Norco CA Dentist, Dr. Linden Stevens Keeps YOUR TMJ Pain Free This Summer!

Summer is here and barbecue season is upon us, and that means a variety of summertime treats will be hitting tables at parks and backyards throughout Norco, CA. However, if you suffer from chronic jaw pain, some of these foods might make the symptoms worse. Don’t let your favorite foods hurt you: Visit Dr. Stevens, a Norco, CA dentist with experience treating TMJ today.

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) connects the upper and lower jaw and allows for movement of the mouth. Repetitive stress or trauma can cause the TMJ to become misaligned and inflamed, leading to pain in the jaw and other parts of the face, migraine headaches, and difficulty opening and closing the mouth.
Many TMJ patients experience discomfort when they’re chewing, with some foods putting greater strain on the joint than others. Unfortunately, many favorite summer menu items can aggravate the 
symptoms of TMJ disorder, including:

• Corn on the cob
• Chips
• Thickly sliced meats
• Large chunks of fruits and vegetables, such as apples, carrots, etc.
• Ice
• Gum and hard candy

In addition to these food items, alcoholic beverages and drinks high in caffeine can put the muscles under stress. Patients who drink a lot of caffeine, for example, are more inclined to teeth grinding, which puts extra pressure on the TMJ.

The headaches and other symptoms of TMJ can lead to recurring, long-term discomfort. Make the decision to stop jaw pain today.  You can reach Dr. Stevens at his Norco CA dental office by calling  (951) 735-4110 for your complimentary consultation.  Begin exploring TMJ treatment options and stay pain free all summer! 

www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

Snap on Smile - Dr. Linden Stevens, Norco, CA

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 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.

Dentist In Norco CA Says Your Bad Breath May Be Related To Dehydration

Temps may be hitting record highs this summer, but you might not even notice the toll summer is taking on your body. Dehydration, which we often associate with thirst, dark urine, and tiredness, can actually take many forms. Here are some unexpected signs that it may be time to drink up:

Sugar cravings. If you’ve been catching yourself reaching for sweets, it may be because dehydration has depleted your body’s glucose levels, prompting you toconsume more nutrients. However, giving into this urge can make things worse, as unneeded sugar exits the body through our kidneys, taking water with it. Solution? Quench your thirst with water, not soda or juice.

Headaches. Ever drink too many beers and wake up the next morning with a pounding headache? (You don’t have to answer that.) A throbbing cranium is a symptom of alcohol-induced dehydration, but you can also get one from a general lack of fluids.Dehydration causes our blood volume to drop, leading to lower blood and oxygen flow to the brain, which causes headaches.

Muscle cramps. Though study findings have been mixed, some research has shown that there is a link between dehydration and muscle cramps. When you’re low on liquids, the fluid outside your muscle cells decreases and nerve endings are pushed together, which can lead to twitching and cramping.

Bad breath. Anyone handed you an Altoid recently? Dehydration, which causes a decrease in saliva production (a.k.a dry mouth), can lead to stinky breath. When you don’t have enough moisture to wash away bacteria, it remains trapped and concentrated in your mouth, and may even multiply more easily.

So how much should you be drinking? Your best bet is to discuss your needs and lifestyle with your doctor, but this will give you a rough idea:

Call us today at (951) 735-4110 for your complimentary consultation.  Also, be sure to visit our website for more great dental information. http://www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com