atlanta dentist Archives - Page 9 of 13

October 25, 2011

Straight Teeth at Any Age!

Everyone wants a beautiful smile. Showing off a smile with straight and healthy teeth boosts your confidence and self-image. Not only can your pearly whites make you feel better about yourself, but it can positively impact how other people see you. Many employers confirm that a nice smile is an advantage for potential job candidates. A vibrant smile speaks to one’s care for his or her health and an even row of teeth is indicative of dedication to personal appearance. If you want straighter teeth, you turn to your dentist or orthodontist for braces.

It used to be that wearing braces was something only children went through. We all probably know someone who had to wear them during their early teenage years, or you may have endured this ordeal yourself. If you had braces, you may remember the hassles of cleaning your teeth and the restriction on certain foods like candy and bubble gum. Perhaps you even dealt with some teasing from other children. That can be a lot to tolerate for straight teeth!

Today, teenagers aren’t the only ones who wear braces. Many adults are opting for orthodontic work. Braces are much more popular. Technology has made great advances for cosmetic dentistry and has improved the techniques for how braces are applied. What’s more, there are braces that are not only essentially invisible, but can be removed for special occasions like weddings or family photos. One of the leaders in this type of orthodontia is the Invisalign approach.

Invisalign works against the inside surfaces of your teeth. The Invisalign system is made up of a series of clear aligners that can be removed if needed. Invisalign patients speak of the comfort and rave about the convenience. Fortunately for Buckhead and surrounding Atlanta residents, Dr. Peter Pate has been successfully straightening smiles with “invisible braces” for years.

If you have dreamed of a new smile, but have thought you’re too old or you cringe at the thought of a metal mouth, think again! There’s no reason you can’t have that award-winning smile. No one understands the importance of straight teeth and a beautiful smile better than Dr. Pate. Contact our office today at 404-266-9424 to schedule a consultation to explore your options. New patients are welcome and convenient financing solutions are also available.

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October 22, 2011

Is It Wise to Pull Wisdom Teeth?

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta youth dentistry, best dentist buckhead atlanta ga, buckhead atlanta family dentist, buckhead dental checkup, great dentist buckhead atlanta ga, teet, wisdom teeth atlanta ga, wisdom teeth buckhead ga, wisdom tooth extraction atlanta — dr_pate @ 9:07 pm

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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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 4, 2011

How Summer Impacts Your Smile

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, buckhead ga dentist, buckhead ga family dentist, dental health atlanta, dental health buckhead ga, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead ga, family dentist atlanta, family dentist buckhead ga, healthy smile atlanta, healthy smile buckhead ga, oral health atlanta, oral health buckhead ga — dr_pate @ 10:35 pm

It’s official: summer is still here, and it is HOT!

From picnics to barbecues, swimming to sunbathing, summer activities can easily put a smile on anyone’s face.

Unfortunately, many things that make summer fun can also be harmful to your smile. Follow these tips to keep your smile sparkling this season!

Maintain Hydration

Dehydration is one of the biggest problems during our long, hot Atlanta summers. Dehydration can lead to dry mouth, which can cause serious tooth decay. So, protect yourself by drinking plenty of water, enjoying hard candies sweetened with xylitol, or chewing sugar-free gum to promote saliva production and keep your mouth moist. Watch out for those energy and fitness drinks!

Ocean vs. Pool

Chlorine, which is used in most swimming pools, can erode and weaken teeth over time. The salt found in ocean water, however, decreases bacteria in the mouth, providing a healthy oral environment.

Limited Sun Bathing

Overexposure to the sun can be harmful, but casual and limited time in the sun increases your level of vitamin D, which is essential to maintaining a healthy smile and body.

Refreshing Summer Snacks

Fruit is always a popular summer snack, so it’s important to know that some fruits are better for your teeth than others. The high water content in watermelon helps clean teeth and gums. Citrus fruits, such as oranges and grapefruit, can cause enamel erosion because of their high acidity. If you love citrus fruits, rinse your mouth with water after you eat them (but don’t brush right away) to wash away the acids.

Natural Remedies for Teeth Whitening

Believe it or not, strawberries are considered a natural remedy for brightening your smile. Rub them on your teeth to remove all stains. Rubbing the inside of an orange peel on your teeth can also help whiten them, or try brushing your teeth with a mixture of apple cider and vinegar.

For more information about a healthy smile, call Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead at (404) 226-9424.

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August 22, 2011

The Tooth Fairy!

Today is National Tooth Fairy Day! If you have ever known a young child who has lost a tooth, you know how important it is to be visited by this dental nymph. What is the origin of this fantasy figure?

The history of the tooth fairy, as told by some, is actually a rather dark tale. In the Middle Ages, witches were on the lookout for items that could be used to work their black magic. They thought items held especially close to someone – like hair, clothing, and even teeth – were prime ingredients for potions and spells. Therefore, baby teeth were quickly discarded either by fire or buried out of sight.

In less ominous traditions, parents took their children’s teeth and buried them in the garden in order to “grow” strong, healthy adult teeth in their place. This tradition was adapted over time and some people buried the teeth in flower pots inside the home. Today, of course, the location has moved to the pillow where it is “buried” for the night until a fairy comes to retrieve it, leaving a coin, toy, or treat for the child to discover upon waking

Children in Cambodia toss their lower teeth on the roof and bury their upper teeth in the ground. They hope that the new teeth will grow towards the old teeth and be straight. In Turkey, parents bury their children’s teeth in a location that might benefit the child’s future, such as a college campus garden or at a hospital. In Kyrgyzstan, a child will hide his tooth in a piece of bread and give it to an animal with desirable teeth. In other countries, the baby teeth are regarded as mementos or small treasures. Such is the case in Chile, where the lost tooth is made into a charm and set in precious metal to be used as a necklace or an earring.

Although children eventually lose these “baby” teeth, it is still important to keep them healthy and clean. One of the best ways to instill healthy oral habits for your child is to practice brushing and flossing with them at an early age. 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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August 8, 2011

Heart Health Linked to Dental Health

Filed under: Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta heart health, buckhead dentist, dental cavities, dentistry and heart, gum disase, heart health, heart health link, heart patient, tooth decay — dr_pate @ 12:22 pm

Research has linked gum disease to increased risk for heart attack, but more recent research also shows a link between plaque and endocarditis, an inflammation of the inner lining of the heart. The most common cause of endocarditis, in fact, is related to the same bacteria that cause cavities.

Streptococcus mutans, or S. mutans for short, is one of over 600 bacteria that call your mouth home. Some of the bacteria in your mouth are good, some bad. S. mutans is definitely one of the bad. This bacteria lives in the complex matrix of plaque, that sticky, stinky substance you try to brush and floss away. S. mutans can enter the bloodstream through a tear or cut in your gums. This might be the result of brushing and floss too aggressively, or it may occur during a dental procedure. If your immune system does not destroy the bacteria, within seconds it can travel to the heart and colonize on the heart valves. This causes the heart valves and chambers to swell, and this is bacterial endocarditis – a potentially fatal condition.

If you are a heart patient, please, please, please tell your dentist before having any dental work performed. You may need antibiotics prior to your dental procedure. Your cardiologist will make this decision based on the specifics of your situation, and should write your dental premedication prescription, if needed.

Researchers hope that a saliva test will be created to assess a patient’s risk for endocarditis. A certain protein, CNM, present in high levels in some people, allows the S. mutans bacteria to colonize in the heart. The more CNM a person has, the more prone he or she may be to endocarditis. A test that determines if a person is at increased risk would allow the dentist to administer a greater dose of antibiotics before treatment, thus making the body more adept at killing the S. mutans bacteria that enter the bloodstream.

You can reduce your risk every day with diligent brushing and flossing and the use of mouthwash. The less plaque you have in your mouth, the less risk you have of endocarditis from S. mutans bacteria.

Dr. Pate and his team stay on top of research like this so that we can take excellent care of you and your family. If it’s time for a checkup, call Dentistry in Buckhead today at 404-266-9424.

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July 12, 2011

The Importance of Mouthwash

For healthy teeth, you have to eat right and practice daily oral healthcare at home. Teeth should be brushed two times a day, flossed once a day, rinsed after meals, and cleaned professionally at least every six months. Additionally, your entire mouth can benefit from mouthwash. Antiseptic oral rinses and fluoride rinses are two types of beneficial mouthwashes that can promote healthy teeth and gums (and help refresh your breath too!).

Antiseptic mouthwashes, such as Scope and Listerine, decrease plaque and oral bacteria. In conjunction with brushing and flossing, these rinses help remove oral debris, temporarily suppress bad breath, and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste (flavored versions only). To avoid drying out the tissues of the mouth, rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash is recommended so be sure to check the labels!

Fluoride mouthwashes can also decrease oral bacteria. In addition to acting as an antiseptic, fluoride effectively prevents the growth of cavity-causing dental bacteria and strengthens tooth enamel. ACT, a common over-the-counter fluoride rinse, slows down or even stops the progression of cavities when combined with proper brushing and flossing. For high-risk patients, dentists can provide stronger concentration fluoride supplements or rinses to protect against cavities.

Rinsing with any mouthwash for 30 seconds loosens remaining debris and contributes to good oral health. If you live in the Atlanta area and want healthy teeth for a lifetime, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate at (404)266-9424. I provide preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to families in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Lenox, Atlanta, and surrounding areas.

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