Peter A. Pate, DDS Dental Blog

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…)

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September 22, 2011

A Whole Grains Quiz

Filed under: Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta healthy living, atlanta whole foods, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead dentist, denitst atlanta, denitst buckhead, eating whole grains, healthy living atlanta, lower cholesterol, what are whole grains, what is whole grain — dr_pate @ 8:09 pm

Happy Whole Grains Month! How much do you know about whole grains? It may seem trivial, whole grain versus processed grain, but whole grains have a wide range of benefits over their processed cousins. Test your knowledge with this Whole Grains Quiz:

Q: Which of these is not part of a whole grain:

Bran
Shell
Germ
Endosperm
None of the above

A: Shell – A whole grain consists of bran, germ, and endosperm.

Q: Which of these is a whole grain?

Amaranth
Barley
Wheat
Wild Rice
All of the above

A: All of the above – For a list of whole grains, click here.

Q: Whole grains help reduce the risk for:

Heart Disease
Stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
Gum Disease
All of the above

A: All of the above – Whole grains reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. They may also reduce risk for gum disease, asthma, colorectal cancer, high blood pressure, and tooth loss.

Q: How many servings of whole grains do you need each day?

1
1-2
2-4
3-5
None

A: 3-5 servings per day

Q: How can you tell if a food is made with whole grains instead of processed grains?

Look for the Whole Grains Council stamp
Ask the butcher
Ask the cashier
Ask the stocker
Ask your spouse

A: Look for the Whole Grains Council stamp. Every product bearing the whole grains stamp contains at least half a serving of whole grains.

Q: How much money could you win in the Whole Grains Council September Sweepstakes?

$1,000
$2,000
$3,000
$4,000
$5,000

A: $5,000 – Click here in the month of September to enter the sweepstakes.

Q: Is “whole white wheat” a whole grain?

Yes
No

A: Yes: “White wheat” is bleached wheat, which is processed. “Whole white wheat” is actually a white variety of wheat that is used whole.

Be sure to incorporate whole grains into your daily diet to reap some of the bountiful rewards these types of grains offer. Here at Dentistry in Buckhead, Dr. Pate cares about your whole health, and not just your dental health. Call the office today at 404-266-9424 and reserve your appointment with Dr. Pate and his team.

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September 20, 2011

The Toothbrush: Small Tool with a Big Impact

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Fun Dental Facts,General Dentistry — Tags: ADA dentist atlanta, atlanta dentist office, buckhead dental cleaning, buckhead dentist, buckhead dentist office, choosing a toothbrush, dental cleaning buckhead, dentist buckhead, dentist office atlanta, dentist office buckhead, history of toothbrush, toothbrush tips — dr_pate @ 4:40 pm

Did you know that some form of the toothbrush has been around for nearly 5,000 years? You might not even recognize these ancient brushes, as the bristles were made of unique materials such as hog’s hair, twigs and bamboo. The first modern-looking toothbrush was invented in 1948 in China. Over the average lifetime, this little invention gets a lot of attention from us. We spend about 38.5 days brushing our teeth! With this in mind, Dr. Pate and his team would like to share some tips with you, whether you’re choosing a new toothbrush or altering your brushing technique.

Regardless of your preference for manual, powered, pink, or blue (the most popular color), the key is to choose a soft bristle brush that fits comfortably in all areas of your mouth. The ADA recommends disposing of your toothbrush every 3-4 months, or sooner if the bristles are worn. After all, your brush won’t clean your teeth properly with flattened or bent bristles. Children typically will need to replace their toothbrushes more frequently.

Toothbrushes usually have about 2,000 bristles. For the best clean, hold the brush at a 45-degree angle towards the gum line while using short gentle strokes to cover each surface of the tooth. Dr. Pate suggests brushing for at least two minutes for an effective cleaning. Don’t forget your tongue! Giving it a scrub down will help to remove bacteria and freshen your breath.

There has long been a vital connection between a healthy body and a healthy mouth. It’s a good idea to toss your toothbrush after a bacterial infection such as strep throat. Always allow your brush to air dry after each use, and keep it separate from other people’s toothbrushes. Whether you have natural teeth or dentures, bacteria likes to lurk in the mouth. NEVER use someone else’s toothbrush!

Dr. Peter Pate and his team are always here to answer questions or offer tips for a healthy smile. To schedule your family’s dental cleanings, please call our Atlanta dentist office, Dentistry in Buckhead, at 404-226-9424.

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September 13, 2011

A+ for oral health: Help your child make the grade!

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,Family Dentistry — Tags: acid erosion of teeth, best gum for kids, buckhead neighborhood dentist, cavity prevention, childrens dentist atlanta, dental cavities, dental checkup atlanta, dental cleaning atlanta, dental hygiene atlanta, family dentist atlanta, going to the dentist atlanta, gum disease, kids dentist atlanta, sugar and dental cavities, xylitol gum — dr_pate @ 3:12 pm

School and extracurricular activities are in full swing. While it’s important to help prepare your child for class projects, piano lessons, and football, you’ll also want to make sure your children’s teeth and gums are ready for the new school year.

Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood diseases. More than half of children ages 5 to 17 have had at least one cavity or filling in their lifetime. Being proactive about protecting your child’s teeth from plaque, tartar, and decay can prevent gum disease and begin a lifetime of consistent oral healthcare.

A daily schedule that includes brushing and flossing is essential to preventing pediatric dental decay. Returning to the structure of the school year should help make such a schedule easier to follow.

Maintaining healthy family eating habits will help your son or daughter choose to eat foods that promote good oral health. Plan well-balanced meals and avoid sugar-loaded foods. It is also important to limit drinks and foods with a high acid content.

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a good time to continue educating your child about tooth decay and why candy and sugary snacks should be enjoyed sparingly. You might also try some candy alternatives, such as xylitol-infused candies or sugar-free licorice root lollipops, which research has shown fight dental bacteria and plaque.

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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September 4, 2011

How Summer Impacts Your Smile

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, buckhead ga dentist, buckhead ga family dentist, dental health atlanta, dental health buckhead ga, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead ga, family dentist atlanta, family dentist buckhead ga, healthy smile atlanta, healthy smile buckhead ga, oral health atlanta, oral health buckhead ga — dr_pate @ 10:35 pm

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.

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August 31, 2011

Immunization Awareness

Filed under: Children's Dentistry,Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta healthy living, atlanta overall health, buckhead ga healthy living, buckhead ga overall health, childrens dentist atlanta, childrens dentist buckhead ga, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead ga, family dentist atlanta, family dentist buckhead ga, general health atlanta, general health buckhead ga, healthy livine atlanta, healthy living buckhead ga, overall health atlanta, overall health buckhead ga — dr_pate @ 3:40 pm

August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM), and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recently issued its annual update of vaccination guidelines. The new recommendations emphasize the importance of vaccinating children and teens to protect against serious illnesses, such as influenza, pneumonia, and meningitis, as well as other deadly diseases.

The recommendations for 2011 are very similar to those from 2010, but the release of the revised schedule reminds parents to ensure that their children’s immunizations are up to date. Dr. Michael Brady, the chairman of the AAP infectious disease committee, points out that “immunizations have been the most effective medical preventive measure ever developed, but some people who live in the United States right now don’t appreciate how tremendously protected they’ve been because of vaccines. There are still children around the world dying of measles and polio. The vaccination schedules are designed to get vaccines to the child before they are at the greatest risk.”

The updated schedule recommends that all children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years get an annual flu shot. Additionally, children between the ages of 6 months and 8 years who are being vaccinated for the first time, as well as those who have had only one dose of a previous flu vaccine, need two doses of the seasonal flu vaccine.

The AAP recommends the following:

Children and teens should receive the recommended whooping cough vaccines.
Children ages 7 to 10 years who have not been previously vaccinated against the disease need a single does of the tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and Tdap vaccines.
Teens from 13 to 18 years who never received the Tdap should get the vaccine as well as a Td booster every 10 years.
All girls should receive the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines, which can be given between the ages of 9 and 18 years in a three-dose series.
Children under the age of 5 should get the haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) vaccine to prevent the bacterial disease.
Routine childhood vaccines, including those for the rotavirus, polio virus, MMR, and varicella, should be received at the suggested ages.

Dr. Peter Pate, a family dentist in Atlanta, Georgia, strives to help his patients lead healthy lives. For information about how to keep your child’s teeth and gums healthy to prevent the onset of serious oral and overall health conditions, call Dentistry in Buckhead at (404) 266-9424.

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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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