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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

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 the dentist’s recommended 6-month cleaning appointments are not necessary, however professional dental cleanings do, in fact, make a big difference in maintaining the health of your teeth and gums.

By not getting professional dental care checks at least twice a year, you’re putting yourself at risk of losing out on your quality of life, money, and time. By just spending a couple of hours a year, you’re saving a lot! Here’s why professional dental cleanings make a big difference.

Bad Breath Prevention

Halitosis, most commonly known as bad breath, is one of the conditions most effectively treated through routine dental cleanings. Apart from the obvious social inconveniences, the worst thing about bad breath is that you may not even know you have it. Bad breath is an indication of an underlying oral disease or an accumulation of plaque. These issues cannot be resolved by simply brushing your teeth. Regular dental cleanings by experienced dentists and dental hygienists are the most effective way to treat the root cause of your bad breath.

Healthy Gums, Healthy You

Oral hygiene is directly related to your health. A surprisingly large number of people suffer from gum disease. Strong links have been found to exist between gum disease and cardiac disease conditions, making regular dental check ups and cleanings by a professional a priority can prevent more serious conditions.

Detect Problems

In addition to detecting gum disease, periodic dental cleanings are necessary to catch cavities that need to be filled before they can lead to a bigger procedure such as a root canal. Dental cleaning appointments also provide an easy way to perform follow-up work that may need to be done on a cavity that has been filled previously. Through routine cleanings, your dentist is able to more effectively monitor potential issues. In a number of cases, oral cancer has even been detected at an early stage during routine cleaning sessions.

Henderson Family Dentistry

At Foutz Family Dentistry, Dr. Barton Foutz and his team of experienced and professional dental hygienists perform thorough dental cleanings that will make a big difference in the health of your teeth and gums. Call us today at (702) 792-5929  to make an appointment.

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

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