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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

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

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

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

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 Are So Important to Dental Health

Researchers have found definite links between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, respiratory issues, and a number of other health conditions. If you’re like us, you want to do all you can to reduce your risk of such diseases. And this is just one of the reasons why we encourage our patients to invest in dental cleanings and root planing appointments.

Another reason why they are so important is because they are the best way to keep your teeth and mouth clean.

• Dental Scaling: Routine scaling and polishing help to remove plaque and tarter, both of which contribute to decay, gum disease, and embarrassing halitosis. We recommend that our patients come in for a dental scaling at least twice each year.
• Root Planing: Gum disease leads to tooth and bone loss. When a patient has gum disease, they have plaque, tarter and bacteria well below the gum line, on the surfaces of the root. It is impossible to clean this far down without special dental tools. Once a patient has gum disease it cannot be reversed, but we can prevent it from getting worse. After our patients have root planing, they need to come in every 3, 4, or 6 months for follow-up dental scaling to keep their gum disease in check.

Trusting Your Dentist: We Have Your Best Interests at Heart

If there is any way we can help you to live a healthier life, we will do it. This is why we strongly urge our patients to come in for their regular dental scaling and examination appointments.

Are you ready to schedule a dental cleaning and examination? Please call us right away. We will be happy to schedule an appointment and answer all of your questions.

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