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

Dentist in Norco CA | Meet Our Team Member Of The Week!

Dentist in Norco, California, Dr. Linden Stevens would 

like you to meet their Team Member of The Week.  

Meet Mindy!  She is here to make your appointments 

comfortable and enjoyable.  

Mindy is our New Patient Coordinator, and she is also a Registered Dental Assistant.  It is important to her that every new and existing patient feel at ease, and comfortable in our practice.  Mindy, graduated from Cypress College, with an Associate of Science degree, and enjoys furthering her education.  With over 15 years experience, Mindy’s knowledge empowers her to assist patients in receiving the best possible care.  

Mindy lives in the area and is active in community events.  Mindy and her husband Daryl enjoy spending time with their sons Justin  and Brandon.  Mindy loves to scrapbook and go shopping with her friends in her free time.  During the summer you will find her relaxing on the beach with friends.   She really looks forward to welcoming you to our practice and making each and every visit pleasant.  

http://www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com

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 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 Provides Special Care For Diabetic Patients

Special Care for Diabetes Patients

If you have diabetes, the number one thing you can do for your oral health is keep your blood glucose levels as normal as possible. Here’s why: When your blood glucose levels are poorly controlled, you’re more likely to develop gum disease and lose teeth than people who don't have diabetes. In turn, gum disease could cause your blood sugar to rise, making your diabetes harder to control. So it’s imperative that you keep your teeth and gums clean by brushing twice a day and flossing daily. And if you wear dentures, remove and clean them every day.

Keeping up with your regular dental hygiene visits is also crucial for patients with diabetes. A professional cleaning is the only way to remove the plaque and tartar that lead to gum disease.  We will help determine what frequency is best for you based on your specific periodontal health. Also be sure to discuss your diabetes status and current medications with your dentist at each dental visit.

Warning Signs: Gum Disease

Because diabetes makes you more prone to developing gum disease, it’s important to be able to identify the warning signs. These are the most common:

- Bleeding gums when you brush or floss

- Red, swollen or tender gums

- Receding gums

- Pus between the teeth and gums

- Persistent bad breath

- Loose permanent teeth

- Changes in the way your teeth fit together when you bite

- Changes in the fit of partial dentures or a dental bridge

Also keep an eye on other symptoms that might develop, including white patches on your tongue, which could indicate oral thrush, an infection caused by fungus that grows in the mouth, and soreness and ulcers in the mouth, which could be a sign of dry mouth. If you notice any of these symptoms, be sure to give our office a call immediately.

Please feel free to forward this to any family members or friends who you think it may help.

As always, we are committed to your overall health and look forward to seeing you soon.

Dr. Linden Stevens

http://www.BeautifulSmilesDDS.com