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May 17, 2011

Toothpaste: Not Just for Teeth!

Toothpaste cleans, restores, and protects tooth enamel. But did you know that toothpaste serves multiple purposes around the house? Non-gel toothpaste can soothe common ailments, remove strong smells, and act as a household cleaner. Try these toothpaste tips outside of your oral care routine:

  1. Aloe doesn’t have to be the first thing you reach for when you sustain a minor burn. Delicately apply toothpaste to the burn for immediate and temporary relief.
  2. Toothpaste can decrease swelling and stop the itch of bug bites, blisters, sores, and pimples.  When applied to sores, the wound heals more rapidly. For best results, leave toothpaste on the blister overnight.
  3. For stronger and shinier fingernails, scrub them with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
  4. Garlic, onions, and fish can leave a pungent odor on your skin, even after washing with soap and water. Next time, scrub your hands with toothpaste to remove the lingering odor.
  5. Toothpaste not only removes food stains from teeth, but can also remove unsightly marks from fabric and carpets. To treat stains on clothing, apply a small amount of toothpaste and rub briskly until the stain has vanished. When tackling carpet stains, scrub with toothpaste and a firm brush, then rinse immediately. (Avoid whitening toothpastes on colored fabrics and carpets due to the bleaching effects.)
  6. Silver jewelry and diamonds sparkle after cleaning with toothpaste. For diamonds, scrub gently with a toothbrush and water. Rinse thoroughly to bring out a stunning shine. For silver jewelry, rub toothpaste on and leave overnight. Wipe dry toothpaste off in the morning with a soft cloth. Warning: do not use toothpaste on pearls and opals.
  7. To keep goggles from fogging underwater, apply a small dab of toothpaste to the lens. Rub gently to avoid scratching the lens. Rinse thoroughly.

Brushing your teeth twice a day with toothpaste can reduce your chances for developing gum disease and tooth decay. To ensure healthy teeth, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate at (404)266-9424 to schedule a thorough dental cleaning and check up. I am a general family and cosmetic dentist in the Buckhead area of Atlanta, and I provide excellent oral care for families in Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Lenox, and surrounding areas.

May 12, 2011

Catch Your ZZZ’s to Prevent Disease!

 

At times sleep can be elusive, but it is important to overall health and oral health. Sleep impacts your memory, curbs inflammation, spurs your imagination, sharpens your attention, lowers stress levels, helps you maintain a healthy weight, and slows the progression of periodontal disease.

Your mind and body are very active during sleep. While sleeping, cells repair themselves, and hormones and the immune system reset. With an out-of-whack immune system, the body can’t fight illness or disease effectively.

When you feel worn down due to sleep deprivation, your body’s immune system is suppressed. Then the body is slower to produce the antibodies needs to fight infections. The less sleep you get, the weaker the immune system becomes.

A recent study in Japan revealed that people who slept less than seven hours a night stood a greater chance of developing periodontal disease than those who slept seven to eight hours a night. Researchers concluded that the lack of sleep weakened the immune system, causing the gum disease to progress more rapidly.

Several factors may affect your sleep: stress, medications, diet, your mattress, or obstructive sleep apnea. This condition occurs when soft tissues in the throat and mouth collapse and block the airflow during sleep.

If you experience sleepless nights due to sleep apnea or snoring, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead. I can determine if you need treatment for sleep apnea or require a snoreguard to keep your airway open as you sleep. Call my Atlanta dentist office at (404)266-9424 to schedule a consultation. We gladly welcome patients from Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Lenox, and surrounding areas.

May 11, 2011

Low-Fat Chocolate Cake Recipe

Now that we have introduced some healthy foods to incorporate into your everyday diet, you know that dessert is still an option! As a health-conscious cook, your dessert should be low in fat and sugar.

Try this healthy chocolate cake recipe for your next after dinner treat:

Ingredients

  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup sugar (or sugar free substitute like xylitol or stevia)
  • 1/2 cup baking cocoa
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/2 cup corn syrup
  • 2 teaspoons confectioners’ sugar

Directions

In a bowl, combine the first six ingredients. In another bowl, whisk egg whites, water, and corn syrup. Stir into dry ingredients. Pour into a 9-in. square baking pan coated with nonstick cooking spray. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Nutritional Analysis

One serving equals 176 calories, 1 g fat (trace saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 186 mg sodium, 42 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 3 g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2-1/2 starch

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and I encourage my patients to choose a healthy diet and maintain proper oral hygiene habits of brushing twice daily, flossing once a day, rinsing after meals, and keeping your regular dental visits. Call my Atlanta Buckhead dentist office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment.  Enjoy your healthy dessert!

May 8, 2011

Healthy Gifts for Mother’s Day

While Mom takes care of everyone in the home, she often forgets to take care of herself. Instead of buying your mother a sweet treat or a precious bauble for Mother’s Day, consider giving her a healthy gift this year.

To ease Mom’s stress, how about something to induce relaxation and tranquility? Increase her feeling of zen with a yoga mat and instructional video. Yoga can decrease back pain, promote quality sleep, and lower stress!

Instead of a bouquet of cut flowers, give your mother a set of windowsill flower containers. You can purchase pots that come with soil and seeds (pansies, marigolds, poppies). She will smile each time she sees the beautiful blooms.

Since Mom is constantly on the go, keep her hydrated with a personalized water bottle or energized with a unique coffee thermos. These containers can easily be customized with family photos and sayings. Your mother will think of you each time she reaches for it.

I can also offer a fun gift for your mother! To put a smile on Mom’s face, call me, Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, to schedule a Zoom! whitening appointment.  This in-office whitening system can lighten teeth between 8-10 shades in one visit. To schedule an appointment, call our Buckhead dental office at (404)266-9424. Remember to value your mother today, and every day, and thank her for all she has done for you.

May 5, 2011

5 Dental Facts to Fight Rainy Day Blues

 

If you are trapped indoors and need relief from the tedium share some fun facts with your friends and family. Here are five cool dental factoids:

  • Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the human body
  • Most people have 32 teeth as adults (includes 4 wisdom 8 incisors 4 canines 12 molars and 8 premolars)
  • 1/4 of Americans over age 60 have lost all of their natural teeth
  • The average adult exerts about 20-40 pounds of pressure when biting.  However millions of us can bite with up to 250 pounds of force!
  • Besides colas and citrus overly chlorinated pools can also erode your enamel!

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead and I encourage my patients to choose a healthy diet and maintain proper oral hygiene habits of brushing twice daily flossing once a day rinsing after meals and keeping your regular dental visits. Call my Atlanta dental office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment.  Enjoy the beautiful spring weather!

 

 

April 25, 2011

7 Food Surprises for a Healthy Smile!

Now that we have finished eating Valentine’s Day chocolates and Easter basket treats, it is time to concentrate on a healthier way to treat your teeth.  So what are some mouth healthy foods and what are their benefits?

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and here are some great food choices for a healthy smile.

Cheese – Cheese is low in carbohydrates and high in calcium and phosphate.  Cheese helps balance the pH level in your mouth and can help to preserve and rebuild tooth enamel.

Celery – Celery protects your teeth by giving your mouth a workout. The chewing increases saliva production which neutralizes the bacteria that cause cavities. The chomping on celery massages the gums and cleans between the teeth.

Onions – Onions contain powerful antibacterial sulfur compounds that kill cavity-causing bacteria.  You may not have sweet breath, but you’ll have a happy mouth!

Parsley – Parsley will help freshen up your onion breath. The leaves of parsley are rich in chlorophyll, which acts as a powerful neutralizer of bad breath.

Kiwis – Kiwis contain more vitamin C than any other fruit. When you don’t get enough vitamin C, the collagen network in your gums can break down, which makes your gums tender and more susceptible to bacteria.

Sesame Seeds – Seeds slough off plaque and help build tooth enamel. Sesame seeds are also high in calcium, which is good for your bones that support your teeth and gums.

Shiitake Mushrooms – The natural sugar found in shiitake mushrooms prevents mouth bacteria from creating plaque.

So next time you are heading to the grocery store, pick up some of these delicious and nutritious treats.  For more information on other healthy foods, contact my Atlanta office at (404)-266-9424.

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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