Dentist Norco CA | Dentist in Norco CA, Dr. Linden Stevens Helps His Patients With Their New Year's Resolutions

It's that time of year again when people everywhere resolve to get healthy. This may include eating better, kicking your tobacco habit and starting that exercise program you've been putting off for months. Taking better care of ourselves is a common resolution many of us make as we look ahead to a fresh new year. When compiling your own list of resolutions for 2014, don't forget to keep your dental health in mind, too.

At Dr. Stevens' office, we make maintaining a healthy smile easy all year long. Never underestimate the value of your regular cleaning and exam and always make an appointment with your dentist for any discomfort or dental problem that arises. Paying careful attention to proper brushing and flossing, monitoring your diet and taking advantage of cosmetic dental services are all ways to give yourself a bright, healthy smile.

This New Year, resolve to take care of your smile and dental health. Start with a regular cleaning, exam and consultation.  A healthy body is tied to a healthy mouth.  Also, be sure to ask us about smile-enhancing dental treatments, such as teeth whitening, veneers and Invisalign.  Don't delay; the beautiful smile you've always wanted is waiting for you!  And now, with flexible payment plans, getting that smile you deserve is easier than ever.

Happy New Year to you and your family from all of us at Dr. Stevens' Office!

www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

(951) 735-4110

Dentist Norco CA | How Can I Tell If I Have Gum Disease?

This is a great question that we recently received from a patient. It’s usually 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 even noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s imperative to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening.

Here are the 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 (halitosis)
• 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, give us a call to schedule an appointment at our office today at                  (951) 735-4110. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!  Don't ignore the signs!  There is also a correlation between gum disease and your overall systemic health.  Untreated gum disease has been linked to many other diseases.  Some of these are:

Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, Strokes, Alzheimer's Disease, Low Birthweight Babies, Respiratory Diseases, just to name a few.  Let us get your mouth health so you can have a healthier life!

Dentist Norco CA | What Makes This Norco CA Dentist Different?

What Makes Us Different?

We specialize in treating people with complex, extraordinary needs. Our small, intimate office means more personalized care for you.  It takes longer to develop a treatment plan for people with complex needs. We will spend more time to concentrate just on you.

• We pride ourselves on top-notch service with a high level of patient satisfaction.
• We are a small office that creates time just for you.
• We enjoy caring for people with complex needs.
• We offer a wide range of services to serve our patients better including Snap on Smile and Teeth Whitening!

Our team has extensive training and a strong commitment to continuing education.

Patients tell us that they have never experienced such a high level of service, individualized care and precise dentistry, all delivered in an atmosphere of compassion and kindness.

The New Patient Appointment

The new patient appointment is the next step on your path to total oral health. Starting with a pre-clinical conversation, we will thoroughly explore your oral care history and discuss your present situation and the goals that you have for your oral health. It is a time for you to ask us any questions and tell us anything you think will help us formulate a perfectly customized treatment plan.

Your Personal Invitation

We invite you to explore our website and practice Facebook page, where you'll see many of our before and after smiles of happy patients we have treated.  Call our Norco CA dental office today to reserve your personal consultation.  For years we've delivered the personalized care and excellent service our patients deserve - and they can't stop smiling!    You will soon discover what our patients have come to expect.  You will discover what GREAT dental care is like!  If you'll give us 10% of your trust, we will earn the other 90%. 

We look forward to meeting you, and as always, we are committed to your oral and overall health.

Sincerely,

Dr. Linden Stevens and our entire team!


(951) 735-4110

www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

Dentist Norco CA | Norco CA Dentist Talks About When You Need To Replace Fillings And Why

There is no substitution for a natural healthy tooth. Dental fillings are intended to replace tooth structure and restore a tooth damaged by decay (a cavity) back to its normal function and shape. Silver (amalgam) and tooth-colored (composite) fillings last a long time, though they can develop decay when the integrity is compromised by open margins, fracture, or recurrent decay. 

Amalgam fillings are made of an alloy (mixed metals) that expands and contracts. They have no bonding properties, and so to place an amalgam filling, the hole in the tooth may need to be larger. Because of these two factors, fractures frequently occur. There are three types of cracks that are commonly associated. Craze lines are superficial with no treatment needed. Fractures extend along other parts of the tooth and may require a filling replacement or crown. Cracks extend toward the root and can require a root canal and crown or, if too severe, extraction.

A filling needs to be sealed to the tooth. If the seal between the tooth and the filling breaks down, food debris and bacteria can seep down under the filling and cause recurrent decay. If the decay is treated early, replacing the filling is adequate. If not, a crown and even a root canal may be needed. The biggest mistake you can make is waiting to do something about a broken or unsealed filling until it is painful. Doing this will only make the treatment more involved and often times more expensive.

Regular dental exams and X-rays are used to evaluate dental fillings. You will not be able to tell on your own when your fillings start to fail. Just as a car mechanic will change the oil, correct your alignment, or change your tires, a dental checkup will help you identify small concerns to fix as you go in order to avoid a critical emergency.

Pay attention to any bite or temperature sensitivity in teeth that have fillings. This can be an indicator for some of the problems listed above. You know your teeth better than anyone. Your observations are most valuable when evaluating a filling for replacement. If replacement is needed, know you are doing what is best to prevent future dental calamities and make an appointment to see us today!

www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

(951) 735-4110

Norco CA Dentist | Dentist in Norco CA Shares A Summer Dental TIp

Dentist in Norco CA, Dr. Linden Stevens says please go ahead and enjoy a cold drink on a warm day—just  don’t chew the ice!

Did you know that chewing ice can injure gums, fracture tooth enamel, and even break teeth? People with braces, recent dental work, or sensitive teeth need be extra careful!

What are your favorite iced beverages to drink when the weather gets warm?

For more great dental information be sure to visit us now at: 

www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

(951) 735-4110

Dentist Norco CA | Brighten Up Your Smile This Summer With Teeth Whitening In Norco, CA

When you think of summer, what comes to mind? Is it time spent at the beach? Picnics and barbeques? Nights of fun with friends and end of the winter celebrations? With summer fast approaching, many people begin thinking about brightening their smiles this time of year. Teeth whitening procedures help many people to achieve this goal. Did you know that Dr. Linden Stevens offers great specials on  teeth whitening to all of his new patients with a complete exam, necessary x-rays and dental hygiene visit?

Teeth whitening works well for many people, but it is not for everyone. Some people have intrinsic (within the teeth) stain that isn’t likely to whiten very much. Whitening systems are usually very effective for people with surface staining and very few restorations on their front teeth. For patients with multiple restorations in the front teeth, they will probably get very little benefit from whitening. These patients are often better candidates for porcelain veneers or Lumineers.

There are many options available, and making a decision as to which system to use can seem overwhelming. There are whitening toothpastes, over-the-counter products, daytime or night time whitening systems, and in-office whitening technology, all of which have varying degrees of effectiveness. But don’t worry, Dr. Stevens is here to help guide you!

• Whitening toothpastes and other over-the-counter whiteners are effective for some people, but offer milder results than those achieved by professional whitening.  They can also be used without the supervision, however, the results are often less dramatic and often don’t last as long.

• The most popular professional whitening systems generally involve stronger whitening agents such as take-home bleaching trays. Dr. Stevens takes dental impressions of your teeth which are used to custom make your very own trays to fit your mouth perfectly. You can even choose between different strengths of whitening material (an hour a day or overnight) and determine which one works best around your schedule! The take-home products usually take about two weeks to get the desired effect. Check out our Teeth Whitening on our website or ask us about our FREE Whitening-for-Life program!

• In-office whitening systems have become extremely popular due to the “instant gratification” aspect. At a time when people seem to be busier than ever, many people prefer one-hour solutions like Zoom in office whitening.

Teeth whitening is more popular than ever because many people want to have whiter, brighter teeth. Remember that teeth whitening can be effective for most people. Feel free to call us today at 

(951) 735-4110 to take advantage of our complimentary consultation with Dr. Stevens for more specific advice on teeth whitening and to make sure that you get the results that you want.

In addition to teeth whitening, we provide a full menu of cosmetic dental procedures at our Norco, CA dental office. With porcelain veneers, you can correct the shape of your teeth in addition to brightening the color. If you are missing a tooth, a dental implant may be the solution.
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If you are embarrassed by a less-than-sparkling smile, let Dr. Stevens and his team of dental professionals  help you brighten it up for you this summer!

www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

Dentist In Norco CA shares Five Tips For A Healthy Mouth

Five Simple Tips for a Healthy Mouth


Norco, CA (March 22, 2013) — Norco CA dentist Dr. Linden Stevens offers five simple tips that he recommends that adults do each day to keep oral hygiene in top shape.

Use an Electric Toothbrush

At more than 30,000 strokes per minute compared to the average of 100 strokes per minute with a manual toothbrush, electric toothbrushes work harder by pushing fluid between teeth and around the gum line, which provides a more effective cleaning.

Regardless of whether or not you have cavities, using an electric toothbrush over time prevents gum inflammation, gingivitis and periodontal disease.”

Floss at Night

The CDC reports that nearly 65 million Americans—one out every two adults ages 30 and older—have gum disease. Therefore, flossing once a day is crucial to avoid plaque and tartar, a hard mineral deposit that can cause gums to become swollen and inflamed, leading to gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease.

My recommendation is to floss at night, says Dr. Stevens.  “During sleep cycles, less saliva is produced to naturally clean teeth and gums, so oral bacteria are free to do more damage. Therefore, it’s important to brush, floss and scrape your tongue every night to get rid of bacteria and go to bed with your mouth as clean as possible.”

Select the Right Toothpaste

Dr. Stevens cautions his patients to be skeptical of any toothpaste that promises to "whiten" teeth. The reality is that removal of surface stains by a toothpaste will make the tooth "look" lighter, but not change its inherent color. To lighten or "bleach" teeth, schedule a professional in-office whitening treatment.  This will remove stains and dark color from  the internal aspect of the tooth, not just the external aspect as a toothpaste does.

Don’t Forget Mouthwash

Listerine Mouthwash is a good over the counter mouthwash that kills bacteria that is associated with gum disease.  It’s even available in an alcohol free version now!

Eat Foods Good for Healthy Teeth

Research studies show that certain foods naturally cleanse your teeth while you eat them. The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry suggests that you incorporate these key ingredients into your diet:
•   Fruits like strawberries and pineapple are high in fiber and vitamin C. The citric acid in pineapple also provides an all-natural bacteria-fighting mouthwash.
•   Veggies like Kale and broccoli are high in minerals that strengthen tooth structure and prevent enamel erosion (or yellowing).
•   Onions and wasabi –a type of Japanese horse radish both contain compounds that reduce oral bacteria.
  Quinoa has minerals including Calcium, Magnesium and Phosphorus to strengthen teeth.

Be sure to implement these five tips for a healthier mouth!  If you have any questions about your dental health, or would like a complimentary consultation, be sure to give our office a call at: (951) 735-4110 or visit us at: www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

We are committed to your dental and overall health.

Norco CA Dentist Explains How A Healthy Mouth Can Help Prevent The Flu

It’s that time of the year again. Flu season has come back with a vengeance. Medical experts are saying this is to be the worst flu season in decades. You already know that getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to protect yourself from contracting the illness, but if you do end up a victim of the dreaded flu there are steps to take to ensure you do not prolong the sickness.

Follow these recommended steps to keep your toothbrush bacteria free:

• Keep your hands clean by washing them before and after you brush so that any germs that were transferred from your mouth to your hands during the process are removed.
• Leave the toothbrush out to air dry after every use. The oxygen destroys bacteria that will linger.
• Keep the brush in an upright toothbrush holder so that excess water will drain down and the bristles will dry quickly.
• Replace your toothbrush when you become sick and after you recover to avoid becoming re-infected.
• Use a bristle cover to eliminate the risk of bacteria spreading to loved ones.

To maintain a healthy mouth and prevent the growth of bacteria follow the recommended oral hygiene regimen of brushing twice a day for at least two minutes and floss twice a day as well. Also, book an appointment with your Norco, California dentist for your cleaning. You may not realize it, but this is an important step in preventing the flu. If you have gum disease you are more susceptible to bacterial infections so a visit to the dentist could help you avoid catching a cold or virus. A clean mouth is another key ingredient in the fight against the flu!

http://www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com