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Effective Tooth Brushing Tips | Fayetteville, GA

A sparkling smile not only enhances your appearance but also reflects good oral health. One of the simplest yet crucial habits to maintain that bright smile is proper tooth brushing. In this blog post, we’ll explore seven effective ways to brush your teeth, ensuring your dental hygiene is top-notch.

  • Start your oral care routine by selecting a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Soft bristles effectively clean teeth without causing damage to the enamel, while fluoride helps strengthen teeth and prevent decay.
  • Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and use gentle, circular motions. Ensure you cover all surfaces of your teeth – front, back, and chewing surfaces. Don’t forget your tongue and the roof of your mouth to eliminate bacteria and freshen your breath.
  • Proper brushing requires time. Aim for a minimum of two minutes each session to ensure thorough cleaning. Consider using a timer or an electric toothbrush with a built-in timer to help you keep track.
  • While it might be tempting to brush vigorously, harsh brushing can lead to enamel erosion and gum recession. Apply gentle pressure and focus on being thorough rather than forceful to protect your oral health.
  • Brushing alone might not reach every nook and cranny between your teeth. Incorporate dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from these tight spaces. Follow up with an antimicrobial mouthwash to kill lingering bacteria and leave your mouth feeling fresh.
  • Toothbrushes wear out over time, and frayed bristles are less effective in cleaning your teeth. Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head every three to four months or sooner if bristles appear worn.
  • Even with a meticulous oral care routine at home, regular visits to your dentist are crucial. Professional cleanings and check-ups can identify and address potential issues before they escalate.

Achieving and maintaining good oral health is within reach by incorporating these seven effective ways to brush your teeth into your daily routine. A beautiful smile starts with proper oral care, and by following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to a healthier, brighter smile. Remember, consistency is key, so make these habits a part of your daily life for lasting results.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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The Relationship Between Oral Bacteria and Sugar | Fayetteville, GA

The human mouth is a bustling ecosystem, home to a diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria. While these microscopic residents play crucial roles in maintaining oral health, an intricate dance unfolds when sugar enters the scene. This blog post delves into the fascinating interaction between sugar and bacteria in the mouth, shedding light on the consequences of this sweet partnership.

As we indulge in sweet treats and sugary beverages, our taste buds revel in the delightful sweetness. However, the celebration doesn’t end there. Sugars act as a potent energy source for bacteria residing in the oral cavity. The most notorious culprits are Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, bacteria that thrive on fermentable carbohydrates, breaking them down into acids.

Acidic Tango:

When bacteria feast on sugars, they produce acids as metabolic byproducts. This sets the stage for an acidic tango that can have detrimental effects on oral health. The acids erode tooth enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth, leading to the formation of cavities and dental decay. The more frequent the sugar consumption, the more intense this corrosive dance becomes.

Biofilm Formation:

Bacteria aren’t lone performers in this oral drama; they team up to create biofilms. These sticky, slimy layers of bacteria and sugars adhere to tooth surfaces, forming a breeding ground for further microbial activity. This biofilm, commonly known as plaque, becomes a hotbed for bacterial proliferation, contributing to the development of oral diseases.

Sweet Temptations and Oral Hygiene: While the interaction between sugar and bacteria may seem like an inevitable consequence of enjoying sweets, maintaining good oral hygiene can tip the balance in your favor. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups help remove plaque and prevent the escalation of bacterial activity, keeping your mouth in harmony.

The Role of Saliva:

Saliva acts as a natural defender against the sugar-bacteria duet. It contains minerals that neutralize acids and enzymes that aid in the remineralization of enamel. Chewing sugar-free gum can stimulate saliva production, providing a helping hand in mitigating the effects of sugar on oral health.

The interaction between sugar and bacteria in the mouth is a complex dance with potential consequences for oral health. While sugar undoubtedly fuels bacterial activity, practicing good oral hygiene and mindful sugar consumption can help maintain a healthier balance. So, the next time you reach for that sweet indulgence, remember the intricate symphony playing out in your mouth and take steps to keep the harmony intact.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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The Five Stages of Tooth Decay | Fayetteville, GA

Tooth decay is not something to take lightly. In fact, it’s something to remain on the lookout for, as even those with a great oral care routine can experience tooth decay. Thankfully, the first stage of decay is the easiest stage to recognize and begin to take corrective actions. Yes, you can reverse decay with early detection! Here are the five stages of tooth decay:

Stage One: White Spots

In this stage, the tooth begins to show signs of strain from attacking sugars and acids. White spots will begin to materialize just below the surface of the enamel. They are a telltale sign that demineralization of the tooth has begun. But, it can be easy to miss because they’re likely to occur on you or your child’s molars first. Your dentist should be able to catch such warning signs during regular cleanings.

In the first stage of decay, this can be repaired without the need for extraction. Whether you’re a child or an adult, the application of fluoride via fluoride treatments, your toothpaste, salivation, the foods you eat, and even the local water supply can help re-mineralize the tooth and stop a cavity from penetrating through the enamel and reaching its second stage.

Stage Two: Enamel Decay

This is the beginning of the end for the surface enamel that is being attacked. Once a cavity breaks through the surface of the enamel, there is no turning back, and you or your child will need to have the cavity corrected with a filling. Teeth erode from the underside outward, so the outer enamel will still be intact for the first half of this second stage, but will be the next target.

Stage Three: Dentin Decay

Stage three is where you will notice a serious cause for concern if you or your dentist have missed the first two. This is the stage where patients begin experiencing pain, that is because the cavity begins to eat away at the second level of tooth material that lies beneath the enamel called dentin. A filling can still be used to stop bacteria from assaulting the tooth to prevent the cavity from reaching the tooth’s pulp.

Stage Four: Involvement of The Pulp

Once the infection reaches the pulp it’s going to hurt a lot. This is a serious point in the progression of decay where a root canal or full extraction will be evaluated by your dentist as the next phase of action.

Stage Five: Abscess Formation

At this point, the infection has reached the tip of the root and exited the tip of the tooth’s structure. It has infected the surrounding tissues and possibly the bone structure. You will likely experience swelling and severe pain. In children (as well as adults) an abscess can be fatal if not appropriately dealt with immediately.

Cavities don’t happen overnight. In the early stages, regular visits can stall and reverse the progression of decay, so it’s important to pay regular visits to the dentist. Catch cavities before they catch up to you by keeping the stages of decay in mind as you continue to care for your and your child’s teeth.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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Soda Impacts Your Smile: Here’s How | Fayetteville, GA

We can be the absolute best at maintaining our daily oral health routine, and the negative effects of soda will still catch up to us. It may not seem like a big deal; we consume sugary, acidic foods every day, but soda is a special exception. Here are some things we think you should consider before reaching for that next can or bottle of soda, and when evaluating your soda consumption habits.

Sugar Content

More than most beverages, soda contains a high amount of sugar. Sugar can coat our teeth or get stuck in the hard-to-reach spaces of our mouths, allowing sugar-eating bacteria to feed off it. These bacteria in turn excrete acid, and that acid is what contributes to tooth decay. The more sugar we consume, the more sugar the bacteria can consume, escalating our risk of decay.

Acidity

Sugar-eating bacteria can excrete acid, but there is also acid in the beverage itself. Diet sodas are no exception as they contain the same amounts of phosphoric and citric acid as non-diet varieties, even if they don’t contain the same amount of sugar. Acidic foods eat away at our protective enamel, leaving a tooth prone to decay.

Food Dye

A tooth can be stained by artificial food dyes such as caramel color, Yellow #5, etc. While coffee and other dark-colored beverages and foods may contribute to tooth staining as well, many of us consume a lot of soda, making it a primary culprit. If you want the flavor and fizz of something other than water, start swapping your soda with sparking flavored water, for all the fun without the stains.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr.  Here’s How McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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Understanding Oral Cancer | Fayetteville, GA

Cancer is an uncomfortable thing to consider, and for many around the world is a trigger for distress. Yet, the key to beating cancer commonly comes down to early detection. It’s important to understand the warning signs to look out for at home so you can consult with your dentist about your concerns as soon as possible. Please note the following is not an exhaustive list within any of these categories, but they are important to keep in mind.

Risk Factors

Unfortunately, our age and certain lifestyle choices do put us at a greater risk of developing oral cancer. Here are some factors that contribute to our relative risk:

  • Being genetically male
  • Being over 40 years old
  • People 18-39 who use tobacco, drink, or have been diagnosed with oral HPV

Warning Signs

If any of the following symptoms lasting more than 7-10 days, please seek the advice of your doctor. Keep in mind that these symptoms may also present themselves in the absence of pain. Be mindful of changes that can be detected on the lips, inside the cheeks, palate, and gum tissue surrounding your teeth and tongue.

  • Reddish or whitish patches in the mouth
  • Sores that fail to heal and bleed easily
  • A lump or thickening on the skin lining the inside of the mouth
  • Chronic sore throat or hoarseness
  • Difficulty chewing or swallowing

Risk Reduction

One of the best ways to mitigate risk is through regular visits to your dentist. Over half of the patients diagnosed with oral cancer later into its progression survive for more than five years, so it’s important to remain on top of potential warning signs for early detection. If you recognize yourself as being at high risk for oral cancer according to the above list, you may consider increasing the frequency with which you visit your dentist.

Here are some other ways to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer:

  • Avoid all tobacco
  • Avoid or reduce alcohol intake
  • Consume more fruits and vegetables
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure that can result in cancer of the lip
  • Avoid exposure to environmentally hazardous materials
  • Conduct a self-exam monthly 
    • Use a small hand-held mirror so you can see the back of your mouth and tongue. If you notice something concerning, reach out to your dentist for a second opinion.

Oral cancer is serious and can happen to anyone, but if you keep this information in mind, you can mitigate your risk. Continue to attend your regular cleanings and reach out to your dentist with any concerns you may have; you may just catch a warning sign of oral cancer early, allowing you to intervene before it gets worse.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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The Dos and Don’s of Proper Brushing | Fayetteville, GA

Hopefully, you are brushing twice per day, every day, practicing those tips and tricks you learned as a kid. If you aren’t brushing twice daily, or are wondering if your technique is giving you the clean you need, here are some easy brushing dos and don’ts to keep in mind:

What You Should Do

– Use a 45-degree angle when brushing

– Use short, side-to-side strokes

– Brush gently, a touch helps prevent wear and tear on your enamel

– Brush at least twice a day, especially after consuming something sugary or acidic

– Change your toothbrush every 3-4 months

– Brush for a full 2 minutes; set a timer if you need to

– Allow your toothbrush to air dry

– Store your toothbrush in the medicine cabinet away from other bathroom germs

– Use a soft-bristled toothbrush that is gentle on your tooth enamel

Things You Should Not Do

– Store your toothbrush on the sink counter where bathroom particles can get on it

  • Keep your brush flat
  • Use long strokes, short strokes are more effective
  • Brush with force

– Use the same toothbrush for life

– Brush for less than two minutes

  • Keep your toothbrush in a closed container
  • Use a stiff bristle brush

If you keep these tips and tricks in mind, your enamel and overall oral health will be much better off for it!

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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We All Accumulate Plaque: Here’s What To Do About It | Fayetteville, GA

Put simply, plaque feels and may even look like fuzzy house slippers that coat your teeth. It’s a sticky, colorless film of bacteria along the surface of your teeth and gum line that accumulates daily. Everyone accumulates, and subsequently removes plaque, daily. What we consume throughout the day can somewhat alter the amount of plaque we accumulate, but we can’t keep it from happening.

It’s important to retain a great oral care routine for the purpose of removing plaque. When plaque remains on the surface of, and in between, our teeth for prolonged amounts of time, it allows the bacteria in our mouth a chance to feed on it. When this happens, the bacteria release acid that wears your enamel and contributes to oral infections over time. Additionally, if you let plaque live in your mouth for too long, it turns into tartar, which takes a visit to your dentist to remove.

The most effective way to remove plaque is to brush and floss twice daily. Utilizing a tongue scraper and mouthwash can be an extra preventative measure but isn’t entirely necessary. As long as you employ proper brushing and flossing, you shouldn’t be at risk for developing tartar buildup or an oral infection.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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Choosing the Right Toothpaste For Your Oral Health | Fayetteville, GA

There are a lot of kinds of toothpaste on the market to choose from. With so many different ways these options have differentiated themselves from one another, it can be daunting to figure out what the best option is for us. Here are some things you might want to consider when replacing your next tube of toothpaste.

Sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is something many people struggle with, but there are a number of pastes on the market with additives that work to help. Sensitivity is commonly the result of weakened enamel, so sensitive toothpaste contains ingredients that work to strengthen the enamel to ease sensitivity.

Fluoride

Fluoride is commonly employed for its ability to keep cavities at bay, but there is a significant portion of the population that doesn’t like the idea of fluoride for daily use. That’s okay, as there are natural alternatives that may help mitigate cavities without the use of fluoride. While it won’t make or break your ability to fight cavities, it is effective and may be the most convenient option.

Flavors and Colors

In general, the flavor and color of toothpaste is simply a preference. If pink bubblegum toothpaste helps motivate your child to brush his or her teeth, it’s not going to hurt their oral hygiene to use it. Similarly, if you prefer pastes without flavoring, or enjoy spearmint over cinnamon, that is entirely up to you. If you know you are allergic to certain flavors or dyes, of course, it’s best to retain a paste that won’t make you sick.

Whitening Additives

A whitening additive such as charcoal has become a big trend in dental health over the last few years. Unfortunately, it can be too abrasive, and begin to deteriorate your enamel over time. In regard to charcoal specifically, it may be best to consult with your dentist, but in general whitening additives, like flavor and color, aren’t likely to hurt your oral health.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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Is Tongue Scraping Essential For Oral Hygiene? | Fayetteville, GA

It’s not the most settling thing to learn that your tongue harbors a myriad of bacteria, fungi, and food residue that contribute to your oral health, ability to properly taste food, and the actual color of it. Brushing or scraping our tongue is not the first thing we think to incorporate into our care routine, but it could go a long way to protect your peace of mind and improve your oral hygiene. Here are the things we think you should know about tongue scraping for your oral care.

The Basics

A tongue scraper is a U-shaped metal or plastic utensil designed to “scrape” the top layer of scum from your tongue. The residue left on your tongue after a meal or a full day includes the “bad” bacteria we don’t want in excess as they cause bad breath, increase your risk of periodontal disease, gingivitis and tooth decay, as well as contribute to poor heart health. When we remove these bacteria and fungi, we also reduce our risk of these bad bacteria negatively impacting our oral and overall health.

Proper Use

First, it doesn’t matter whether you scrape before or after cleaning your teeth. Once you’re ready, rinse your tongue and apply the scraper at the back of your tongue and drag forward. Rinse again and repeat. Be sure not to apply too much pressure, and to get all sides of your tongue.

If you have a dental procedure performed, ask your dentist whether or not you should continue tongue scraping as you recover. 

Get Scraping

You can inquire if your dentist has tongue scrapers available for patients, or you should be able to find one in your local grocery. They are relatively inexpensive, and can last for a long time with proper care. The material, color, and brand are all up to you – get one that you enjoy and get going!

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.

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A Guide to Tartar Buildup and What To Do About It | Fayetteville, GA

The buildup of plaque that hardens on your teeth is known as tarter. When plaque isn’t removed properly from your hygienic routine, that’s when the soft, removable plaque can turn into tarter which may require a more intense means of removal. Your dentist or hygienist may employ a method called scaling in which he or she uses special instruments to remove the tartar from around the gum line and bottom of the tooth pocket.

If you are employing a thorough routine of proper brushing and flossing, you should be able to avoid tartar buildup. Yet, it’s still important to understand the signs and symptoms of tarter buildup, so that if you do recognize it’s happening, you can consult your dentist sooner than later. Tarter is a buildup of minerals that, if above the gum line, is fairly easy to spot. If you notice yellow or brown-colored stains on the teeth or gums, it may be tarter. The only real way to know however, is to consult your dentist, and they can remove it for you. If it gets really bad, you may experience bad breath, darker staining, loose teeth and red, swollen or bleeding gums.

While tartar buildup can happen, there are ways your can mitigate your risk. Tarter control toothpastes and rinses can help eliminate stubborn plaque to help prevent tartar all together. Regular visits with your dentist and flossing also go a long way in helping ensure a thorough oral care routine and minimize the risk of tartar buildup.

To schedule an appointment or learn more about the beautiful smiles Dr. Sukari McMiller has created visit us online today at www.dreamworksdentalcare.com.

Dr. Sukari McMiller proudly serves patients from Fayetteville and all surrounding areas.