Holiday Specials for You and Your Family - Dr. Trushar Patel

The holidays have arrived at 19th Street Dental; to help you celebrate, we have some great holiday specials that we would like share with you!

Take your pick from any of these wonderful winter gift ideas and stocking stuffers:

• New Zoom! Teeth Whitening Pens; $30 each - OR - 2 pens for $50

Getting a whiter, brighter smile is now as simple as coloring inside the lines thanks to the NEW Zoom! Teeth Whitening Pens. Zoom! Whitening Pens let you "color in" your teeth with a special pen that is filled with a whitening agent made to give you a whiter, brighter smile without any mess.

• Zoom! Teeth Whitening Gift Certificates – give your friends and family the gift of a whiter smile!

Save an extra $50 by purchasing a Zoom! Gift Card for $300 before December 23rd, 2008.

Or you can purchase a Zoom! Treatment Holiday Special for $350 – regularly $550

• Nite White take home whitening kits – $199 – regularly $350


Happy Holidays from 19th Street Dental!

Happy November Birthdays!

November gave us a month full of birthdays here at 19th Street Dental!

First, we would like to say “congratulations” to our front desk coordinator, Stephanie! On November 11th, 2008 she gave birth to a bouncing baby girl!

I must say that November 11th couldn’t have been a better day to be born, as it is also my very own birthday too! Then, this got me thinking, I wonder who else celebrates a special birthday in November?

Happy “November” Birthday to you:

• Dr. Patel – November 11th

• Barbi – November 16th

• Stephanie – November 27th

If you have an upcoming birthday please let us know so that we can help you celebrate your special day!

What Do Patients Have to Say About 19th Street Dental?

Everybody loves a little positive feedback! Thank you to all of our great patients - seeing all of your great smiles makes everyday rewarding for all of us at 19th Street Dental!

Here’s what some of our patients had to say about their dental experience with Dr. Trushar Patel and our wonderful team:

“Great and comfortable experience! I had an amazing experience as a first time patient at 19th Street Dental. Dr. Patel is a very experienced physician with a talent to not only create a great confident smile but to also ensure a comfortable and fun experience overall. His staff is also superb at making the visit as smooth and convenient as possible. I honestly cannot wait until my next visit!”

“Great dentist! 19th St Dental has great customer service and an extremely relaxing environment. They have flat panel TV's in each room. Dr. Patel does an incredible job of communicating with you about what's going on with your teeth.”

“Fabulous! ‎ This dental office is beautiful, the staffs are so courteous and Dr. Patel is so easy to talk to. He listened to my concerns and we are working together to fix my smile! I am excited to finally find a dentist who I can trust! I thought being in Atlantic Station, it would be expensive, but it is reasonable and so worth the extra because it is a great experience!”

“Dr. Patel's office in Atlantic Station is awesome! Beyond being super convenient (free 2 hour parking and plenty of it) the office is completely digital--no endless forms to fill out. Instead there's an efficient little computer station for your info that takes maybe 3 minutes to complete. The office is decorated in a hip, youthful way with great abstract paintings everywhere...and guess what? Dr. Patel did them himself!”

If you have had an experience at 19th Street Dental that you would like to share with others, please leave us a comment! We would love to know how you feel about your time spent with us and the treatments you’ve received.

Good Breath Gone Bad!

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit your dentist every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh!

Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

Gum Disease Can Sneak Up on You

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment right away by calling (404) 567-8900. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

Smoke Screen

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

• Oral cancer
• Gum disease
• Tooth loss
• Loss of bone in the jaw
• Gum recession
• Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
• Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
• Mouth sores
• Loss of your sense of taste and smell
• Bad breath
• Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

• Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
• Get support
• Learn new skills and behaviors
• Get medication and use it correctly
• Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with 19th Street Dental! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

Moooooove Over Gum Disease!

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A recent study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, call us or visit www.19thstreetdental.com.

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House?

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 404-567-8900. Dr. Patel can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Understanding Cavities

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit the dentist is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Gummy Tummy

We’d like to clear up a mystery. We know there are rumors floating around – mostly in middle school, it seems – that if you swallow a piece of gum, it will take up residence in your stomach for two years, or five years, or even ten years!

If you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, we are here to tell you not to worry. In fact, certain parts of gum can be digested (for instance sugar – although we certainly do NOT recommend chewing gum with sugar). And the parts that can’t be digested simply pass right through your system. So! No more imaginary gum mountains in your stomach!

That said, gum doesn’t have any dietary benefits, so it’s ideal to avoid swallowing it. And if you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. You see, when the bacteria in your mouth break down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. And we know you don’t want any of those!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing from all of us at (404) 567-8900!

Our Community

My Community:

Our practice is located in Atlantic Station, Atlanta’s trendy, urban, mixed-use community that is becoming more of a focal point day by day. The question is no longer what can you do down there, and instead is what can’t we do here. The community has multi story business offices, home to Wachovia bank, a number of large law firms, architects, real-estate companies and the future home of BB&T bank. It also has hi-rise living, loft and condo life. There is a ton of shopping from large scale stores such as Ikea, H&M, the banana republics to the smaller unique boutique stores such as K-La and Taste. Socializing is made easy in Atlantic Station. Hanging out at the movie theatre, Ten-pin Alley to bowl, restaurants or sitting out in the quad with a cold stone creamery ice-cream are all simple ways to pass your time, some prefer a more active way so LA-fitness is a great place to get your look great and be healthy.

We, 19th Street Dental, along with Piedmont Physicians, the Eye Gallery, Nani Salon and Spa all participate by promoting wellness in the community for a healthier lifestyle.

Atlantic Station is only 40-50% completed and there is significant growth anticipated over the next few years, so we are proud to be a foundation of a community that is getting national recognition.

Nifty “Eggs”periment

Here is a fun and scientific experiment for kids that includes a lesson about why it’s important to brush teeth to make plaque go away.

Gather the items you will need for this experiment:

* 1 hard-boiled egg with the shell on
* 12 ounces of Coke, Pepsi or other dark-colored cola
* 1 container large enough to hold the cola and egg
* 1 plastic bowl
* 1 toothbrush
* 1 drop of fluoride toothpaste
* Clean-up supplies

Explain to your child that plaque is a sticky layer of germs that collects on her teeth. If she doesn’t brush, plaque can cause serious problems for her teeth, for example holes in the teeth (cavities) or swollen gums (gingivitis). Tell her that you are going to do an experiment to see how plaque coats her teeth, and why brushing twice a day is important for healthy teeth and gums.

Conduct the experiment:

1. Make the comparison between the white color of the egg and the while color of your child's teeth.

2. Place the egg into the container and pour the cola over it, so that it completely covers the egg.

3. Let the egg sit in the cola for 24 hours.

4. Remove the egg from the cola. The egg will be stained and yellowish.
5. Explain to your child that the colored layer that has appeared on top of the eggshell is just like the layer of plaque that occurs on her teeth.

6. Place the egg in the plastic bowl and give your child the toothbrush with the drop of toothpaste on it.

7. Let her brush the "plaque" off of the egg. The yellowish film will disappear, exposing the white eggshell. Explain that the same thing happens when she brushes her teeth.

Once the experiment is complete, remember to be sure and mark your calender to schedule a regular checkup appointment every six months!!! This way your child's mouth will stay clean and healthy and their smile will stay bright.

$1.50 for a Cavity

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger.
You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all!

Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and
caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar.


The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!!

The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay).

When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity!

Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

The Importance of Regular Checkups

Do you brush your teeth two to three times a day? If you do that’s great!!! Don’t forget that it’s also important to also visit the dentist every six months in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times daily. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. Your dentist can:

· Check for problems you might not see of feel
· Detect cavities and early signs of decay
· Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Your checkup will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to the dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment.

Toothbrush Trivia

Before the toothbrush was invented, many people actually brushed their teeth with sticks!

The first time in history that people actively cleaned their teeth was between 4000 and 3000 BC in ancient Babylon (the site where Iraq is now). The Babylonians used “chew sticks” – thin twigs or tree roots that were chewed at the end to loosen the fibers and then used like brushes.

Between 2000 and 1000 BC the ancient Chinese used similar twigs to clean their teeth. But the Chinese took it one step further and used twigs from trees with a nice smell. (Perhaps this was an early attempt at breath freshening?)

The next time you brush your teeth, take a moment to be thankful that you have a nice, clean toothbrush with soft bristles – instead of a stick!