family dentist atlanta ga Archives - Page 2 of 2

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!

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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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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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October 1, 2010

Never at a Loss with Dental Floss

Filed under: Living It Up — Tags: alternate uses for dental floss, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, dental floss fun, family dentist atlanta ga, general dentistry buckhead atlanta — dr_pate @ 5:51 pm

Dental floss. It comes in round, flat, mint, unflavored, green, white, blue. Your dentist and hygienist urge you to floss daily to protect against plaque buildup and gum disease. So, every morning, you stand in front of the mirror and diligently try to perform oral gymnastics with dental floss.

Dental floss is what it is, an important tool for your oral health… But is it more? YES!

We’ve found some creative uses for this nearly indestructible dental string. Check it out:

Fly a balloon
Save your spot with a bookmark that’s minty fresh
Clean the nooks and crannies in jewelry
Cut slices of cake or dough
Escape from jail (this one’s a secret)
Hang Christmas ornaments
Catch fish in a pinch with this fishing line
Hang clothes to dry
Repair a broken shoelace
Hang shower brushes and squeegies (it’s waterproof)
Separate stuck photos
Hang pictures or wind chimes
Play cat’s cradle
Sew industrial strength items or buttons
String beads
Support those lazy plants
String popcorn for the holidays
Tie a ponytail
Clean a hair brush (thread thru an upholstery needle, then push through the bristles and pull upward)
Tie a stuffed turkey
Tie packages

The next time you floss, think about ways you can use dental floss outside of the bathroom. Think like a kid; you’ll come up with something clever! Post your ideas as a blog comment or on our Facebook page. Keep an extra box of floss in your purse, pocket or car. You never know when dental floss will save the day!

Until next time, keep flossing! Click here to learn about proper flossing techniques.

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September 15, 2010

YEEEOWCH! Do You Suffer from Tooth Sensitivity?

Filed under: Dental Pain — Tags: acid erosion of teeth, atlanta dentist, atlanta ga dentist, atlanta sensitive teeth, buckhead dentist, family dentist atlanta ga, sensitive teeth after whitening, sensitive teeth in atlanta, teeth pain atlanta, teeth sensitivity atlanta, tooth enamel erosion, tooth pain atlanta — dr_pate @ 10:01 pm

Do you say no to sundaes? Do you wait for your soup to stop steaming? Is sugar painfully sweet? If your teeth ache with temperature fluctuations or sour and sweet tastes, you probably have sensitive teeth. The consequences of this touchy condition can range from a dull ache to sharp, shooting pains.

Teeth grinding, gum recession, gum disease, tooth decay at the gum line, cracks, chips, and plaque buildup can make teeth sensitive. Years of brushing too hard, consuming high-acid foods and drinks, “thin tooth enamel,” or using certain mouthwashes or toothpastes can also contribute to your sensitivity. If your sensitivity is a result of recent dental work, it may go away as quickly as it developed.

Is there hope that you’ll ever enjoy a brisk winter walk or a glass of refreshing iced tea without wincing when the cold hits your teeth?

YES!

As with most dental conditions, the first line of defense is good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Make your appointments with Dr. Pate for checkups and cleanings every six months (or as often as recommended). Switching to a soft-bristled toothbrush, using desensitizing toothpaste, and reducing the amount of acidic foods and drinks you ingest (colas, citrus, sports drinks, coffee, wine, etc.) are great first steps you can take at home. (more…)

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