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Many people think that the best dental care comes from a dentist. This is half true.

To have the healthiest teeth and gums, we have to be a team. I’ll do my part by providing exceptional dental care. But you have do to you part too.

Besides proper brushing and flossing, the best way to take care of your teeth at home is to eat a tooth-healthy diet.

Optimize Your Dental Care with These 3 Healthy Food Tips

To optimize your dental care, consider these three healthy food tips.

1. Limit the Sugar

The bacteria in your mouth break down sugars and create an acid. This acid eats away at the enamel, causing a cavity. Try to avoid candy, cakes, muffins, and breads. And brush right away when you do eat them.

Soda can be worse than candy. As we sip these beverages, our teeth are constantly bathed in sugar. The carbonation is also unhealthy. It weakens enamel, allowing it to breakdown faster.

2. Try to Avoid Chewy Foods

Chewy foods like candy and dried fruit stay on the tooth longer, allowing the bacteria and acid more opportunity to break down enamel. Another downside is that they are a strain on the jaw joints. This causes muscle fatigue and pain.

3. Eat Nutrient-Dense Foods

A diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables is ideal. They contain many nutrients that your teeth need to stay healthy. And when you have strong teeth they won’t be as susceptible when you have a sweet treat.

Getting Healthy Teeth Starts At Home

My patients and I work together to ensure they continue to have healthy teeth and gums. I do my part by providing quality, in-office dental care, like regular cleanings and exams. My patients do their part with proper homecare and a teeth-healthy diet.

If you want to keep your teeth healthy and strong, try to eat less sugar and more nutrient-dense foods. Doing so will be a key factor in keeping your teeth for a lifetime.

What can you do to protect your teeth? Contact my office to schedule an exam. I’ll explain what it takes to get the healthiest smile ever.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

According to the Internet, you can find an at-home, DIY solution to just about every problem. People use these remedies for beautiful skin, improved health, and even whiter teeth.

But what many people don’t know is that DIY teeth whitening can actually do more harm than good.

Why You Should Avoid These 3 DIY Teeth Whitening Remedies

These are three of the most popular DIY whitening remedies.

1. Baking Soda and Other Scrubs

Baking soda can actually brighten the teeth up quite a bit. The problem, though, is that it is very abrasive. The abrasive powder scrubs off surface stains. Other scrubs, like activated charcoal, work the same way.

The issue with these scrubs is that the abrasiveness can damage tooth enamel. Over time, the use of these scrubs thins enamel and causes sensitivity.

2. Spices Like Turmeric

Some people use spices – turmeric especially – to whiten their teeth. Though using a spice that stains the skin seems counterintuitive, many people swear by it.

Turmeric is an astringent and abrasive, which is why it can sometimes brighten teeth. However, both the astringent and abrasive qualities can damage the enamel.

3. Over-the-Counter Whitening Products

The over-the-counter whitening industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Every year, people try whitening toothpastes, strips, trays, and paint-on bleach.

The problem with these products is that they often don’t work very well, especially for people who want quick results. Another problem is that many of them burn the gums and make the teeth extremely sensitive.

Professional Teeth Whitening: The Safest Way to Whiten Your Teeth

Learning that at-home treatments aren’t very safe or effective can be discouraging. Thankfully, you can obtain beautiful results from my individualized bleaching treatment plans. When patients see me for bleaching, they can try prescription bleach with custom bleach trays that they use at home. Or, they can opt for in-office bleaching. Whatever choice they make, they can be sure that professional bleaching offers the safest, most effective solution for teeth whitening.

If you’re ready for a safe, fast, and effective way to whiten your teeth, give me a call. We’ll get you scheduled for a consultation to discuss which of my bleaching options are best for you.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

We all want beautiful, brilliantly-white teeth. They make us look great and feel confident, which is exactly why so many people invest in teeth whitening systems.

According to NBC News, in just one year,consumers spent over $1.4 billion on over-the-counter bleaching systems.

With so many people investing in these products, they must be a good idea, right?

4 Reasons to Avoid Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Systems

There are at least four reasons to avoid store-bought bleaching systems.

1. Gum Sensitivity

Store-bought bleaching systems don’t provide you with a safe way to apply the bleach, like custom-fit bleach trays. With a bulky tray, the bleach nearly always ends up oozing onto the gum tissue. If it’s not removed, the gums can get burned.

2. Tooth Sensitivity

Many people think they can wear the trays for hours at a time, and for many days in a row. The result is often major sensitivity.

3. Increased Chance of Progressive Decay

People often start bleaching without having a dental examination first. If this is the case, they may not be aware of dental issues that they may have, like dental decay. Bleaching while you have decay could lead to increased sensitivity and even causing the decay to progress faster.

4. Oral Infections

Constantly burning the soft tissues of the mouth with dental bleach has the potential to lead to serious infections. You can prevent this by coming into our office for a professional and safe application of the bleach.

When you get your teeth bleached in our office, you will receive:

• Great quality bleach.
• Professional instructions and demonstration.
• Products that can eliminate or reduce sensitivity.

The Safest Whitening Solution: Contact Your Dentist If You Want Whiter Teeth

As dental professionals, we know which teeth whitening products are the best and the safest. These are the products we use in our office. And they’re used only after extensive research and training. If you want a beautiful white smile, don’t try to do it alone. Team up with your professional dental team for a beautiful, healthy smile.

Contact us for more information about our professional teeth whitening system. It’s the safest, most effective way to get a brilliantly white smile.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Gum disease is typically a result of not taking proper care of one’s teeth – but as with most conditions of the body, it can be caused by a variety of seemingly irrelevant factors. Obesity, for instance, is in fact a major factor in the development of gum disease.

Research Shows a Worrying Correlation Between Diet and Periodontitis

A study from the Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland has shown that gum disease is more common in young adults who are also obese, suggesting a link between the two issues. According to the head researcher of the project, Mohammed Al-Zahrani, the correlation was found in a younger age group than is usually expected.

By analyzing 13,000 adults who had recently been to the dentist, they found that 14% of those suffered with periodontitis, and in the 18-24 age group, those who were obese were significantly more likely to suffer from the condition.

The correlation was so strong that the researchers found that gum disease is 75% higher among young people in that age group, signifying a potential problem with the average diet of young people.

Al-Zahrani says that research surrounding the dietary trends of people between the ages of 11 and 18 shows that young people are consuming less fruit and vegetables, which are necessary sources of vitamin C. There has also been a decrease in calcium consumption, which is essential for healthy teeth and gums.

A poor diet means that the teeth are negatively affected in two ways. First of all, teeth need all the nutrients they can get to stay strong and healthy.

Secondly, when a person consumes a large amount of sugar and generally unhealthy foods, teeth will need further maintenance.

Unhealthy foods like potato chips, which leave small amounts of food stuck between the teeth, can trigger gum disease. For this reason, it’s important to pay attention to your dental health.

For gum disease treatment and a high-quality dentistry experience in Nevada, you can count on Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS. To arrange your appointment today, visit us on Wigwam Parkway, or call today on (702) 792-5929.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Many cosmetic dentistry concerns can be easily concealed using porcelain veneers or dental bonding. But which one is best for you? Each option offers an effective and undetectable result for a variety of aesthetic issues. To determine which solution is the most appropriate for your dental care needs, let’s take a look at each treatment. 

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are very thin, tooth-colored shells made from dental ceramic, and they are used in cosmetic dentistry. Designed to resemble your natural teeth, porcelain veneers are seamlessly able to conceal a variety of flaws including:

• Stains and Discoloration
• Chips and Cracks
• Gaps
• Tooth shape

Porcelain Veneers are an effective treatment for major cosmetic concerns. However, if these issues are minor, dental bonding may be a more suitable solution.

Dental Bonding

The process of dental bonding includes the use of a special dental resin that is designed to match the color of your teeth. These resins are applied directly to the teeth, and are able to easily transform many cosmetic issues such as:

• Stains and Discoloration
• Minor Chips and Cracks
• Minor Gaps

While dental bonding is a great solution for patients wishing to conceal minor cosmetic issues, patients with more serious cosmetic concerns may require porcelain veneers. 

Learn More About Our Cosmetic Dentistry Services!

At Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS, we are dedicated to ensuring that every client experiences high-quality and comfortable service. We have a knowledgeable and experienced staff that is eager to assist with all of your cosmetic dentistry needs. Contact us today and schedule an appointment!

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Dental fillings are effectively used to treat tooth decay, and can last up to ten years. However, over time dental fillings may become damaged. In order to understand how to prevent damage to dental fillings, it is important to understand what may cause this damage.

5 Common Causes of Damaged Fillings

1. Neglecting Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is important, especially when you have fillings. Neglecting to care for your oral hygiene correctly could result in damaged fillings and more dental cavities. 

2. Biting and Chewing

Our teeth and jaws have biting and chewing abilities. Consequently, the strength behind our biting and chewing can eventually cause damage to dental fillings. 

3. Regularly Grinding Teeth

   Teeth grinding puts intense pressure on teeth, and can easily cause damage to dental fillings. 

4. Eating and Chewing on Hard Foods

Eating hard, sticky foods can quickly cause damage to fillings, as well regularly chewing on hard objects such as fingernails, pen-caps, and straws.

5. Temperature Changes

   Some dental fillings are made of metal, including silver amalgam. These fillings are sensitive to extreme temperature changes, and may become loose or even crack teeth.

5 Ways to Prevent Damaged Fillings

1. Visit Your Dentist Regularly

One of the best ways to prevent damaged fillings is to make sure your dental care is a high priority. Be sure to schedule regular appointments and cleanings to keep on top of your oral hygiene.

2. Brush Teeth Twice a Day

For proper dental care, teeth should be brushed a minimum of twice a day.

3. Floss Regularly

Flossing daily and thoroughly can make a huge difference in your dental care.

4. Avoid Eating and Chewing Hard Foods

To prevent damaging your dental fillings, be sure to avoid eating hard foods or chewing on object such as fingernails, pen-caps, or straws. 

5. Limit Subjecting Your Teeth to Extreme Temperature Changes

If you have fillings made with silver amalgam, be careful of consuming hot and cold foods or liquids back-to-back. 

We Can Help You Maintain Your Smile!

At Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS, we have a knowledgeable and dedicated staff to help you and your family achieve and maintain a beautiful, healthy smile. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

How often do you look in the mirror only to wish that a brighter, whiter, or straighter smile was looking back at you?

If this is something you do daily, you are not alone.

Thousands of Americans visit their local cosmetic dentist to see what options they have for improving their smile and getting the look they have always wanted. After all, nothing ruins a person’s confidence more than a smile they do not adore.

Factors that Decrease the Attractiveness of Your Smile

• Cracked, missing, or chipped teeth
• A crooked smile
• Gum lines that show when you smile
• Yellowed teeth

How Cosmetic Dentistry Can Help

Your local dentist offers several cosmetic dentistry procedures that improve the look of your smile but also boosts your oral health. Even better, you will feel happier, more confident, and always ready to show off your bright white smile.

Some cosmetic procedures a dentist can do include:

• Teeth Whitening: Sometimes all it takes is whitening your teeth. At-home kits lack the strength to remove stains and yellowing, and some are too harsh on the gums. Also, the trays you receive are not custom-made so that they can irritate your gums according to WebMD. Whitening through your dentist is safe, effective, and often takes just a few treatments.
• Straightening or Aligning the Teeth: If your teeth are crooked, it is an easy fix for your cosmetic dentist. In fact, they can be straightened in a variety of ways, such as the use of Invisalign, retainers, or traditional braces.
• Replacing Missing Teeth: If your smile is lacking a few teeth, we can assist you with dental implants. These are the newest innovation in tooth replacement, and they look and feel like real teeth.
• Gum Contouring: Nothing ruins a smile more than excessive gums around the teeth. The team at Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS can perform gum contouring so that your gums no longer obscure your natural, beautiful smile.

See the Potential of Cosmetic Dentistry Today – Call Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS

Let our team help you achieve the smile you have always wanted, but never thought possible.

We offer a variety of cosmetic dentistry procedures, and all it takes is one consultation to see the endless possibilities.

Call Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS now at 702-792-5929 to schedule your appointment or ask us a question online.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Having straight teeth is more than enjoying the act of smiling at others.

In fact, straight teeth could improve everything from your confidence to oral health.

To get you the straight teeth you have always wanted, consider trying Invisalign teeth straightening.

What is Invisalign?

Invisalign was released in 2001, and since then, they have manufactured over a million of their clear teeth straightening systems. Using biomechanics, Invisalign was the first company to conceptualize the combination of digital technology and shape engineering using biomechanics. Using a series of plastic aligners, you can gradually shift your teeth into a straight position without the wires and metal brackets of traditional braces.

The Benefits of Teeth Straightening

• Teeth are Easier to Clean: When you have braces, you struggle to keep your teeth clean. Food sticks in the metal brackets, and you are limited to certain foods. Most patients using the traditional braces for tooth straightening will see plaque buildup, no matter how excellent they are at brushing.
• Invisible: No one knows you are straightening your teeth except you (and your dentist, of course). Invisalign uses clear aligner trays that are fitted to your mouth. You can talk, laugh, and smile with them in place and no one will notice them like they would traditional braces.
• No Irritation: Metal braces have brackets and wires that are uncomfortable, poke the inside of your mouth, and are hazardous when you play contact sports. Invisalign will not cut or poke the inside of your mouth.
• Just One Year of Treatment: Metal braces can take up to five years until your teeth are straightened perfectly, but most adults only use Invisalign for 12 months.
• Healthier Gums and Teeth: Crooked teeth and a full mouth leads to red, swollen gums. When your teeth are straightened, and aligned as they should be, the gums fit around teeth the way they are intended to – defending you from gum disease.

Have a Consultation for Invisalign Teeth Straightening Today

The Invisalign system works for adults and teenagers. To see if you are a candidate, you will need first to contact Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS.

Schedule your consultation appointment today at 702-792-5929 or request information about teeth straightening online.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

We all live full and very busy lives—my schedule is constantly packed! Why, then, do I make the time to volunteer with Smiles for Central America? Let me tell you a little bit about this wonderful organization and why I volunteer.

Smiles for Central America: A Great Organization for Any Dentist

Smiles for Central America is a LDS-based organization.  Their mission: to provide care, support, and love to our neighbors through free medical and dental care for the poor in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras. I have been privileged to visit all of these countries, going on ten different aid missions in the past seven years.

Volunteering: Rewarding Work for a Cosmetic Dentist

During my dentist missions, I can typically treat thirty patients. But I’m not alone. While in Honduras, there were twenty-three dentists, six oral surgeons, and five physicians. We were able to treat 682 patients!

Volunteers, including my wife and children, work as schedulers, x-ray techs, and chair-side assistants. I have had the opportunity to serve as director of radiology on multiple occasions, supervising the acquisition of x-rays. Once x-rays are taken, a diagnosis and treatment plan is made.  

A dentist will likely perform many dental procedures, including root canals, fillings, and extractions. We make sure each patient is decay-free, out of pain, and happy with the work provided by their dentist.

As a cosmetic dentist, it is rewarding to fabricate removable partial dentures for people who have lost front teeth. The transformation in their smile and demeanor after they receive their new teeth is amazing.

Dental Volunteer Work: A Highlight for Years to Come

Volunteering is one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I will continue helping local patients and doing my volunteer work as often as I can. It has proven to be a highlight or my life and I hope it will continue to be for many years to come.

Would you like to learn more about how a cosmetic dentist can help you? Are you interested in supporting a volunteer organization? Contact us today for more information about these topics.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929

Many people we meet feel that teeth cleaning appointments aren’t important. Actually, these preventative procedures are highly necessary – not just for your dental health, but for your overall health. That is why we recommend that our patients visit their affordable dentist and hygienist for regular examinations and cleanings.

6 Reasons Why It Is Important to Invest In Regular Teeth Cleaning Appointments

There are six reasons why we recommend regular teeth cleaning appointments.

1. Prevent Advanced Decay

When we see our patients regularly, we keep an eye out for decay. This means we can catch decay early, before it warrants root canal treatment or extraction.

2. Prevent and/or Treat Periodontal Disease

Periodontal disease, or gum disease, is one of the leading causes of tooth loss. Prevent bad breath, loose teeth, bone loss, and tooth loss with regular dental cleanings.

3. Reduce Your Risk of Heart Disease

There has been evidence for years now that heart disease and gum disease are related. The inflammation and bacteria affecting the gums also affect the heart. Regular cleanings reduce this risk.

4. Reduce Your Risk of Diabetes

Recent studies have linked gum disease and diabetes. Regular cleanings can help prevent a rise in blood sugar levels.

5. Catch Soft Tissue Diseases/Issues Early

Our dental staff is trained to look for soft tissue abnormalities, particularly oral cancer. Catching these early will give you the best chance of effective treatment.

6. A Sparkling Smile

When our patients come in for a teeth cleaning, they leave with a healthy, sparkling smile. Cleanings remove surface stains that make your teeth look lackluster and dark.

Your Local Affordable Dentist: Helping You to Achieve Optimal Health

Regular cleanings allow our dental team to help you prevent tooth decay and periodontal disease. We can also put you one step closer to reducing your risk of heart disease and diabetes. A preventative teeth cleaning is one of the best investments you can make for your health.

Would you like more information? Please give us a call. We will be happy to schedule a consultation to answer all of your questions and concerns.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS
2510 Wigwam Parkway Suite 100 Henderson, NV 89074
(702) 792-5929