atlanta family dentist Archives - Page 10 of 11

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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February 14, 2011

Healthy Valentine’s Day Gifts

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Fun Dental Facts,Living It Up — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead atlanta family dentist, buckhead dentist, buckhead general dentist, general dentist buckhead, healthy valentine atlanta, valentine buckhead — dr_pate @ 5:04 pm

Valentine’s Day is often associated with chocolate and sweethearts. Why not shake things up this year and give your sweetheart a healthier gift that won’t land you in the doghouse? Here are few suggestions:

Breakfast in Bed: You can prepare a love inspired breakfast with heart shaped toast, eggs and/or pancakes, ruby red grapefruit juice, a beautiful red rose, and fruit cut into flower shapes.

Day at the Spa: Instead of hyping your sweetheart up with sugar, soothe the nerves with a relaxing retreat to rejuvenate them. If you are not sure which treatment your honey will prefer, opt for a gift certificate to a favorite spa. You could also purchase a couple’s massage for a romantic date.

Fruit Bouquet: If you are of the theory, “I don’t want to waste my money on flowers that will die,” consider sending your sweetie a tasty bouquet of fruit. Include oranges, cantaloupes, honeydew, grapes, and strawberries. For a touch of sweetness, include some dark chocolate-dipped fruits.

Home Spa: If you would prefer a quiet evening at home, buy a gift basket that includes aroma therapy products, bubble bath, and massage oils. The scents of love and romance include: gardenia, jasmine, lavender, musk, rain, rose, and vanilla.

Weekend Getaway: If budget and time are of no concern, book a trip to a warm climate and enjoy walking on the beach, snorkeling, and swimming with your soulmate.

If you have any other great ideas for a healthy Valentine’s Day, let us know. Just post comments to this blog. And, of course, if you need a more kissable smile, be sure to book a visit with Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead!

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October 29, 2010

Don’t Neglect Your Tongue!

Filed under: Fun Dental Facts — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, bad breath, buckhead dentist, halitosis, tongue facts, tongue health — dr_pate @ 3:51 pm

What’s the strongest and most flexible muscle in your body? It’s your tongue! Your tongue is the only muscle that’s attached only on one end. It also has a unique print, just like your thumb – and it heals faster than any other body part. The tongue has 9,000 taste buds and can sense four basic tastes: sweet, sour, bitter, and salty. About 10% of your taste buds, though, are on your cheeks and palette.

Can you curl your tongue in a u-shape? About 15% of people can’t.

Your tongue harbors HALF of the bacteria that live in your mouth. If you have bad breath, brush your tongue or consider using a tongue scraper to gently remove bacteria and food particles from the surface of the tongue. It can really help!

And, according to Guinness, this is the most difficult tongue twister:

The sixth sick sheik’s sixth sheep’s sick.

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National Museum of Dentistry

Filed under: Living It Up — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, buckhead dentist, national museum of dentistry — dr_pate @ 3:37 pm

At the University of Maryland, there’s a museum that everyone can relate to. It’s the National Museum of Dentistry. It’s affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution.

Everyone brushes, right? So, it just makes sense that every human should want to visit this amazing museum!

Actually, the website is pretty awesome, and the interactive exhibits are fun for kids and adults. For instance, one lets you become a forensic investigator. And we’ve always heard about George Washington’s dentures. You can actually see them at the National Museum of Dentistry. You might also like the Evel Knievel toothbrush or Queen Victoria’s dental instruments. Another cool collection, the world’s largest of its kind, is the museum’s dental advertising poster art. If you like the future more than the past, you’ll enjoy the Operatory of the Future exhibit.

Visit http://www.dental.umaryland.edu/museum/ for more information, and if you DO go to the museum, send us pictures to post on Facebook!

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