How much do you know about your tongue? Sure, it’s important for speaking and for removing food stuck in between your teeth. However, this fascinating organ is one of the most important parts of your mouth. Here are some little-known facts about your tongue. 1. Your Tongue Has 8 Muscles Your tongue is one of … Continue reading Tongue Talk: Facts About Your 8-Muscle Organ
For most people, a trip to the dentist might involve filling a cavity. These erosions in teeth are often painful and sometimes unsightly. But what are cavities? How do they form? What can you do to prevent them? Here are nine things you should know about cavities. What Are They Called? Cavities, caries, erosions – … Continue reading 9 Things to Know about Cavities
Dental pain is some of the most intense you’ll ever experience. And when it appears suddenly, it can be very alarming. What might be causing your agony? Here are a few likely suspects. Heat or Cold Perhaps the most common reason for sudden tooth pain is worn tooth enamel and exposure to heat or cold. … Continue reading Sudden Tooth Pain? Here’s What Might Be Causing It
Cavities (dental erosion) are the most common oral health disease in the US. Most children will have at least one cavity and up to 30% of adults in the country have untreated cavities. Without proper care, cavities can grow and destroy teeth, as well as cause more serious issues, like bone infections. It’s important to … Continue reading How Can You Tell If You Have a Cavity?
Gum has been around for thousands of years in various forms. Today, there are plenty of myths and facts about whether it’s good or bad for you. We’re here to lay the claims to rest and give you the information you’ve been looking for. Gum originally came from the sap of spruce or chicle trees. … Continue reading Does Chewing Gum Hurt or Help Your Teeth?
Barton Foutz, a fourth-generation dentist and a man of adventure, recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. With four months of training under his belt and his spirit ready for the challenge, he embarked on an unforgettable journey to northeastern Tanzania with his brother-in-law Brent Ford. After a long international flight from Las … Continue reading Two Weeks, Two Continents and 20 Thousand Miles: The Story of a Dream Come True
Dealing with yellowing teeth is a common issue for many people. Teeth can become discolored from smoking, food and drink stains, or plaque and tartar buildup. However, sometimes people notice that just one tooth is discolored when the rest around them are their normal shade. What causes this, and what can be done about it? … Continue reading What Does Single Tooth Discoloration Mean?
Dental treatments and options for taking care of your oral health have evolved a great deal over the years. One of the best new tools is a water flosser, or an oral irrigator. These are handheld devices that look similar to electric toothbrushes. They are meant to be used in addition to a toothbrush and … Continue reading How Do Water Irrigation Devices Help My Oral Health?
Raise your hand if you’ve ever lied to your dentist when they ask you about your flossing habits. You’re not alone. Your dentist will tell you that you should be flossing your teeth every single day. However, that’s not the case for most people. Most people probably don’t even brush their teeth correctly twice a … Continue reading Do I Really Need to Floss My Teeth?
Even if you are meticulous about your oral hygiene habits, you may still experience a cavity. Luckily, treating cavities is just one phone call away. Dentists fill cavities and other small holes in teeth with fillings in order to strengthen the tooth. Decayed portions of the tooth are removed and replaced with a filling material, … Continue reading What Are the Pros and Cons of White vs Silver Fillings?
Every aspect of your health changes as you get older, and what goes on in your mouth is no exception to that rule. It’s natural that your teeth begin to change after years and decades of eating, drinking, and life in general. The kind of dental care you need will evolve alongside them, although some … Continue reading What Can I Expect from My Teeth as I Age? How Can My Dentist Help Me?
Dental sealants are just one tool that dentists use to protect teeth against decay and damage. While they are not for everyone, dental sealants can play an important part in maintaining the health of your teeth and getting the most out of daily dental hygiene activities like brushing and flossing. Sealants are a thin, protective … Continue reading What Are Sealants? When and How Do They Protect My Teeth?
Do you or someone you love have sleep apnea? If you do, then you know just how difficult it can be for them to get a good night’s sleep. Of course, it is also often hard for others in the house to sleep well because of the snoring. Those who are often tired and aren’t … Continue reading Dental Strategies to Treat Sleep Apnea
Retainers and mouthguard therapy are often used to help straighten teeth, but they have several other potential benefits, which we will look at below. Even if you don’t need to straighten your teeth, you might still want to consider this option to help in other areas of your life. Help with Teeth Grinding Are you … Continue reading How Can Retainer/Mouthguard Therapy Help Me Even If I’m Not Straightening My Teeth?
Those who want to have excellent dental health need to make sure regular flossing is part of their routine, along with brushing and visiting the dentist for checkups. While it might initially seem that all floss is the same, that’s not the case at all. There are many different options when it comes to dental … Continue reading How Do I Know What Kind of Floss I Should Use?
Maybe your dentist has scheduled you for a 3D x-ray, now or in the future. You might be wondering what it’s used for or why. 3D x-rays (also known as miniature cat scans) are great diagnostic tools that can help dentists find out much more about your mouth than the typical dental x-ray. Keep reading … Continue reading When Does My Dentist Need a 3D X-Ray?
Mini dental implants and regular dental implants both serve the same purpose: they replace missing teeth. Though both mini and regular dental implants provide tooth replacements that can improve your dental health, they differ in some important ways. What They Treat Both mini and traditional implants serve the same purpose in the mouth. This purpose … Continue reading Mini Implants vs. Regular Implants: How their Uses Differ
How would you like to cut your risk of cavities in half? A 2015 study conducted by the University of Sydney Dental School found that preventative techniques such as applying fluoride varnish can reduce the need for fillings in adults by up to 50 percent. Fluoride is a naturally-occurring mineral used to prevent tooth decay. … Continue reading Dental Experts: Fluoride Varnish Is a “Generational” Way to Prevent Tooth Decay
Proper dental care can affect your overall health. Brushing and flossing can help with overall cleanliness in your mouth, but brushes only reach certain portions of your teeth. Your dentist might recommend sealants to help keep your overall oral health on track. What are sealants, and why do you need them? What Are Sealants? A … Continue reading What Are Sealants and Why Are They Needed?
Naturally, you want to have healthy-looking, clean teeth. You want your smile to be as white and charming as possible. Having stained teeth covered in plaque is not the look you want. Ensuring that you get your teeth professionally cleaned regularly is a huge help when you want to establish a healthy lifestyle. Of course, … Continue reading How Often Should I Get My Teeth Cleaned?
You want to keep your teeth and gums looking and feeling great and clean, so you brush several times a day using a good dentist-recommended toothpaste. You floss and use mouthwash, as well. However, if you aren’t changing your toothbrush regularly, you might not be getting your teeth as clean as you might believe. Of … Continue reading How Often Should I Change My Toothbrush?
You know how important it is to brush your teeth and to floss your teeth, but do you really need to have mouthwash, too? Many people forego using mouthwash because they feel that they are getting their teeth and gums clean enough without it. However, this could be a mistake. You will find that there … Continue reading Why Should I Use Mouthwash?
Over the years, the number of toothbrushes that are available for purchase has risen substantially. While it is nice to have a lot more choice, it is also more difficult to know which types of toothbrush you should get. By breaking things down, it will become easier to see why there are so many options … Continue reading Why Are There So Many Types of Toothbrushes and How Do I Determine What Is Best for Me?
If you have invested in a cosmetic dentistry treatment, you undoubtedly want those results to last as long as possible. To keep your smile looking bright and beautiful for years to come, here are some simple tips to help you extend the life of your cosmetic dentistry. Don’t Forget To Brush And Floss Brushing … Continue reading 7 Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Cosmetic Dentistry
Gum disease is a serious oral health condition that should be treated as quickly as possible. What begins with puffy or bleeding gums can quickly become a much more serious issue that can even affect your overall health. What Is Gum Disease? Gum disease, or periodontal disease, is an infection of the gums that … Continue reading Gum Disease: Stages, Prevention, And Treatment
Dental bonding and veneers are two dental treatments that are commonly used to improve the appearance of teeth, but can also be used to fix cracked or broken teeth. While the two treatments are used for similar purposes, there are several differences between the two that are important to understand. What Is Dental … Continue reading What Are The Difference Between Dental Bonding And Veneers?
Dermal fillers are an injectable cosmetic treatment used to smooth facial lines and restore volume to the face. People often assume that dermal fillers can only be applied from a medical professional such as a plastic surgeon or through a medical aesthetics spa, but dermal fillers could also be available from your dentist. Because dentists … Continue reading Dermal Fillers And Dentistry
Botulinum toxin, better known as Botox, is an injectable neurotoxin that is most associated as a cosmetic treatment for softening frown lines and smoothing wrinkles. However, when administered correctly, Botox can provide a number of health benefits in addition to its aesthetic ones. In dentistry alone, Botox can be used to complement a smile or … Continue reading Botox And Its Role In Dentistry
Missing teeth can have a negative impact on a person in many ways. It can cause a person to feel embarrassed to smile and in turn impact their self-image and self-esteem. But it can also have other negative impacts such as damaging the jawbone, surrounding teeth, and even the gums. One of the most … Continue reading Can Dental Implants Help Prevent Gum Disease?
Around 77% of adults say they will go to the dentist within the year to come, but less than half of those actually do. For many people going to the dentist can be a stressful experience, while many others don’t understand the importance and necessity of regular dental checkups. Going to the dentist every … Continue reading Reasons To Go To The Dentist And Some Might Surprise You
If you have a bad tooth, one that forces you to make constant trips to the dentist, you are likely searching for a long-term solution to free you from discomfort, embarrassment, and hassle. A bad tooth can quickly lead to an extraction leaving you with a gap in your smile along with the frustration of … Continue reading Bad Tooth? Why An Implant Could Be The Best Solution
Bright, white sparkling teeth can transform the smile of any person bringing a renewed sense of confidence. As such, teeth whitening has become an extremely popular cosmetic dental procedure because it is non-invasive, effective and delivers brilliant results. Teeth whitening treatments use products containing varying amounts of peroxide ingredients to bleach the enamel of your … Continue reading Teeth Whitening Methods To Enhance Your Smile
An infection in the superficial layers of the gums can quickly worsen and become a significantly more difficult issue to treat. While gum disease, technically known as periodontal disease, typically begins with swelling, soreness or bleeding of the gums, but it can easily spread down below the gum line and into the crevices between tooth … Continue reading Treating Gum Disease Around Tooth Roots Is Hard – But Not Impossible
Dental implants are one of the most sought after options for tooth replacement. With a number of advantages, dental implants provide a long lasting solution for replacing missing teeth. Among the advantages of dental implants is how easy it is to care for them and maintain dental hygiene. This however does not mean that they … Continue reading Avoid Implant Failure By Watching Out For These Mouth Problems
Teeth can crack for a number of reasons; perhaps you have fallen or gotten hit in the face, or maybe you simply chewed on something hard. A cracked tooth is unfortunate, but you do not have to worry because there are several effective solutions for a cracked tooth. At Foutz Family Dentistry, we have seen … Continue reading Solutions For A Severely Cracked Tooth
Taking care of dental implants is easily done by simply maintaining good oral hygiene habits. Brushing twice a day and flossing regularly will make a significant impact in keeping your implants clean and free of plaque. Why Is Daily Care Important For Dental Implants? Although an implant is not a natural tooth, it still requires … Continue reading Daily Care For Dental Implants
Studies have shown a notable connection between gum disease and other larger health problems, such as heart disease. Plaque build-up, inflamed gums, and bacteria in the mouth can all contribute to heart attacks, making it extremely important to address gum issues quickly. What Is Gum Disease? Periodontal disease, more commonly known as gum disease, is … Continue reading Gum Disease And Heart Disease: Is There A Connection?
Botulinum toxin, most commonly known as botox, is an injectable neurotoxin that is most associated with softening frown lines and smoothing wrinkles. However, Botox has a number of health benefits in addition to its aesthetic ones when administered correctly. Botox As A Medical Treatment Botox is often used as a treatment for headache and migraine … Continue reading How Does Botox Help With Headaches And TMJ?
Straightening your teeth is a worthwhile investment and commitment for people of any age. Often times adults and senior citizens believe that they cannot take measures to straighten their teeth simply because of their age, however, healthy teeth can be moved at any age. Teeth straightening options such as Invisalign are not only options for … Continue reading I’m Older, Why Should I Consider Straightening My Teeth?
Those with sleep apnea experience shallow breathing while they sleep or may even stop breathing for a short moment. There are two types of sleep apnea, but obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common and occurs when throat muscles excessively relax and cause the airway to collapse. This then blocks airflow and affects breathing. … Continue reading Sleep Apnea And The Dental Connection
Although the natural color of teeth is not the bright white we often envy, there are still steps we can take to help prevent further tooth whitening loss. As people age, teeth can darken as enamel cracks and erodes absorbing color from the foods and drinks we consume. Plaque and tartar buildup can also create … Continue reading Preventing Tooth Whitening Loss
An oral cancer screening is an exam typically performed by a dentist to check the oral cavity for precancerous conditions or signs of cancer. During an oral cancer screening, an experienced dentist such as Dr. Barton H. Foutz of Foutz Family Dentistry is able identify early signs of oral cancer allowing patients to get treatment … Continue reading Why Oral Cancer Screening Should Be A Part Of Every Dental Exam
Missing teeth cannot only result in a less attractive smile, it can also leave gums exposed making them more susceptible to infections and other complications while putting adjacent teeth at a higher risk of loss. This can lead to pain, discomfort and a lowered self-esteem. Leaving missing teeth untreated can cause surrounding teeth to drift … Continue reading Considering Bridgework Over Dental Implants
Veneers are a great way to improve the appearance of a smile and boost self-confidence. Veneers have become a very popular procedure due to simple and effective way they can be used to cover imperfections restoring the smile of people with discolored, chipped or gapped teeth. Traditionally, porcelain veneers are used for the procedure. However, … Continue reading “No-Prep” Veneers Could Eliminate The Need To Remove Tooth Enamel
There are many factors that can affect a person’s smile. Teeth can become discolored or stained preventing some from smiling confidently. Others may have gaps in between their teeth, while still others may have gotten their tooth chipped, moved or broken from an accident. Whatever the case may be, veneers can provide the perfect solution … Continue reading Be Sure To Have These 3 Essentials Covered Beforehand For Veneer Success
If you have missing teeth, you have likely been looking for ways to resolve the issue. Not having a full set of teeth is not only physically discomforting, but can also be emotionally stressful affecting self-image and esteem. An effective way to solve this problem is to replace your missing teeth high quality dental implants. … Continue reading Replace Your Missing Teeth With Dental Implants
Many people are born with misaligned, crooked teeth affecting the appearance of their smile. Because smiling can play such an important role in a person’s self-image and in building personal and business relationships, a smile with crooked teeth can negatively affect multiple aspects of their life. Investing in teeth straightening is one of the best … Continue reading Straighter Teeth And Happy Smiles
Regular brushing and flossing are two of the most effective ways to help avoid cavities. Young children, however, are often still learning to properly brush their teeth, especially the back molars, making them more prone to cavities and tooth damage. Even children who are great at brushing their teeth can still see decay in a … Continue reading Why Are Sealants So Helpful For Children And Their Developing Teeth?
For many people in this busy world, time is of the essence making the need for multiple visits to the dentist an unwanted priority. Same-day crowns provide a fast, convenient, and durable solution. Crowns are used if a large dental filling has worn out, if a tooth is cracked or to make a cosmetic improvement. … Continue reading Benefits Of Same-Day Crown Dentistry
An important part of any athlete’s uniform is the mouth guard. It has become standard in almost any sport to wear a mouth guard to protect teeth. While it is more common to see mouth guards in sports such as football, hockey, and soccer, even athletes such as gymnasts or tennis players could benefit from … Continue reading Properly Fitting Athletic Mouth Guards Are Important to Protect Teeth
Imaging is a crucial tool in dentistry used to evaluate and record the size and shape of bone structures inside the mouth. Two-dimensional static imaging is commonly used, however, it does not allow dentists to properly gauge the depth of the bone structure. As a result, 3D imaging was developed during the early 1990’s. Since … Continue reading 3D X-Ray Imaging In Dentistry
Small diameter implants (SDI) have benefited a large community of patients who were once limited in treatment options. For many patients with loose dentures and missing teeth, conventional implant therapy does not work, however small diameter implants provide an effective alternative. How Are SDI’s Different? Small diameter implants are the same as conventional-sized implants, simply … Continue reading Small Diameter Implants — Their Place In Dentistry
Dental hygiene is a matter that is continually taken for granted. Not a lot of people know that poor oral hygiene can lead to a wide range of other health disorders, making a commitment to maintaining the health of your teeth and gums is a necessary aspect of your health. Through routine dental check-ups and … Continue reading Stop Gum Disease Before It Threatens Your Dental Implant
A significant amount of our population takes personal health for granted with oral hygiene often ending up even lower on the list of priorities. Although, you surely brush your teeth twice a day, rinse with mouthwash and occasionally floss, it does not take away from the importance of routine professional dental cleanings. Many think that … Continue reading Professional Dental Cleanings Make a Big Difference
Countless people find it hard to smile without feeling self conscious or embarrassed. Poor dental health can negatively affect the appearance of a person’s smile with issues such as chipped, crooked, gapped, discolored, stained, decaying or missing teeth. Cosmetic dentistry provides a wide range of aesthetic solutions that will help you to regain a healthy … Continue reading Regain A Healthy Smile With Cosmetic Dentistry
Straightening your teeth is one of the best investments you can make. Properly aligned teeth enhance your smile improving appearance and self-confidence. The Invisalign Orthodontic System is a unique approach for straightening teeth using clear, removable aligners that straighten teeth without uncomfortable brackets and wires. What Is Invisalign? Invisalign uses a series of computer-customized aligners … Continue reading Choosing Invisalign Instead Of Braces
Maintaining healthy teeth and gums requires a commitment to regular dental checkups. Brushing and flossing on a daily basis do not cancel out the importance of seeing your dentist every six months. During a dental checkup, your dentist and dental hygienist are able to check the overall condition of your teeth and gums, catching potential … Continue reading Importance Of Routine Dental Visits
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 … Continue reading Healthy Food Tips: Optimal Dental Care is Dependent on a Healthy Diet
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 … Continue reading DIY Teeth Whitening: Why It Does More Harm Than Good
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 … Continue reading 4 Dangers of Home Teeth Whitening
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 … Continue reading How Obesity and a Poor Diet Can Trigger Gum Disease
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. … Continue reading Porcelain Veneers vs. Dental Bonding: Which Option is Right for Me?
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 Neglecting Oral Hygiene Oral … Continue reading How to Prevent Damaged Dental Fillings
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 … Continue reading Can Cosmetic Dentistry be the Answer to Your Dreams of a Better Smile?
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 … Continue reading Exploring the Endless Benefits of Invisalign Teeth Straightening
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 … Continue reading Dentist Rewards: Why I Volunteer With Smiles for Central America
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 … Continue reading 6 Reasons Why You Should Invest In Regular Teeth Cleaning Appointments
Have you ever been told by your dentist that you need a dental scaling or root planing appointment? You may be wondering if these appointments are really worth the money. Actually, these procedures are absolutely vital to the health of your teeth, gums, and really to your whole body. Why Dental Scaling and Root Planing … Continue reading Dental Scaling and Root Planing: A Key to Health Teeth and Gums
Have you been told that you should have braces? Whether you’re 12, 72 or any age in between, the idea of orthodontia might cause you to shudder. After all, no one wants to be seen with a mouth full of metal. Thankfully, there is a better option if you’re considering braces in Las Vegas: Invisalign. … Continue reading Braces in Las Vegas: Invisalign – 3 Reasons It Beats Traditional Braces