general dentist buckhead Archives - Page 3 of 3

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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February 14, 2011

Healthy Valentine’s Day Gifts

Filed under: Family Dentistry,Fun Dental Facts,Living It Up — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta dentist, atlanta family dentist, atlanta general dentist, buckhead atlanta dentist, buckhead atlanta family dentist, buckhead dentist, buckhead general dentist, general dentist buckhead, healthy valentine atlanta, valentine buckhead — dr_pate @ 5:04 pm

Valentine’s Day is often associated with chocolate and sweethearts. Why not shake things up this year and give your sweetheart a healthier gift that won’t land you in the doghouse? Here are few suggestions:

Breakfast in Bed: You can prepare a love inspired breakfast with heart shaped toast, eggs and/or pancakes, ruby red grapefruit juice, a beautiful red rose, and fruit cut into flower shapes.

Day at the Spa: Instead of hyping your sweetheart up with sugar, soothe the nerves with a relaxing retreat to rejuvenate them. If you are not sure which treatment your honey will prefer, opt for a gift certificate to a favorite spa. You could also purchase a couple’s massage for a romantic date.

Fruit Bouquet: If you are of the theory, “I don’t want to waste my money on flowers that will die,” consider sending your sweetie a tasty bouquet of fruit. Include oranges, cantaloupes, honeydew, grapes, and strawberries. For a touch of sweetness, include some dark chocolate-dipped fruits.

Home Spa: If you would prefer a quiet evening at home, buy a gift basket that includes aroma therapy products, bubble bath, and massage oils. The scents of love and romance include: gardenia, jasmine, lavender, musk, rain, rose, and vanilla.

Weekend Getaway: If budget and time are of no concern, book a trip to a warm climate and enjoy walking on the beach, snorkeling, and swimming with your soulmate.

If you have any other great ideas for a healthy Valentine’s Day, let us know. Just post comments to this blog. And, of course, if you need a more kissable smile, be sure to book a visit with Dr. Peter Pate of Dentistry in Buckhead!

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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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January 7, 2011

Turn a Few Heads with a Healthy, Beautiful Smile

Filed under: Cosmetic Dentistry,General Dentistry — Tags: atlanta cosmetic dentist, atlanta general dentist, atlanta smile makeover, buckhead cosmetic dentist, buckhead general dentist, buckhead smile makeover, cosmetic dentist atlanta, cosmetic dentist buckhead, general dentist atlanta, general dentist buckhead, smile makeover atlanta, smile makeover buckhead — dr_pate @ 2:13 pm

It has been said that a person’s smile is the first thing others notice. I am Dr. Peter Pate and, as a dentist in the Atlanta area, I couldn’t agree more.

It has been proven that people tend to base their first impressions on the quality of your smile. In fact, people who have bright, healthy-looking smiles tend to achieve more in almost all aspects of their lives, especially professionally.

Many of my patients are surprised to hear this. It seems like in our modern day and age, people tend to obsess over their weight, hair color/style, skin tone, clothing, and other aspects of their physical appearance. The truth is, when it comes to first impressions, a beautiful smile says it all!

My team at Dentistry in Buckhead is here to help. Obviously, a healthy, beautiful smile can take you far. The mouth is often referred to as the window to the body because oral health has such a large impact on overall health. A healthy mouth that functions properly helps to ensure the overall health of your body. Let’s face it, healthy people tend to be happier. Speaking of faces, having a well constructed smile affects more than just your mouth. Your whole face will benefit from a beautiful smile — including your eyes, which are the second thing people notice about a new acquaintance.

I offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry options if you feel that is the best way for you to achieve a sparkling smile. I will be happy to sit down with you at a consultation to discuss your dental goals and possible treatment plans.

Make it your new year’s resolution to achieve a healthy, dazzling smile, and you’ll be unstoppable. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact my office at (404) 266-9424.

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