TMJ Care in Gaithersburg, MD

Pain in the neck, recurrent headaches, and facial discomfort affect millions of Americans every year. In some cases, this pain is caused by the joint between your jawbone and skull, called the Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ). We wanted to highlight to you some of the common symptoms of Temporomandibular Disorder (TMD), and how we can help!

What are the symptoms of TMD?

Between speaking, chewing, and even yawning, you use your TMJ a lot each day. Signs to watch out for are pain and discomfort in your jaw. Sometimes the pain spreads and you can feel it around your ears and throughout your face. You may experience difficulty chewing and swallowing. Oftentimes the joint will lock causing difficulties opening or closing your mouth. The joint can also make a clicking noise when you move your mouth. Left untreated, TMJ can also cause headaches, difficulties making facial expressions, and even make it painful to apply cosmetics to your face.

What causes TMD?

The TMJ is one of the most complicated joints in your body because it moves up and down as well as side to side. TMJ problems can arise from arthritis in the TMJ, injury to the joint itself or muscles around it, genetic predisposition, or even stress!

How is TMD diagnosed?

At Stiles Dentistry, we start out by analyzing your symptoms and history to fully understand your condition and the potential causes. We will examine the joint and your range of motion to properly diagnose your condition. If you have TMJ, you are in good hands as we are equipped with the latest in technology, using the Tekscan’s T-Scan Technology to help us determine the health of your bite and its stability.
If you are experiencing discomfort or pain in your face and jaw, give us a call at 240-252-1032 today!

Have a safe and happy new year, from all of us at Stiles Dentistry!

Merrry Christmas and Happy Holidays from Stiles Dentistry

The holiday season is upon us, and as the team at Stiles Dentistry reflects on
the year that was, we’d like to ask you, our wonderful patients: What’s your favorite part about the holidays? Being with your loved ones? A clean slate for the new year? Opening presents by the fireplace? All the delicious food?

We’d love if you shared with us all the things you love about the holidays. Stay warm,
and don’t forget to stay away from too many sweets!

Smile Makeovers in Gaithersburg, MD

Watch and listen as Phil describes each of the cosmetic treatments he received at Stiles Dentistry as part of his "Smile Makeover".

-Do you hesitate when you smile?
-Would you like to increase your self-confidence?
-Do you want to look your best in social or professional situations?
-Are you ready to reverse dental imperfections caused by Mother Nature or an accident?

Rate your smile on our website by filling out our survey and bringing it to your first appointment. Drs. Stiles can determine the best treatment options to give you the smile makeover you have always wanted!

IV Sedation now available at Stiles Dentistry!

We strive to offer our patients with the best dental care and as little discomfort as possible. That is why we are excited to announce to you this week that we are now offering IV Sedation at Stiles Dentistry!

So what exactly is IV Sedation?

For patients who find themselves anxious, or even fearful at the dentist, sedation dentistry can be the perfect solution to maintaining good oral health without discomfort. IV sedation puts patients in a controlled relaxation state, perfect for those of us with dental fear or phobia.

Dr. Marie Stiles is now certified in IV Sedation after completing over 80 hours of training at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry. She has already treated 20 patients through IV sedation at the USC Dental School, and we are excited to be able to offer the treatment to all our patients in the Kentlands area!

Give us a call today at 240-252-1032 to discuss IV sedation treatment at Stiles Dentistry!

Dental Implants: A Long Term Tooth Replacement Solution

Recently the New York Times published an article discussing the long term benefits of dental implants over bridges for tooth replacement. Check it out by clicking here.

Implants involve surgically placing a titanium rod into the jaw bone to act as tooth root. Then we place a porcelain crown to create a natural, long-lasting appearance. It is crucial to replace missing teeth, and common activities like chewing can destabilize your bite and cause you additional discomfort.

Call us today at 240-252-1032 and schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with Drs. Stiles to discuss your implant options. You can also visit our web site for more information about dental implants and cosmetic dentistry options. Dr. Stiles is currently at the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2009 Dental Implant Conference so stay tuned for photos from that event soon as well!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is almost here, and we at Stiles Dentistry are thankful for all our wonderful patients and friends that make our each day extraordinary!

Since the holiday season is about to begin, what are you thankful for?

Share a response in the comments section, or head over to our Facebook Fan Page to join the conversation!

Happy Thanksgiving,

--Drs. Dennis & Marie Stiles

Veneers at Stiles Dentistry, a video testimonial

Listen as this patient describes her experience with veneers at Stiles Dentistry. Veneers provide a way to conceal stains, chips, discoloration and misaligned teeth by covering your actual teeth with a permanent layer of tooth-colored material. Head over to our web site to learn more about veneers and other cosmetic dentistry options.

Have a great weekend,

--Drs. Dennis and Marie Stiles

November Update from Stiles Dentistry

Last Friday The Stiles Dentistry Team gathered for their annual planning day. We discussed many ideas to bring greater quality service to our patients. We also welcomed our newest team member Brandee. Join us in welcoming her to the Stiles Dentistry family, and say hello to her at your next visit!



Dr. Dennis Stiles also recently took office as the Deputy Regent (President) for the DC Chapter of the International College of Dentists. The ICD is an international organization to "advance the art and science of dentistry for the health and welfare of the public internationally". Head to the ICD website to learn more about this great organization.

How are Drs. Stiles doing? Let us know!

Whether you have visited Stiles Dentistry for a week or for years, we’d love to hear your feedback about your experience with our doctors and staff! Now with the Internet, it’s even easier to write your thoughts and share them with the world. We'd want to encourage you to write a review of us. It only takes a moment!

You can write a review here.

Thank you!

--The team at Stiles Dentistry

Zoom!® Whitening

A whiter smile is one just one dentist visit away! ZOOM!® Smile Whitening brightens and whitens your teeth in just 45 minutes. Once you have gone through the Zoom!® treatment we will send you home with an at home whitening bleaching kit with custom made trays. Using the take home trays will allow you to maintain your desired level of whitening over several months.

While Zoom!® Smile Whitening is a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile, it's not always for everyone. Those with deep, dark stains that remain unaffected by whitening treatments and patients with regular tooth sensitivity may not be good candidates. Find out more about Zoom!® Smile Whitening at our web site; and when you are ready to have a whiter, brighter smile contact Stiles Dentistry for an evaluation, at 240-252-1032!

Bottled Water May Be Behind Tooth Troubles

We at Stiles Dentistry want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Stiles Dentistry regularly.

Regular Checkups are Important

Is your child brushing his/her teeth twice a day? If yes, that’s great; but, don’t forget that it’s also important for your child to visit us at Stiles Dentistry every six months in addition to brushing their teeth a couple times a day. If your child will be visiting the dentist for the first time, it’s important to bring them in after their first tooth comes through, and no later than their first birthday. Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. We can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt
• Detect cavities and early signs of decay
• Treat oral health problems early
• Show your child how to properly brush and floss their teeth

During an oral exam the doctor will check the health of your child’s mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If your child has not been to a dentist in the last six months, it’s time for you to schedule an appointment at Stiles Dentistry! Give us a call at 240-252-1032

Sleep Apnea Treatment in the Kentlands

Do you frequently wake up, out of breath, in the middle of the night? Do you snore loudly, or find yourself drowsy during the day? You may be affected by sleep apnea, a condition that affects more than twelve million Americans. Sleep apnea is caused by a blockage of your airway during sleep, and can cause you to periodically stop breathing 20-30 times an hour while sleeping. Your brain then wakes you up to start breathing again, and though you may not remember it,these frequent disturbances can prevent you from getting a good night's sleep!

There are a few solutions out there, and one of the most popular is the CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) device. While this solution works for some Sleep Apnea patients, we at Stiles Dentistry offer Sleep Apnea appliances as an alternative to the CPAP device. Watch this brief video, where Dr. Dennis Stiles explains how the retainers work to open your airway, and how they can help you sleep better! Do you have questions? Leave a comment here on the blog for others to see, and check out additional Sleep Apnea information on our web site!

National Dental Hygiene Month

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? Fall is here, and Halloween is coming soon, but now it is more important than ever to maintain good oral hygiene.

All those sweet, sour and sticky candies may taste great, but these treats can damage your teeth and braces too! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating these candies, be sure to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering the connection between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see your dentist every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

Make a resolution to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

--Drs. Dennis and Marie Stiles

Stiles Dentistry Around the Web

If you've ever visited us at Stiles Dentistry, you already know that we love connecting with our patients. We love the ability to communicate with all of you online too! Besides our web site and our blog, Drs. Dennis and Marie Stiles is on many other networks too!

* Share a video with us, or watch one of ours on YouTube

* Become a Fan of Stiles Dentistry on Facebook

* Follow our tweets on the Stiles Dentistry Twitter


See you around the web!

Our September Community Dental Health Lecture

Stiles Dentistry give their time in the Gaithersburg community. Our community dental health lecture and VELscope cancer screening at Whole Foods in the Kentlands on September 22nd was a huge success. Check out some of the photos below! The photo at the top is Dr. Stiles and friend Tony.


The Stiles dental team and Whole Foods representative and program coordinator Chryssanthe Poulidakis.


Dr. Dennis Stiles giving some helpful information to participants.


Maxine our patient coordinator at Whole Foods with her great smile.


Dr. Marie Stiles does a free VELscope oral cancer screenings.

Connect with Us Tuesday at Whole Foods

As part of our continuing focus on education and community involvement at Stiles Dentistry, Dr. Dennis Stiles will be presenting a special lecture this Tuesday, September 22 at the Whole Foods Market in The Kentlands!

The event begins at 6:00 PM and will cover topics such as the connection between gum health and heart health, oral health's relationship to common lifestyle problems like sleep apnea and uncontrolled diabetes, and the latest advances in cosmetic dentistry. Be sure to come with any questions you'd like Dr. Stiles to answer, or find us on Facebook to join the discussion!

After the program, attendees will receive a free VELscope oral cancer screening to help you stay on top of your oral health, helping you to look good, live well, and sleep well!