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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 have cavities treated as soon as possible, but how do you tell if you have one?

Temperature Sensitivity

One of the most common signs that you’ve got a cavity is sudden sensitivity to heat and cold in your mouth. If you take a gulp of cold water and experience a stabbing pain in your mouth, chances are good you have a cavity. The problem here is that when a cavity exposes the dentin layer of your teeth, the microscopic tunnels in the dentin make perfect channels for food and drink to stimulate the nerve inside the tooth.

Sugar Sensitivity

While temperature sensitivity is a common sign you might have a cavity, so is sensitivity to sugar in foods and drinks. In most cases, this will be a lingering discomfort that lasts for several minutes after eating or drinking something sugary and is caused by exposure of the dentin layer within a growing cavity.

Tooth Pain

There are few things as hard to deal with as a toothache, particularly when the pain becomes severe. Toothaches are prime signs that you’re dealing with an oral health problem, which is most likely a cavity. However, other issues can cause toothaches, so you must visit a dentist as soon as possible to have the situation diagnosed. Note that toothaches can be sudden, or they can grow slowly and continually. You may also experience pressure in the area when biting or chewing.

White Spots

In many cases, cavities begin as white spots on your teeth. Over time, they can darken, eventually becoming brown or even black. If you notice telltale staining, it’s important to visit your dentist to have the growing cavity treated.

A Visible Hole

If left untreated, a cavity will eventually form a visible hole or pit in your tooth. You may be able to see this when you look in a mirror and/or feel it with your tongue. However, not all cavities can be seen or felt. That’s particularly true if they form under the gumline or between teeth, which is why it’s so important to visit your dentist every six months.

Prevent Cavities with Good Oral Care and Regular Dentist Visits

While cavities can be painful and lead to major oral health problems, the good news is that they’re preventable. Brushing after meals and flossing every night can help prevent plaque build-up that leads to cavities.

Avoid sugary drinks and foods, and make sure to drink plenty of water to dilute the acid that causes cavities in the first place. Combine that with regular dentist visits and you have a good chance of not experiencing another cavity.

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?

Tooth decay often happens when the enamel (the hard, protective coating on the outside of your teeth) starts to erode. When this is gone, it’s more likely that plaque can stick to your teeth (and plaque is filled with bacteria).

If you see a dark spot on one tooth, this can be a sign of many other things, too, such as:

• Cavities – Cavities that are left untreated can cause brown, yellow, or black spots on a tooth.
• Tooth decay – Teeth will turn gray, brown, or black if the pulp inside has died.
• Injury – Trauma to teeth can damage the nerves, which can cause spots or whole-tooth discoloration.
• Tartar buildup – When plaque isn’t removed, it turns into tartar, which stains teeth and can be difficult to remove.
• Fluorosis (excess fluoride) – Sometimes children receive too much fluoride during the time that their teeth are forming. This can cause fluorosis, which can result in tooth discoloration.
• Celiac disease – Celiac disease (gluten intolerance) can cause wear and tear on teeth enamel, which in turn causes brown spots on the teeth.
• Overuse of antibiotics – Certain antibiotics, mainly tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause discolored teeth. This typically happens in children who took these medications regularly while their permanent teeth were forming, but it can also be caused when the mother took them during pregnancy.
• Tartar buildup -Single-tooth discoloration can also be caused by tartar buildup. Tartar is hardened plaque, and it often presents as yellow or brown, usually by the gumline.
• Chlorhexidine mouthwash – This type of mouthwash is prescribed for people with halitosis or chronic bad breath. Although it kills the bad bacteria which cause bad breath, it can cause brown spots on the teeth.

Usually, when only one tooth is discolored (i.e., yellow, gray, or brown) and there aren’t spots on the surrounding teeth, it can signify a root issue. Check with your dentist and get an x-ray to determine if there are issues underneath your gums that are causing single teeth to become discolored. If the pulp inside your teeth dies and has caused your tooth to turn brown, you’ll probably need a root canal.

Many people also notice that their teeth become spotty with age. This is sometimes a result of a few factors, such as enamel wearing down over time, darkening dentin (the substance underneath enamel that surrounds each tooth), and years of stains from food and drink.

Check your teeth carefully for spots and make sure that you’re staying up on dentist visits twice a year. If you notice that one tooth is discolored compared to the rest, don’t ignore it! Treating the issue early can mean saving your tooth and preventing further damage.

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 teeth making them whiter. Treatments are available at different concentrations of peroxide allowing you to find the treatment you need. If your smile has dulled because of the shade of your teeth, there are several teeth whitening options available to help brighten your face.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

One of the safest methods for effective teeth whitening is through in-office treatments at your dentist’s office. Treatments are performed by trained dentist staff and customized to your individual needs. In-office whitening is fast, effective and delivers the best results by it is a more expensive option that other treatment methods. The higher price tag reflects the effectiveness of the treatment along with providing quicker results that will last longer.

At Foutz Family Dentistry, we feature Opalescence Boost PF, a whitening process using a high-concentration peroxide get that absorbs quickly and thoroughly to whiten teeth from the inside out. With customized formulas combined with a whitening gel that contains potassium nitrate and fluoride, you will protect the health of your teeth while enjoying teeth that are up to five shades whiter. In just two or three treatments, each lasting about an hour, our Opalescence Boost PF teeth whitening treatment will help you smile bigger and brighter.

At-Home Whitening

For a professional, but more affordable whitening treatment, your dentist can provide you with a high quality take home option.  Your take home kit will be comprised of whitening product and custom-fitted mouth trays that allow you to control your whitening process. Whitening products are formulated a lower peroxide concentration than that of an in-office treatment but are still very effective. Trays can be worn overnight or in intervals throughout the day and typically provide results within a couple of weeks.

Foutz Family Dentistry is happy to offer an at-home option for our Opalescence whitening process. Patients will be provided with custom mouth trays along with the gel formulation needed to meet their desired results.

Combination Method Of In-Office And At Home Whitening

Many dental offices, including Foutz Family Dentistry, will offer you the option of a combined whitening method. This combination procedure allows you to jumpstart your results though one or two in-office treatments and then finish the process through at-home whitening trays. This provides you with quicker results, but maximized duration. 

Whitening Strips, Toothpastes, And Products

You will find that the toothpaste aisle at any store is saturated with whitening products. From whitening strips to toothpastes, mouthwashes and even chewing gum, teeth whitening products are available to meet high demand. Of any store bought product, whitening strips appear to be the most effective although they will take considerably longer than any professional treatment you receive from your dentist. Many of the other whitening products will remove surface stains, but do little in terms of true whitening.

To schedule an appointment for Henderson teeth whitening at Foutz Family Dentistry, call (702) 792-5929 today.

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

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 a prime surface for tooth stains. Maintaining healthy white teeth can be done by way of several simple everyday tips as well as with professional teeth whitening.

Foutz Family Dentistry understands the impact a bright and beautiful smile can make on the self-esteem and confidence of a person. We offer several teeth whitening procedures to help you get the stunning smile you desire and also offer you several at home tips to help you maintain the whiteness of your teeth.

Preventing Tooth Stains

 Tooth stains can be prevented through several home remedies in addition to professional dental procedures.

-Maintain Regular Dental Cleanings:

Professional dental cleanings and routine checkups are the best way for people of all ages to maintain both the health and appearance of their teeth. Dental cleanings are the most effective way to remove the plaque and tartar buildup that regular brushing and flossing often miss. Through dental cleanings you can be sure that your teeth are truly clean helping to prevent a surface enamel that stains can easily latch on to.

– Maintain Good Oral Hygiene Practices

 Following consistent oral hygiene practices such as regular brushing and flossing can make a significant difference in preventing tooth whitening loss. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using an antiseptic mouthwash consistently will work to kill the bacteria that leads to plaque and facilitates staining.

-Avoid Consumption Of Tooth Staining Beverages

Beverages such as coffee, tea, red wine, acidic juices, and dark sodas are known culprits for stained teeth. If you still choose to consume these drinks, you may consider using a straw to help limit the exposure to your teeth.

-Munch On Whitening Foods

Certain crunchy foods such as apples, celery and carrots can act as natural scrubbers to help remove stains. The effect may only be slight, but the acidic nature along with their rough flesh can aid in cleaning and even brightening teeth

-Brush After Consuming Tooth Staining Drinks Or Foods

By brushing your teeth or at a minimum rinsing your mouth out after you have consumed stain-causing drinks or foods, you can make a significant impact on preventing whitening loss.

-Treat Heartburn

The acid that result from heartburn, or acid reflux, can also cause damage to the color and enamel of your teeth. By treating heartburn, you not only help yourself feel better, but you also help to improve the condition of your teeth.

-Consider Professional Tooth Whitening

Tooth whitening procedures performed by a trusted dentist are designed to whiten teeth quickly, safely and comfortably. Through professional tooth whitening you can often achieve teeth that are up to five shades whiter.

Henderson Teeth Whitening

At Foutz Family Dentistry we feature Opalescence Boost PF Tooth Whitening procedures. Under the supervision of Dr. Barton H. Foutz, the Opalescence Boost PF Whitening process will deliver proven results without causing damage to teeth or gums.

Foutz Family Dentistry offers whitening procedures that can be performed in-office or at-home, or even a combination of both options. For more information on one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures offered, contact us today at (702) 792-5929.

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