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November 23, 2011

What is the Wishbone?

Breaking the wishbone is a popular Thanksgiving tradition. You may have battled your siblings for a shot at the wishbone pull since you were a kid, but how much do you know about the history of the wishbone?

1. What is the wishbone?

a. The collarbone
b. The rib
c. The leg

2. What animal’s bones were believed to have supernatural powers in medieval Europe?

a. Turkey
b. Chicken
c. Goose

3. Who started the Thanksgiving tradition of breaking the wishbone?

a. Your grandparents
b. The Pilgrims
c. The president

4. What is commonly believed to happen when you get the bigger half of the wishbone?

a. You get money
b. You’re unlucky
c. Your wish will come true

5. What is another name for the wishbone?

a. The lucky bone
b. The merrythought
c. The bone of thanks

(more…)

November 18, 2011

Quick Snacks for Active Families

Do you feel like you’re always running? Soccer, ballet, PTA, church — the list of commitments goes on and on. Active families can easily miss out on healthy eating opportunities because of their tight schedules. Modern families often forgo a sit-down, home-cooked meal for McDonald’s or KFC. Dashboard dining can ruin all the hours you put in at the gym. These poor meal choices are often accompanied by colas, which can subject your teeth to a sugar bath.

You can have a jam-packed schedule and a healthy diet, but you’ll have to prepare for success.

At the Grocery Store: When shopping, don’t stuff your buggy with pre-packaged sweets and starches like crackers. Instead, hit up the perishable aisles. Yogurt, cheese, and milk come in small, disposable containers, and these dairy foods are packed with protein. They’re also good for your teeth, bones, and overall health. Don’t miss the fruit and veggie aisle. Produce companies have become wise to the needs of busy families. You can now buy small containers of carrots, apples, and grapes. Small bananas and clementine oranges are fun, kid-sized fruits that come in nature’s disposable packaging.

When Unpacking the Groceries: Keep the sweets up high and in the back of the cabinet. Place nutritious snacks on low pantry shelves and in the bottom bins of the refrigerator. As part of putting away your groceries, pack granola and cereals in small sandwich or snack bags. These treats can take the place of Little Debbie snack cakes and Hostess cupcakes. Place a variety of your nutritious grab-bags in a bin, and store it at eye-level for kids.

Good Old H20: Water is best served pure. Don’t offer your kids an option to add sugary or even artificially sweetened water bottle packets. To please everyone, keep some water bottles in the pantry at room temperature, and stock some on the bottom shelves of your refrigerator door. If someone in the family just must have flavoring, keep diced fresh fruit available. Adding a few chopped strawberries, a slice of orange, or a sprig of mint to a water bottle is healthier than adding pre-packaged mixes.

Dr. Pate’s Active Lifestyle: If you’re in search of a family dentist who prioritizes whole health and living well, you’re in the right place. In addition to being a dentist, small business owner, husband, and father, Dr. Pate is an Ironman. As such, the doctor completed the grueling Ironman Lake Placid this summer.  This is a triathlon consisting of a 2.4-mile (3.86 km) swim, a 112-mile (180.25 km) bike, and a marathon (42.195-kilometre  or 26.219 mile run) with no breaks. That was nearly 14 hours of workout, start to finish. When it comes to an active lifestyle, Dr. Pate understands! He lives one himself.

Call Dentistry in Buckead at 404-266-9424 to schedule your dental visit with Dr. Peter Pate. Our Atlanta dental office will do our best to take care of your smile.

November 17, 2011

Turkey Talk

The turkey will probably be the main dish at your Thanksgiving feast. How much do you really know about the bird you’re going to gobble?

Test your turkey trivia.

1.   Who preferred the turkey as the national symbol of America, instead of the bald eagle?

a. Christopher Columbus
b. Benjamin Franklin
c. George Washington

2.   True or False? A female turkey is called a chicken.

3. What is a baby turkey called?

a. Poult
b. Pup
c. Turk

4.   What is a male turkey called?

a. Rooster
b. Chicken
c. Tom

(more…)

November 11, 2011

Your Family Health History

National Family History Day is observed on Thanksgiving Day. This event, organized by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Surgeon General’s office, is a time to focus on the importance of collecting your family health history.

About 96 percent of people admit that knowing family history is important, but only one-third of Americans have actually tried to collect information on their families. Some medical conditions and diseases, like heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer, and diabetes, are passed along through family genes and behaviors. Knowing what illnesses run in your family will make you and your dentist aware of your risk for certain problems.

Thanksgiving is a common holiday for all family members to get together. While getting together to eat your delicious feast and share memories, try collecting and recording information to determine your family’s struggle with health problems. Consider asking these questions with your relatives to get the information you need: (more…)

October 1, 2011

Should You Use Mouthwash?

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…)

September 4, 2011

How Summer Impacts Your Smile

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.

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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