, featuring some of our local talent!

Share

August 4, 2010

What Pregnant Moms Need to Know

Filed under: Family Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 7:40 pm

Do you have a bundle of joy on the way? Congratulations! We’re so very happy for you!

I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a restorative and cosmetic family dentist in Buckhead Atlanta, GA. During pregnancy, women visit their OBGYN regularly.  But what about the dentist? Only 22 to 34% of women visit the dentist during pregnancy, and only half visit the dentist if they have an oral health problem.

It’s important that you understand, oral health has a great impact on overall health and the health of your baby. The American Academy of Family Physicians released these facts about pregnancy and oral health. Take a look. An informed patient is a wise patient! Besides, aren’t parents supposed to know everything?

  • Gum disease, or periodontitis, can contribute to a low birth weight.
  • A deep hygiene cleaning, with scaling and root planing, on pregnant women with gum disease can reduce the potential for low-weight birth.
  • In the third trimester, treating tooth decay with a topical antibacterial reduces the oral bacteria level in the pregnant mother. It also lowers the risk of transmitting bacteria to the baby. (more…)

Dedicated to Dental Education for Great Buckhead Dentistry

Filed under: The Team — Tags: , , , — dr_pate @ 7:11 pm

As a dentist, I hold myself and my team to high standards in education—because you deserve our very best. My name is Dr. Peter Pate, and my practice is Dentistry in Buckhead. While we have fun and sincerely enjoy serving patients, my team and I take professional growth seriously. I regularly invest in new technology and training, as well as continuing education.

Most recently, I received the prestigious Fellowship award in the Academy of General Dentistry. This particular designation requires 500 hours of approved continuing education, three years’ membership with the AGD, a dental license in good standing for at least five years, and passing the extensive AGD Fellowship Exam. About 7% of American dentists achieve fellowship with the AGD, and I’m proud to be in this number. You deserve it! I’m also undergoing a rigorous five-year program to earn mastership status with the AGD. The Mastership Program requires 1100 hours of approved continuing education. (more…)

July 29, 2010

Buckhead’s Family Dentist

Filed under: Family Dentistry — Tags: , , , , , , , , , — dr_pate @ 12:36 am

With appointments as early as 7am, Dentistry in Buckhead makes dental visits convenient for the whole family. I’m Dr. Peter Pate, a restorative and cosmetic family dentist in the Buckhead  area of Atlanta. I designed my office to make patients of all ages—that’s you and your family–feel comfortable and welcome. As a husband and father, I’m sensitive to the importance of having reliable, trustworthy, and knowledgeable medical professionals to care for my family.

Each of my fabulous team members has a sincere dedication to excellence in patient care, customer service, and professional growth. You’ll also appreciate our state-of-the-art technology, which includes digital X-rays for significantly reduced radiation exposure—80% less than traditional radiographs. Patient safety and comfort are top priorities to us. If you’re nervous about dental visits, ask me about sedation dentistry. I offers a few options that have helped many people change the way they feel about going to the dentist. In fact, we need to talk about your goals, concerns, and anything that I can do to make your experience in my office more rewarding.

In addition to being a dentist, I’m a small business owner. To me, this means that I have to continually earn your business. At Dentistry in Buckhead, my team and I invest in people, not just teeth. We’re interested in your family’s total health. (more…)

« Newer Posts