Diabetes Can Affect Your Smile’s Health | Fayetteville, GA

Diabetes is a disease that affects more and more people every day, but did you know that it affects more than just your blood sugar? It’s true. Diabetes not only needs to be monitored to maintain your overall health but not taking care of your diabetes can also affect your mouth. Let’s explain.

Because diabetes revolves around your blood sugar levels, it can also affect the way your gums get infected, the bones that hold your teeth in place, and many other oral health issues. I know – it’s kind of overwhelming. But also, just a couple more reasons to make sure you take care of yourself when living with diabetes. Take a look at some ways to keep your dental health intact:

Diabetes first. Since you have now been diagnosed, it is important to make the necessary lifestyle changes in order to maintain a consistent level of health. Keep your blood levels in check, eat healthy, and make sure to exercise regularly. Healthy body, healthy smile.

Don’t smoke. It’s already bad for your health, but cigarettes and cigars also contribute to dry mouth, gum disease, and tooth decay. Keep the tobacco out of your mouth and look forward to fewer instances of these issues arising.

Dental implant care. You may not think of it as important but if you have dental implants, you should spend extra attention to your cleaning techniques because it could cause potential problems. If you wear a full or partial denture, clean it thoroughly each day to reduce bacteria.

Oral hygiene. Of course, don’t forget your dental hygiene altogether. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, use an antibacterial mouthwash, floss correctly once a day, and see your dentist for regular checkups.

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.

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.

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.

The Anatomy of the Human Mouth | Fayetteville, GA

The human mouth consists of several distinct components, each with its unique functions. It’s a marvel of biological engineering, serving a multitude of essential functions that go far beyond mere communication. This intricate structure plays a vital role in our ability to eat, breathe, and express our emotions. In this blog, we will take a closer look at the anatomy of the human mouth and the various components that make it such a versatile and indispensable part of our bodies.

Let’s start with the most visible part: the lips. Lips are not only essential for facial expressions, but they also protect the delicate tissues inside the mouth from external factors. Just behind the lips, the cheeks form the walls of the mouth, helping to keep food within as we chew and swallow.

Inside the mouth, we find the tongue, a muscular organ responsible for tasting, moving food around, and aiding in speech. The tongue is covered in tiny bumps called papillae, which contain taste buds that allow us to perceive different flavors. It is a highly flexible and agile muscle that plays a pivotal role in forming various speech sounds.

The roof of the mouth is divided into two parts: the hard palate at the front and the soft palate towards the back. The hard palate provides a stable surface for the tongue and helps in the initial stages of chewing, while the soft palate is involved in closing off the nasal passages during swallowing to prevent food or liquid from entering the nose.

The floor of the mouth is home to the sublingual and submandibular salivary glands, which secrete saliva. Saliva contains enzymes that aid in digestion and lubricate food for easier swallowing. It also helps maintain the health of the oral cavity by neutralizing acids and preventing tooth decay.

Speaking of teeth, they are integral to the mouth’s functioning. Humans typically have 32 teeth, including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars. Each type of tooth has a specific role in breaking down food. Teeth are anchored in the jawbone and are responsible for the initial mechanical breakdown of food before digestion begins in the stomach.

Behind the teeth, you’ll find the pharynx, a muscular tube that connects the mouth to the esophagus, allowing for the passage of chewed food and liquids into the digestive system. This area also plays a crucial role in preventing choking by sealing off the trachea during swallowing.

The human mouth is a remarkable and complex structure, responsible for vital functions such as eating, speaking, and breathing. Its various components, including the lips, cheeks, tongue, palate, salivary glands, teeth, and pharynx, work together seamlessly to support our daily activities. Understanding the anatomy of the mouth can lead to better oral health and a deeper appreciation of this incredible biological marvel.

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.

Electric Vs. Manual Toothbrushes: What To Know | Fayetteville, GA

Whether you employ an electric or manual toothbrush doesn’t make or break your oral hygiene. How you use it does. If you struggle to get a thorough clean with a manual brush, or an electric brush would help you stick to the two-minute rule, it may be a good option. If you are really good about brushing for two minutes and getting to every corner of your mouth, a manual bush is just fine.

We all know the goal of brushing is to remove surface plaque before it becomes hardened tartar and eventually an oral infection. It’s important to maintain your entire oral care routine (brush, floss, rinse, and tongue scrape) twice daily for the best chance at avoiding oral health issues. Yet, arthritis, a motor disability, or simply being a kid can all contribute to someone’s inability to properly use a manual brush, so for those individuals, an electric brush may be a useful tool. Children’s electric brushes commonly play music or assist with their two minutes with a built-in timer. For those with motor disabilities or arthritis, an electric brush may ease their physical pain or discomfort.

In general, it doesn’t matter what you use to clean your teeth, it matters how thorough you can be at 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.

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.

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.

Oral Bacteria and Mouth Health | Fayetteville, GA

We brush and floss our teeth to keep the buildup of harmful bacteria and the sugars they feed on at bay. Helpful and harmful oral bacteria coexist, and certain behaviors can advance one or the other. In general, a good oral care routine and healthy eating will keep the harmful bacteria at bay without any serious issues. 

Helpful Bacteria

Streptococcus Salivarius helps suppress oral pathogens like Streptococcus Pyogenes and Streptococcus Pneumonia that cause infections and autoimmune disorders. It also provides immune support to help reduce symptoms of oral and respiratory viral infections while crowding out other potentially harmful oral pathogens.

lactobacilli bacteria can fight several kinds of harmful bacteria and may help restore a healthy balance in your mouth. This bacteria can be found in some types of chewing gum and people with gingivitis may be asked to use it every day by their dentist.

Streptococcus Salivarius helps suppress oral pathogens like Streptococcus Pyogenes and Streptococcus Pneumonia that cause infections and autoimmune disorders. It also provides immune support to help reduce symptoms of oral and respiratory viral infections while crowding out other potentially harmful oral pathogens.

Harmful Bacteria

Streptococcus mutans is specifically found on tooth surfaces and difficult-to-clean areas like pits and fissures on the teeth. It feeds on the sugars and starches you eat, leading to the formation of cavities. This bacteria is the main cause of tooth decay in humans because it produces enamel-eroding acids and thrives in a low pH.

Periodontitis is a serious inflammatory disease that affects the tissues and the alveolar bone that support the teeth. While this disease is caused by several types of bacteria, Porphyromonas gingivalis is strongly linked to 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.

Your Tongue and Oral Health | Fayetteville, GA

Have you ever looked at your tongue and thought “that doesn’t look right…”? The retention of our oral health can feel like a game of cat and mouse as we navigate the intersection of the latest technology and what our particular oral care needs are. If you have never analyzed your tongue or had a dentist mention anything about it, it’s likely not to share anything in particular about your oral health. Yet, it’s important to recognize that it could, and monitoring it isn’t a bad idea.


A Short History

In Ayurvedic medicine, the health of the tongue is an indicator of whole-body health. The practice of tongue scraping has been performed for centuries in cultures around the world but is considered an ancient Ayurvedic practice. Today, with modern advances in medicine, we now understand what these indications mean.

Indication of Health

Different indicators are known to share different aspects of your health. White patches mean there may be an overgrowth of candida, a yeast that is treatable with an anti-fungal rinse or pill. If your tongue is black and hairy-looking, it may indicate diabetes, yeast infection, poor oral hygiene, or the result of cancer therapies. Red and white spots mark areas where your taste buds have naturally worn, but this is common. Redness on the other hand can mean a deficiency In folic acid, B12, or iron as well as potentially indicating fever or strep throat. A webbed or striped look can mean you have oral lichen planus, caused by your immune system attacking your cells. Bumps along the tongue indicate canker sores and herpes commonly known as cold sores.

If you are worried about the health indications your tongue may express, consult your dentist to better understand what may be going on, and find solutions for our oral healthcare.

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.

Flossing is Important for Oral Hygiene | Fayetteville, GA

Flossing is a very important step for any oral care routine, and it’s usually one of the first questions posed during a visit. Routine flossing helps to ensure that the granules of residual food left after meals are removed to prevent cavities. When traces of food remain tucked away between our teeth, it becomes a source of food for corrosive sugars to feed on; over time, this becomes the source of pockets in the teeth for bacteria to settle and the problem to compound. Here are three ways you can make a habit of flossing a routine addition to your care routine.

  1. Find floss you enjoy

Waxed, non-waxed, plush, disposable picks, threaders, and water flossers are all available options. If one type of floss doesn’t make you want to floss, it’s less likely you will do it. It’s important to find a way to floss that suits your tastes. The tried-and-true thin waxed threads may irritate your gums, so trying a plush thread may alleviate your disregard. If the notion of putting thread between your teeth is off-putting, a water flosser that shoots a stream of high-pressure water may do the trick.

2. Set a reminder

If it’s not currently part of your routine, or you have so much going on it’s hard to remember, setting a reminder on your phone or a notecard by your sink may help you begin to incorporate this practice until its second nature. If the technique of flossing is something you struggle with, employ this practice as a means to check in with helpful guides that walk you through the proper steps until you get the hang of it.

3. Reward yourself

Marking off days on a calendar, watching an episode of your favorite show, or brewing a cup of your favorite tea are all great ways to reward yourself for remembering to floss. As you go along, allow yourself a special treat once a week, every two weeks, or once a month to reinforce the good hygiene habit you are forming. It takes about 21 days to form a habit, so whatever you do to encourage yourself to keep practicing for at least that long, will go a long way toward a lifetime of proper oral care.

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.