buckhead family dentist Archives - Page 3 of 3

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.

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May 11, 2011

Low-Fat Chocolate Cake Recipe

Filed under: Atlanta Community,Living It Up — 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 cosmetic dentist, buckhead dental checkup, buckhead dentist, buckhead family dentist, family dentist atlanta ga, general dentist atlanta, general dentist buckhead — dr_pate @ 7:55 pm

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!

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May 8, 2011

Healthy Gifts for Mother’s Day

Filed under: Atlanta Community — 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 atlanta ga dentist, buckhead family dentist — dr_pate @ 4:06 pm

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.

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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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April 6, 2011

Your Mouth, the Tattle Tale

“You are what you eat!” Did you know that during a dental checkup, I am usually able to determine how you have been eating? I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and I can often spot potential nutritional imbalances by examining your teeth and gums.

Your gums reveal nutritional deficiencies such as low zinc, iron, and folic acid. These deficiencies can promote gum disease. Indications of other conditions, such as infection and diabetes, may also be identified during your dental visit.

Your teeth will tell me if your diet consists of too many sugary or acidic foods. Foods high in acids or sugar will cause tooth enamel to soften, and may eventually lead to tooth decay. Untreated decay can lead to infection and tooth loss.

Since your dentist is often the first member of your healthcare team to discover potential nutritional problems, you should not skip your regular dental cleanings! During your exam, I will look for signs of periodontal (gum) disease. Studies have shown that poor periodontal health can increase the risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and preterm births.

I hope this post inspires you to establish good eating habits to promote the health of your teeth and gums! Stay tuned for an upcoming post listing specific foods that are great for your oral health.

If you experience tooth pain, or are in need of your regular exam and cleaning, contact my Atlanta dentist office at (404)266-9424 to schedule an appointment. Remember – your mouth is your first line of defense in fighting disease.

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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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January 31, 2011

Say No to Soda Pop

Filed under: General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta dental cleaning, atlanta general dentist, atlanta oral hygiene, buckhead dental checkup, buckhead family dentist, buckhead general dentist, dental checkup buckhead, dental cleaning atlanta, family dentist buckhead, general dentist atlanta, general dentist buckhead, oral hygiene atlanta — dr_pate @ 3:48 pm

Everyone loves a good glass of bubbly now and then. I’m not talking about champagne; I’m talking about soda! Sodas are sweet, tasty, and come in hundreds of different flavors and colors. There’s nothing better than the sound of a can popping open on a hot summer day, but doctors have discovered a ton of health risks connected with drinking soda pop.

I’m Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead, and I want to tell you a few reasons why soda may be a thing good to avoid.

Soda is truly worthless to your body. “It has absolutely no nutritional value. Soda is filled with sugar and calories and nothing else,” American Dietetic Association spokeswoman Keri M. Gans says. If you think you’re off the hook because you drink diet soda, think again. Diet sodas don’t have any nutritionally redeeming qualities.
Soda damages your teeth. Obviously, as a dentist, I want to help you maintain a healthy and beautiful smile. Soda and other sugary confections contribute nothing positive to your oral health. The sugar in soda coats your teeth and combines with bacteria in your mouth to form acid. These acids weaken your tooth enamel, which can cause cavities and tooth decay.
Drinking soda can weaken your bones. Soda is bad for your bones, just like it’s bad for your teeth. The phosphorous and caffeine agents in soda might contribute to osteoporosis. If you are a soda drinker, your bones might be deprived of calcium because you aren’t drinking enough milk.
Soda can harm your major organs. The consumption of soft drinks may be linked to chronic kidney disease, development of metabolic syndrome, increased heart risk, obesity, and liver disease.

Experts say that soda contributes nothing positive to your overall health, and as a care provider, I have to agree. Healthy drinks, however, contain vitamins and minerals your body can utilize. Milk, tea, and fruit juice (in small amounts due to added sugar) are healthy alternatives to soda. Of course, water is the best thing you can give your body. It has the power to rehydrate your body without adding extra calories.

For more information about what you can do to maintain a healthy mouth, please contact my office in Atlanta at (404) 266-9424.

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