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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. This potentially dangerous condition affects over 18 million people in the United States and yet it is incredibly under diagnosed. Research has shown that sleep apnea can often be diagnosed quicker by a dentist or dental hygienist rather than by a person’s primary care physician.

Typical Signs of Sleep Apnea

 Sleep apnea can affect anyone at any age and is most often accompanied by the following symptoms:

• Excessive Snoring
• Poor Sleep Quality
• Waking Up Frequently During The Night
• Fatigue
• Waking Up Feeling Tired
• Sleepiness Or Drowsiness During Daytime
• Dry Mouth
• Sore Throat
• Headaches
• Difficulty Concentrating
• Neck And Shoulder Pain

Dental Signs Of Sleep Apnea

 Due to routine dental cleanings, people will typically see their dentist more often than they do their doctor. A dentist or dental hygienist will notice some key signs of sleep apnea such as

• Tooth Grinding
• Jaw Pain
• Enlarged Tongue
• Small Jaw
• Tongue With Scalloped Edges
• Redness In The Throat
• Dry Mouth
• Pain While Chewing
• Worn, Cracked, Broken Or Missing Teeth
• Periodontal (Gum) Disease

Tooth grinding and jaw pain are two of the first and most common dental of sleep apnea. Both result from a person reflexively tensing their jaw in their sleep as they body attempts to prevent the airway from feeling blocked. Both issues can lead to other problems such as worn or cracked teeth and pain when chewing. A person with sleep apnea is also likely to snore quite a bit, which can lead to redness in the throat or persistent dry mouth.

Family Dentistry Henderson

During routine cleanings or dental checkups, a dentist or dental hygienist will likely notice if you have developed any of these signs or if they are continuing or worsening. While a dentist is able to identify the signs of possible sleep apnea and will likely be well informed, they are not able to make an official diagnosis. If a dentist is concerned that sleep apnea may be an issue, you will likely be referred to your primary care physician or a sleep disorder specialist for a sleep study.

Dr. Barton H. Foutz and his team of experienced dental hygienists have sufficient knowledge about the signs of sleep apnea, along with years of experience to help identify a potential problem. If you are currently experiencing some of the above mentioned symptoms for sleep apnea, make an appointment at Foutz Family Dentistry today and we will thoroughly check your teeth, gums and mouth for the dental signs of sleep apnea. While Dr. Foutz is not able to make an official diagnosis or treat you for sleep apnea, he can help you get on the right path to address this condition.

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we strongly recommend and encourage our patients to remain diligent about routine dental cleanings and exams. Doing so will not only ensure your dental and oral health, but can also help in identifying other potential health concerns.  Call our office today at (702) 792-5929 to schedule an appointment.

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

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 before reaching a more advanced stage.

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we are dedicated to the complete oral health of our patients, which is why we choose to perform a precautionary oral cancer screening during every dental exam. By doing so, our hope is to help patients reduce their personal risk for oral cancer or extend a patient’s possibility for successful treatment from an early diagnosis.

Why Is An Oral Cancer Screening Performed?

 Oral cancer screenings are a precautionary measure taken during a dental exam to check for potential signs of oral cancer. It is not a medical exam or a diagnostic exam and is not performed because cancer is suspected. It is estimated that approximately 84% of oral cancer cases can detected early by a dentist.

What Takes Place During An Oral Cancer Screening?

During an oral cancer screening a dentist will visually and physically examine the mouth, lips, face, neck, and inside of the nose for abnormalities such as:

• Swelling
• Bumps, Lumps, Or Hard Spots
• Ulcers Or Sores
• Discoloration
• Red Or White Patches
• Bleeding
• Numbness Or Pain While Biting Down

The dentist will also use a gloved hand to feel the tissues in the mouth while visually checking for abnormalities and signs of cancer. A dentist will also feel a patient’s head, cheeks, and areas around the jaw to check for unusual nodules, swelling, or lumps. Specialized examining tools or dyes may also be used to help them better identify potential problems. Patients with dentures or other dental appliances will be asked to remove them prior to the examination in order to perform a more thorough examination.

Am I At Risk For Oral Cancer?

 Unfortunately, oral cancer is often detected in patients with no risk factors, however the majority of those diagnosed with oral cancer will present at least one of the following risk factors:

• Smoking Or Tobacco Use (Including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, snuff)
• Heavy Alcohol Consumption
• Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
• Unhealthy Diet
• History Excessive Sun Exposure
• Age (Those over the age of 40 are at a higher risk)
• Gender (Men are at a higher risk than women)
• Previous Oral Cancer Diagnosis

Those with higher risk for oral cancer should especially seek out an oral cancer screening during regular dental cleanings, but as cancer can hit even those without risk factors it is increasingly important to include oral cancer screenings in every dental exam.

Henderson General Dentistry

Foutz Family Dentistry in Henderson, Nevada offers superior general, family and cosmetic dentistry. Through years of expertise and experience combined with modern dental procedures and technology, Dr. Barton H. Foutz and his staff provide the finest dental care. During a dental cleaning or dental exam, we will perform a thorough oral cancer screening to help better ensure the oral health of our patients. For more information or to schedule an appointment call us today at (702) 792-5929.

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

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 tooth because of the small pits (indentations in the tooth) and fissures (natural grooves) that are difficult to fully reach with a toothbrush.  

Bacteria build up in these pits and fissures is five times more likely to cause a cavity than along the edge of the tooth where the toothbrush and floss can easily reach.  While toothpaste and fluoride are very effective in protecting teeth, back molars sometimes need an extra level of protection.  

Sealants are thin plastic coatings that are applied to the chewing surface of the back molars. This protective coating can prevent cavities by blocking bacteria and food from building up on the tooth and consequently stopping decay in its early stages.

Why Should Children Get Sealants?

Tooth decay happens when germs in the mouth convert sugars into acid.  This acid then erodes the tooth causing a cavity.  Sealants in children can reduce the risk of decay by almost 80 percent.  Even if a small cavity is covered up by the sealant, the sealant will still keep the cavity from spreading and protect the tooth from further cavities. A study by the Centers For Disease Control And Prevention found that children ages 6-11 without sealants have almost 3 times more cavities than children who do have sealants.

When Should Children Get Sealants?

Sealant should be put on permanent molars as soon as they come in, before decay can set in.  The first permanent molars come in between the ages of 5 and 7 with the second set come in between 11 and 14 years of age.  Some dentists might even recommend putting sealants on baby teeth as well to help prevent baby teeth from decaying and falling out too early. 

On average, sealants will last up to ten years and are routinely checked for wear and tear at dental check ups to ensure that they are still properly bonded and protecting the molar from decay.  If a sealant is showing chips or wear, it can easily be repaired or replaced.

The Process Of Applying Sealants

The first step in applying a sealant is to thoroughly clean and dry the teeth. An acidic gel is then applied to roughen up the surface of the teeth in order to help the sealant bond to the tooth.  After rinsing and drying the teeth once more, the sealant is painted onto the chewing surface of the molar covering it’s natural pits and fissures. A blue curing light is used to aid in the hardening process.

Henderson Sealants For Children

Dr. Barton Foutz of Foutz Family Dentistry has over 30 years of experience providing the Henderson and Las Vegas communities with superior dental care. Dr. Foutz can apply protective sealants to your child’s molars quickly and painlessly. If you have a child between the ages of 6 and 14, contact Foutz Family Dentistry today at (702) 792-5929 for more information or to schedule an appointment today!

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

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. However, traditional crowns often require multiple dental visits. With same-day crowns, Dr. Barton Foutz provides the Henderson community with custom crowns in a single office visit.

Through state-of-the-art technology, Foutz Family Dentistry is able to offer same-day crowns providing a strong, durable biting surface sooner. Same-day crowns are made through computer-aided manufacturing and computer-aided design allowing dentists to provide fast restorative dental services to their patients.

Durable

Although traditional crowns are known to be long lasting, same-day crowns are just as resilient. Feel confident that in one visit, your teeth can be thoroughly protected for decades to come. Moreover, through proper care and consistent hygiene, a crown’s durability often exceeds its typical 15-20 year lifespan.

Fast

For conventional crowns, patients are required to wait anywhere from one to three weeks for a custom crown to be made. Same-day crown dentistry puts the patient’s time first. Anyone can be in and out during one trip to the dentist’s office. Conventional crown producing methods cannot compare to this flexibility. Not only is this important to busy people, but also when the pain is unbearable. Speed is crucial to support patients’ needs sufficiently.

Affordable

The most obvious factor is the saved investment of time and transportation costs. Plus, traditional crowns yield a shorter lifespan of only ten years. Going through the tedious process of scheduling follow-up appointments and receiving work every decade for a crown turns out to be costlier. Affordability in stress is a huge aspect to consider as well. Completing the work correctly in one day versus weeks prevents unnecessary headache.

Convenient

Single visit experience is possible through 3-D printing technology. A clear benefit of same-day crowns is the ability to provide patients with custom crowns in the same visit, rather than requiring patients to schedule multiple appointments.

Safe

Same-day crowns also eliminate the possibility of temporary crowns malfunctioning. The traditional crown method calls for a temporary crown to either alleviate pain, protect the tooth, or both. From the moment you come into the office until you walk out, the above process appears redundant regarding same-day treatment. There is not any need for shipping out a custom mold to a specialized laboratory – everything stays in-house.

Genuine Appearance

It is recommended to acquire same-day crowns if appearance is a critical factor to the patient. The likelihood of traditional crowns resembling current teeth is undoubtedly lower than completing all the work in one day. The finished crown appears realistic and clean.

Henderson Same-Day Crown Dentistry

Through the application of modern dental technology, Foutz Family Dentistry has been able to save patients time and money while providing a safe and durable dental solution. For more information about same-day crowns, contact our office today.

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

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 wearing a mouth guard.  Because the mouth guard can be such an important piece to an athlete, it is crucial that it fit properly.  Custom fit mouth guards made by an experienced dentist offer the best fit and protection.  

Importance Of A Properly Fitted Mouth Guard

According to research, about 90% of mouth guards are bought at retail stores.  These mouth guards can’t be adjusted or molded to fit properly, thus decreasing their effectiveness.  Stock mouth guards have to be held in the mouth by clenching of the jaws and biting of the teeth. Boil and bite mouth guards are molded to the teeth by first boiling the mouth guard and then biting down on the piece.  The uneven bite, pressure from the bite, and large teeth can cause the plastic to wear thin in certain places.  If this happens, the mouth guard will need to be replaced midway through the season. While the boil and bite mouth guard offers a little more protection than a basic, stock mouth guard, it still interferes with an athlete’s breathing and speech.  

It is important that an athlete know how to protect the face and mouth. Mouth guards that don’t fit properly can be uncomfortable or work incorrectly. People mistakenly think that a large, bulky mouth guard will ensure less damage.  However, a mouth guard should not cover the soft palate part of the upper mouth.  If a mouth guard covers the soft palate, it can cause a gag reflex.  A mouth guard that is cut properly may not be as large, but it will offer better protection.  An athlete with a correctly fitted mouth guard should be able to speak clearly or breathe properly. The right fit can even allow a player to drink without having to remove the mouth guard at all.  The myth of a mouth guard is that it has to be uncomfortable in order to be doing the job right, when in fact, the mouth guard should fit comfortably or else it has been made wrong.  

Benefit Of Custom Fit Mouth Guards

To ensure a mouthpiece fits properly, it must cover the athlete’s teeth and gums with a precise fit.  An experienced dentist will be able to find just the right custom fit for your mouth. The goal is to protect gums from lacerations while protecting the athlete from a chipped or lost tooth, or root damage. Studies have shown that 10-40% of sports injuries in children are dental injuries. Wearing a mouth guard will greatly reduce the risk of damage to the teeth and mandibular jaw that could lead to costly endodontic treatment.  While research is still being conducted, there has been some evidence showing that properly fitted mouth guards can even help to reduce the amount of concussions in athletes.  Although a mouth guard doesn’t guarantee there will be no injury, it does drastically reduce the damage that can occur.  

Henderson Custom Fit Athletic Mouth Guards

Foutz Family Dentistry offers custom fit athletic mouth guard providing you or those you love with the best way of protecting your mouth. For more information contact our office today at (702) 792-5929.

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

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 problems before they become worse.

Poor dental health has been linked with other serious conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and respiratory infections among others. Bacteria found in your mouth can be breathed in or can enter your bloodstream affecting the overall health of your body. At Foutz Family Dentistry, we are committed to monitoring your oral health to ensure that your teeth and gums remain in the best condition helping to avoid other serious physical conditions.

Dental cleanings and examinations are typically recommended every 6 months, although for some patients a shorter period of time may be recommended. During a routine dental visit, Dr. Foutz and his team of oral hygienists will perform a visual inspection, periodontal probe and take digital x-rays along with a thorough dental cleaning.

Reasons For A Routine Dental Checkup 

• Disease Prevention – Staying consistent with dental visits allows Dr. Foutz to catch diseases or dental problems in the early stages, saving you from costly and more complicated procedures. During a dental examination, your teeth are thoroughly inspected for signs of periodontal, or gum, disease, vitamin deficiencies, oral cancer, cavities, plaque and tartar. Dr. Foutz and his knowledgeable team are highly trained to recognize signs of dental diseases making it possible to catch any

• Encourage Healthy Habits – During a dental cleaning and examination, dentists and hygienists alike are able to identify habits that might be negatively affecting your oral health. Damage to your teeth and gums can be cause by smoking, nail biting, teeth grinding, diet and even brushing habits. A dental checkup also is an ideal time to introduce healthy habits that will better benefit your teeth and gums. Your hygienist will likely recommend methods or habits that will help improve the condition of your teeth. Going to your dentist appointment every six months will help keep you accountable for staying consistent with proper brushing, flossing and avoidance of bad habits.

• Dental Cleaning–No one has perfect dental home care, which makes regular dental cleanings essential for maintaining dental health. Our hygienists at Foutz Family Dentistry will carefully remove plaque and tartar buildup that was not removed with regular brushing or flossing. Removal of plaque and tartar during a cleaning is one of the most effective way to prevent gum disease and improve bad breath.

• Head And Neck Examination – During a routine dental visit, Dr. Foutz also performs an examination of your head and neck checking lymph nodes and jawlines for any abnormalities. Dr. Foutz is able to identify swelling, lumps and other abnormalities that could be signs of a serious health issues allowing you to seek treatment before it can get worse.

Henderson Dental Examinations and Cleanings 

Dr. Barton H. Foutz, DDS strongly encourages patients to remain consistent with dental appointments every six months. Through routine dentist appointments, you will better be able to maintain the condition of your teeth and oral health. Contact our office today to schedule your routine dental examination.

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

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