general dentist buckhead Archives

March 1, 2012

What are Taste Buds?

Filed under: Fun Dental Facts,Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta general dentist, bad breath atlanta, bad taste in mouth atlanta, buckhead dentist, buckhead general dentist, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, dentist sandy springs, dentist vinings, dry mouth atlanta, family dentist atlanta, family dentist buckhead, general dentist atlanta, general dentist buckhead — dr_pate @ 4:21 pm

Taste is the weakest of your five senses, but it’s responsible for the different flavors you experience when you eat. In general, girls have more taste buds than boys. Taste buds are tiny nerve endings that send messages to your brain to help you sense a taste. How much do you know about your taste buds? Test your knowledge and visit Dr. Pate to make sure the taste in your mouth is healthy.

1. What are the bumps on your tongue called?

a. Papillae
b. Ridges
c. Palate

2. What are the five main tastes?

a. Sugar, fruity, sour, spicy, creamy
b. Sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami
c. Dairy, bread, meat, dessert, beverage

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January 19, 2012

It’s Easy Being Green!

Unlike Kermit, we think it's easy being green! (Image from muppet.wikia.com)

At Dentistry in Buckhead, we make it a priority to conserve the environment as we care for our patients’ smiles. Atlanta dentist Dr. Peter Pate and his team want to keep Atlanta beautiful while keeping the smiles of you and your family beautiful as well.

Go Green

To do this, we employ a number of green practices, not only in the way we provide dental care for our patients, but also in our front office. Our green practices include:

Recycling: You’d be amazed at how much waste a dentist office produces. To do our part and help the environment, we abide by a multi-faceted waste and recycling system. First, we recycle anything and everything that is recyclable by taking it to local recycling centers. Second, we use products produced from recycled materials whenever possible, and this includes some of the products used in your dental care. We’ve found that it’s healthier for you and the environment if we use disposable and recyclable dental tools when available. After your appointment, we discard these tools, creating a cleaner, more sanitary environment for you and less non-decomposable waste for the planet.
Chartless: While we’re still in the process of going completely paperless, we are chartless! To maintain this standard, we use an advanced system of digital records and claim filing to reduce paper waste. This system is also more efficient and convenient for you as our patient. With digital files, your records can easily be shared between us and your other medical care providers, as well as with your insurance company for easy filing. (more…)

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October 26, 2011

5 Reasons to Smile!

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,Living It Up — Tags: atlanta dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta smile makeover, buckhead dentist, buckhead general dentist, cosmetic dentist atlanta, cosmetic dentist buckhead, dentist atlanta, dentist buckhead, general dentist atlanta, general dentist buckhead, ile makeover atlanta, sm — dr_pate @ 2:09 pm

A simple smile can make a big difference. Smiling helps you live longer, improves your attractiveness, and reduces stress levels. People love to be around happy folks, and smiling is good for the soul.

Why Should I Smile?

1. Smiling changes our mood. When you’re feeling blue, have you ever tried just smiling? Putting on a simple smile can trick your mind and body into being in a better mood. So turn that frown upside, and you will have a better day.

2. Smiling relieves stress. When we are stressed, it shows all over the face and body. The jaw starts to clench, lines appear on the face, muscles tense up, and we looked tired and worn. A smile can relieve that tension and help you relax. Sometimes, when dealing with stress, the best thing to do is take a moment to smile and calm down, and you’ll realize that everything is going to be alright.

3. Smiling makes you look younger and more attractive. We are all searching for the Fountain of Youth to maintain vibrant, youthful beauty forever. Smiling big can do the trick– the muscles we use to smile lift our face, so it’s like having a natural face lift. People are also drawn to others who emit warmth and kindness, so wearing a smile can also make you popular.

4. Smiling helps you stay positive. It’s hard to think negatively when you have a smile on your face—just try it. When your body looks happy, but your mind is thinking unhappy thoughts, it’s hard to continue to stay negative. Keep depression and negative thoughts away by smiling.

5. Smiling makes you look successful. We all strive to be successful and taken seriously. Right now, finding a job is hard enough because of the poor economy. Put a big smile on your face when you go in for that interview, and you’ll improve your chances of making a great impression. Smiling will help you stand apart from the other applicants. Your future employer will be impressed if you have a genuine smile.

Smiling can make differences in your life. It can help you become happy, healthy, and confident, so why not get the best treatment for your smile? If you’d like brighter, bolder, more attractive teeth, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Dr. Peter Pate at Dentistry in Buckhead, Atlanta, GA, today. Call 404-266-9424 to find out what he can do to increase your face value.

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October 13, 2011

From Kings to Kids, Germs Aren’t Picky

Filed under: Family Dentistry,General Dentistry,Healthy Living — Tags: atlanta dental checkup, bad breath, buckhead family dentist, childrens dentist atlanta, dental checkup atlanta, dental checkup buckhead, dental cleaning atlanta, dental cleaning buckhead, family dentist, family dentist buckhead, general dentist atlanta, general dentist buckhead, kids denitst atlanta, kids dentists buckhead, oral health and heart — dr_pate @ 8:06 pm

730 years ago, the famous Egyptian king, Ramses II, was a powerful leader but an extremely poor example of oral health. Upon investigation, scientists postulate that the king died from heart disease that sprung directly from his rampant gum disease. His teeth can still be examined today, held in place by strong tartar buildup that holds them in like concrete. He did not brush and floss like he should have, which allowed plaque to build and harden into tartar. This resulted in an infection in his gums, or periodontal disease.

Did you know those germs in your mouth were so powerful? It’s kind of scary, but it’s true. Our mouths are full of bacteria — up to 600 different kinds. The really dangerous strand is Streptococci mutans, which causes cavities. Unlike many body parts, teeth don’t shed an outer layer. It’s up to you to control oral bacteria and keep it from getting out of control, which could lead to dental problems and serious overall health issues.

The germs that cause cavities do not discriminate based on your occupation or age – you might be a king, an executive, or an elementary school student; they’ll overtake your mouth and destroy good oral health if you let them. While cavities can seem rather innocuous, they are more serious than you might think. Letting cavities grow and harmful bacteria to flourish can allow infection to reach the brain. In fact, in 2007, a 12-year-old boy in Maryland died from a tooth infection, which entered his bloodstream and eventually reached his brain. S. mutans also cause bad breath and, even worse, gum disease. Also known as periodontal disease, gum disease increases the risk for heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes complications, and the list goes on. Look at Ramses II. Gum disease can be fatal.

To reduce the potential for cavities and gum disease, you have to brush, floss, and attend regularly scheduled checkups and cleanings. Not only will this approach give you fresh breath and save your teeth, it might just save your life.

Set an appointment with Dr. Peter Pate in the Buckhead community. Call 404-266-9424, or contact us online to schedule your visit. Located in Buckhead, our Atlanta dental office serves many local families from all around the metropolitan area.

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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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August 21, 2011

Technology – Friend to Your Teeth!

Filed under: Family Dentistry,General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta childrens dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta ga diagnodent, atlanta general dentist, buckhead atlanta childrens dentist, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead ga diagnodent, dental checkup atlanta, dental cleaning atlanta, diagnodent atlanta ga, diagnodent buckhead ca, general dentist buckhead — dr_pate @ 5:02 pm

In general dentistry, technological advances have become a major part of prevention. The DIAGNOdent Laser Cavity detector is a laser we use to detect the tiniest, hidden bits of decay and demineralization in your teeth. Previously undetectable areas and amounts of decay are now caught by this laser. It almost sounds too good to be true, right? Just how does this amazing technology work?

The DIAGNOdent is a small hand piece that Dr. Peter Pate will use to scan your teeth, gums, and entire oral cavity. Using a completely safe, high-powered light to illuminate your mouth, we will be able to easily identify abnormalities based on the way the light appears.

Scientists discovered that altered tooth substances and bacteria will give fluorescent feedback at certain wavelengths of light, while normal tissue and areas will appear a constant color throughout.

The DIAGNOdent operates at a wavelength of 655 nm. At this wavelength, clean teeth will have no fluorescence. The machine will display low scale readings. If any tooth has decay and/or demineralization, it will show fluorescence and the display readings will be high.

The device is equipped with audio signals to point out areas of concern. This audio guide allows us to stay focused on you during your exam, rather than constantly watching the computer monitor.

The process will be very fast and completely comfortable for you. After your exam, you can feel confident about the health of your teeth without worrying about what problems might be lurking in the hard-to-see areas of your mouth. This is just another perk of having regularly scheduled dental exams and cleanings.

Dr. Pate and his team will use the latest technology to help you attain the best possible oral health. Just call Dentistry in Buckhead today at 404-266-9424.

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July 12, 2011

The Importance of Mouthwash

For healthy teeth, you have to eat right and practice daily oral healthcare at home. Teeth should be brushed two times a day, flossed once a day, rinsed after meals, and cleaned professionally at least every six months. Additionally, your entire mouth can benefit from mouthwash. Antiseptic oral rinses and fluoride rinses are two types of beneficial mouthwashes that can promote healthy teeth and gums (and help refresh your breath too!).

Antiseptic mouthwashes, such as Scope and Listerine, decrease plaque and oral bacteria. In conjunction with brushing and flossing, these rinses help remove oral debris, temporarily suppress bad breath, and refresh the mouth with a pleasant taste (flavored versions only). To avoid drying out the tissues of the mouth, rinsing with a non-alcoholic mouthwash is recommended so be sure to check the labels!

Fluoride mouthwashes can also decrease oral bacteria. In addition to acting as an antiseptic, fluoride effectively prevents the growth of cavity-causing dental bacteria and strengthens tooth enamel. ACT, a common over-the-counter fluoride rinse, slows down or even stops the progression of cavities when combined with proper brushing and flossing. For high-risk patients, dentists can provide stronger concentration fluoride supplements or rinses to protect against cavities.

Rinsing with any mouthwash for 30 seconds loosens remaining debris and contributes to good oral health. If you live in the Atlanta area and want healthy teeth for a lifetime, contact me, Dr. Peter Pate at (404)266-9424. I provide preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry to families in Buckhead, Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, Lenox, Atlanta, and surrounding areas.

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