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Pregnancy affects every aspect of a woman’s health, including oral health. Women must continue to go to the dentist regularly while pregnant to catch any dental concerns before they get out of hand.

How Does Pregnancy Affect Oral Health?

The body goes through many changes during pregnancy, which can manifest in different ways:

• Levels of hormones like progesterone and estrogen increase during pregnancy, which can increase your risk of oral health issues.
• Eating habits often change during pregnancy, and the kind of food you eat affects the health of your teeth and gums.
• Many women brush and floss their teeth less while pregnant, either because their gums are more sensitive or because the process makes them nauseous.

Because of these changes, pregnant women are more likely to deal with the conditions below.

Cavities

Pregnant women are more likely to develop cavities. If a cavity is left untreated during pregnancy, the bacteria can be passed to the baby during pregnancy and lead to problems for them after they’re born. Filling these cavities when they occur is essential.The prevailing wisdom is that non-silver filling materials are the best to use in this situation.  Asking your dentist to do any fillings with a silver mercury-free composite resin filling is a perfectly reasonable thing to ask for

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is very common in pregnant women, with about 60 to 75 percent of them dealing with it in some form. Gingivitis is inflammation of your gums that, if left untreated, can lead to serious gum disease. Signs that you may have gingivitis include:

• Redness or swelling of the gums
• Tender gums
• Bleeding of the gums, no matter how gently you brush
• Shiny gums

Other Potential Concerns

There are a few less common dental concerns that can develop during pregnancy. While they aren’t as common, watching for them and bringing concerns to your dentist is essential.

Other pregnancy-related dental concerns include:

• Loose teeth: High levels of hormones can temporarily loosen your teeth while pregnant.
• Pregnancy tumors: These tumors aren’t cancer but are red, raw lumps on the gums between your teeth.
• Tooth erosion: If you struggle with excessive vomiting during pregnancy, your teeth may be exposed to too much stomach acid, leading to enamel erosion.

Preventing Dental Problems During Pregnancy

The best way to prevent dental problems during pregnancy is to continue going to your regular six-month checkups before and during your pregnancy. When you arrive at your appointment, make sure you tell your dentist that you’re pregnant.  While pregnant, it is advisable to forgo routine x-ray exposure.  In an emergency, however, today’s low dose options for x-rays will enable the best, safest outcome.  This will ensure they give proper, safe treatment for you and the baby.

It’s also wise to let your dentist know if any of the following apply to you:

• You’re on medication while pregnant (including prenatal vitamins).
• Your pregnancy is high-risk.
• Your prenatal care provider has talked to you about oral health concerns.

Takeaway

Your oral health is a vital part of your prenatal care. Make sure you stay consistent with your dental checkups and let us know if you notice any concerning oral symptoms. Contact us today to schedule a cleaning to keep your mouth healthy during pregnancy and beyond.

No one wants to deal with bad breath. Knowing your breath smells unpleasant can hurt your confidence but can also be a sign of underlying issues. If you’re dealing with chronic bad breath, it’s crucial to determine what’s causing it so you can address the problem and improve the scent.

What Causes Bad Breath?

Bad breath, or halitosis, is a widespread issue, with nearly 32 percent of people around the world dealing with it on a chronic basis. But why does it happen? The most common cause of bad breath is simply poor oral hygiene. Oral hygiene refers to brushing, flossing, and routine dental cleanings. Without following the recommended hygiene routines, your mouth will have harmful bacteria growing. This bacteria growth leads to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

While poor oral hygiene is the leading cause of bad breath, some less common reasons can be related to medical conditions. If you have concerns over chronic bad breath, it’s essential to see your dentist and physician to rule out the following causes:

• Dry mouth
• Oral cancers
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Tonsil stones
• Gum disease
• Infections in the nose, throat, or lungs
• Diabetes
• Liver disease
• Kidney disease
• Sjögren’s syndrome

How to Treat Bad Breath

The treatment of bad breath depends on the cause. If the reasonfor your bad breath is poor oral hygiene, it’s important to improve your brushing and flossing at home and have regular dental cleanings. Sometimes, your dentist may prescribe special mouth rinses that work to combat specific bacteria that lead to bad breath.

If an underlying health condition causes your bad breath, your dentist or physician will be able to help you with the treatment. If halitosis is a side effect of something else, treating the health condition is essential for more permanent results.

How to Prevent Bad Breath

While knowing how to treat bad breath is good, it’s better to prevent it before it becomes an issue. To maintain healthy, minty-fresh breath, follow these tips:

• Brush your teeth twice daily, for at least two minutes each time. Floss your teeth once a day. Don’t forget to clean your tongue with either your toothbrush or most effectively, a tongue scraper.
• Use an alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash twice a day.
• See your dentist at least every six months for routine dental cleanings. If your dentist suggests more frequent visits due to your oral health, follow their guidance.
• Drink water to prevent dry mouth.
• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and tobacco products. These products can cause dry mouth, leading to bad breath.
• Chew sugar-free gum or suck on sugar-free mints to increase your saliva production.

Let Foutz Family Dentistry Help

Whether you’re battling bad breath or simply want to prevent it, make regular visits to Foutz Family Dentistry part of your routine. Contact us today to schedule your six-month cleaning. If you have concerns over your breath, we can perform an exam to see the cause. We’re here to help you maintain your minty-fresh breath.

Choosing the right toothbrush is a vital part of proper oral hygiene. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the brushes on the market today, but this guide will help you pick the best brush for your mouth.

Manual vs. Electric

The first decision people make when deciding on a toothbrush is whether they want an electric toothbrush or a manual one. Both choices offer benefits depending on your personal preference and needs.

Some people simply choose the toothbrush style they like best. If you’re using the toothbrush properly and it has the ADA seal of approval, it’s a good option. Other than personal preference, the following features cause people to choose electric over manual:

• Many electric toothbrushes have pressure sensors, which can help if you brush too hard.
• Some electric toothbrushes have different brush settings, letting the bristles and head rotate in many directions or using pulsing motion in addition to the rotation.
• Most new electric toothbrushes have built-in timers that help you know how long to brush. This can be a great benefit if you struggle to brush for the full two minutes.

Bristles

Toothbrush bristles come in soft, medium, and hard. You can also choose between round and unrounded bristles. Many believe that hard bristles clean their teeth better, but they can be too rough on your enamel and cause you to brush too aggressively. Overly hard bristles can lead to gum recession when combined with hard brushing. Most people will have the best results with soft, rounded bristles.

Size and Shape

You should choose a toothbrush that is comfortable to hold and fits in your mouth correctly. If your toothbrush is too big, it won’t easily fit into the back of your mouth, making it hard to brush your molars. Most people like a brush head about an inch long and half an inch wide. However, you can also choose rounded brush heads if you prefer a smaller surface.

Proper Toothbrush Care

No matter what toothbrush you choose, you must care for it properly. To maintain proper oral hygiene, make sure you follow these care instructions for your brush:

• Store your toothbrush upright and out in the open to let the bristles airdry and prevent bacteria from growing between bristles.
• Rinse your toothbrush with warm water each time you brush your teeth to clear any bacteria between the bristles.
• Replace your toothbrush (or the head if it’s electric) every three to four months. This helps maintain proper bristle condition and keeps your teeth clean. If you’re sick or have an oral disease, replace it once you recover.

Final Thoughts

Choosing your toothbrush is a personal decision, which is why so many options exist. Make sure your toothbrush is cleaning your teeth properly without being too hard on them. If your brush is approved by the ADA and it’s comfortable to use, it’s a good option. If you have any questions about the right toothbrush, contact us, and our dental team will help you find the best brush for you.

For most of us, dental cleanings are a regular part of life. Seeing the dentist twice a year to maintain oral health is a simple step, but it’s one that a lot of people overlook. Whether you’re new to the world of dentistry, if it’s been a while since your last appointment, or if you’re just curious to see what to expect, we’ve got you covered.

Although the exact steps in the process may vary slightly from one dentist or hygienist to the next, it’s basically the same no matter where you go.

Step One: The Exam

Before doing anything, your dentist or hygienist is going to want to poke around and see what state your oral health is in. In addition to general health, they will look for specific issues, such as cavities, gingivitis, or other oral health concerns. They may also request X-rays to get a thorough view of the situation.

Step Two: Plaque and Tartar Removal

Once the exam is complete, it’s cleaning time. That starts with plaque and tartar removal, which is usually most people’s leastfavorite part of teeth cleaning. Using a variety of metal tools and a small mirror, the dentist or dental hygienist will scrape all the tartar and plaque from your teeth. Then, your mouth will be rinsed before moving to the next stage.

Step Three: Deep Cleaning

The next step is to do a deep cleaning with an electric toothbrush. This is a professional-grade version of the kinds you can buy to use at home, and it’s usually combined with a gritty toothpaste to help deep clean and restore some of the shine. This can remove additional plaque and debris that is missed in the initial process.

Step Four: Flossing

Once brushing is complete, your hygienist or dentist will floss your teeth vigorously and thoroughly. This helps remove any remaining debris and ensures that your gums are clean and healthy. For those who floss regularly, this step usually is fairly painless. Those who have gum health concerns or who don’t floss may deal with some bleeding or slight discomfort during this process.

Step Five: Fluoride Treatment

Most cleanings conclude with a fluoride treatment. The dentist will fill a tray with fluoride gel and then put it in your mouth and tell you to bite down. This will stay in your mouth for a few minutes before being removed. Then your mouth will be rinsed a final time.

Step Six: Rinse and Repeat

Technically, the last step is just a gentle reminder. You should be getting dental cleanings every six months, or at the very least, once a year, to keep your oral health in its best condition. And once you feel how clean your mouth is after a visit to the dentist, the chances are good that you’ll be ready to go back.

Prevention is a lot easier and more affordable when it comes to your teeth, which is why regular cleanings are essential. Schedule your check-up and cleaning today if you haven’t had one in the last six months!

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 the most flexible parts of your body, thanks to the eight muscles it contains. However, the idea that it’s the strongest muscle in the body is just a myth. That honor belongs to the quads and glutes.

2. No Saliva, No Taste

Did you know that without saliva, the taste buds on your tongue couldn’t do their job? That’s right. Saliva is necessary to help flavors bind to the receptor molecules. Your tongue is also partially responsible for producing saliva, through the submandibular glands at its base.

3. Your Taste Buds Die and Are Replaced

The tongue can have as few as 2,000 or as many as 10,000 taste buds. However, they’re not permanent. Some of them die off every week and are replaced with new ones. They’re also located all over the tongue, and the idea that different areas of the tongue correspond to salty, sweet, sour, and bitter tastes is just a myth. Every part of the tongue can taste all tastes.

4. The Color of Your Tongue Says a Lot About Your Health

A normal, healthy tongue is pink. However, if your tongue is red, it’s a sign that you may be suffering from allergies or an infection. White patches on the tongue often indicate a fungal overgrowth, while blistering is usually a sign of an allergic reaction (blood pressure medicines can also cause your tongue to blister).

5. Your Tongue Is a Haven for Bacteria

If you look closely at your tongue, you’ll see that it’s covered by tiny bumps called papillae. That’s completely normal, but it also makes your tongue a perfect home for bacteria. The best way to deal with them is to brush your tongue whenever you brush your teeth. Note that a tongue that’s too smooth (missing a lot of papillae) is an indication that you’re deficient in folic acid.

6. You Can Store Fat in Your Tongue

Recent studies have shown that the tongue stores fat much like other parts of the body. This can lead to a larger-than-normal tongue and increase your risk of sleep apnea due to obstruction by the tongue.

The Amazing, Essential Tongue

Your tongue is one of the most important parts of your mouth, and yet it’s often overlooked when it comes to oral care. Vital for speaking, essential for tasting, and irreplaceable, the tongue deserves a little TLC.

You should brush your tongue twice a day, just like your teeth. You should also keep an eye on its color and texture for clues to other health conditions. Regular visits to your doctor will help ensure that you’re able to keep your tongue, teeth, and gums in good health.

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, many people aren’t aware of just how often they should get their teeth cleaned.

Typically, a dental cleaning will be part of an annual checkup that you have with your dentist. However, having an annual cleaning is not enough for most people. Consider all of the various types of foods that you eat that could stain your teeth. Consider the way your teeth feel and the amount of plaque that starts to build up over time, even when you are taking good care of them.

Instead of annually, it’s recommended that you have a professional cleaning every six months. With some gum conditions, it can be as often as two to three months. This will help to ensure cleaner and healthier teeth and gums.  Your dentist can help you determine the proper interval for your situation.  Plus, if there are any issues with your dental health, your dentist will find them during these visits. This means you could catch problems earlier than if you only had one cleaning a year.

Why Do I Need Dental Cleanings?

Dental cleanings will help to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy and in good shape. They are a good part of oral hygiene. As mentioned, they allow the dentist to get a better look at what’s happening with your teeth. Any issues that you might have can be addressed early, so you can keep your mouth as healthy as possible.

If you do not keep your teeth clean and if you don’t visit the dentist regularly, there is a good chance that you will be dealing with oral health problems. Cavities, gingivitis, tooth loss and breakage, hardened plaque, tartar, and inflamed gums are just a couple of the potential problems that you will face. It’s best to find a good dentist that can take care of your cleanings a several times a year.

Taking Care of Your Teeth Between Dental Cleanings

However, this doesn’t mean that you aren’t still responsible for keeping your teeth clean the rest of the time. You need to make sure that you are providing yourself with good oral care in between those visits. This means that you need to brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes each time. Ideally, you will brush after each meal and after any sugary snacks that you might have. This can help to keep your teeth in better shape.

When you are choosing a toothbrush, opting for a soft-bristled brush is a good idea. You will want to be sure that you are using high-quality fluoridated toothpaste, too. In addition to brushing, you should also floss your teeth to remove any particles that are in between your teeth and that could cause damage if they are left there. Flossing should be done at least once a day. Additionally, make sure that you have some good mouthwash that will help to keep the breath feeling and smelling fresh, and that will keep the bacteria away.

Get in Touch with a Great Dentist for Cleaning and Other Care

Your dental health is connected to your overall health. Take the time to find a good dentist that can help you with your teeth cleanings twice a year, and who can help you with other dental care that you might need. You can talk with your dentist about the best types of toothbrushes to use, as well as the best kinds of toothpaste to use, too. Take care of your teeth and they will take care of you. Dr. Foutz can help you keep your teeth and gum tissue in optimal health!

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

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 six months for cleanings and routine exams plays a significant role in preventing dental and gum issues or identifying and treating them before they worsen into a serious issue. Research has also shown a connection between poor oral health or gum disease and other health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or diabetes.

There are many reasons it is important to schedule a dentist appointment, whether for routine cleaning or to address a concern in your teeth or gums. Putting off going to the dentist can make many issues worse and the care need to treat them more expensive. Here are some important reasons to make a dentist appointment sooner rather than later:

Pain 

A toothache is one of the most obvious reasons to go to the dentist, but people often ignore it until it becomes unbearable.  Making a dentist appointment quickly can help stop a problem before it gets worse and save you from unnecessary pain.

Sensitivity

Sensitive teeth could simply be from growing older, but it could also be a sign of a more serious issue such as bruxism or teeth grinding. Sensitivity can be frustrating, but your dentist can make recommendations to help combat it.

Swelling

Swelling or lumps in your mouth, jaw, or even on your face or neck can be a sign of dental problem or a more serious underlying problem such as oral cancer.

Swollen Or Bleeding Gums

If you’ve noticed that your gums bleed after brushing, they feel tender or red, or appear puffy, it is important to see your dentist. Gum disease that is left untreated can become very serious, painful, and affect your teeth in addition to your gums.

Dry Mouth

Dry mouth or insufficient saliva can cause tooth decay or even affect the health of your gums.

Pain While Eating

It shouldn’t hurt to chew or swallow. This could be a sign of tooth decay, a cracked tooth, tissue damage or more, not to mention keep you from eating as well as you should be.

Jaw Pain

If your jaw pops regularly or if it hurts when you open or close your mouth, when you chew, or when you wake up in the morning, you could have a cracked tooth, an abscess, crowded teeth, or gum disease. Jaw pain can also be a sign that you’re grinding your teeth or have a TMD, disorders that cause chronic pain or dysfunction of the jaw.

You Don’t Like To Smile

Regardless of the reason for hiding your smile, a dentist can help you to regain your confidence. A dentist can provide treatment and solutions for everything from missing to discolored teeth.

You Are Pregnant

The extra hormones from pregnancy can often cause existing dental problems to worsen or increase the risk for new problems. A dental checkup while pregnant is safe and the best way to prevent oral issues.

You Smoke Or Chew Tobacco

Tobacco, regardless of how it is used can lead to a range of dental problems such as decay, bad breath or even oral cancer making it even more important to remain consistent with dental cleanings and checkups.

You’re Due For A Checkup

Routine cleanings and dental exams are beneficial for preventing problems, but it can also make it easier to treat them if they are caught early on. Checkups are also a good time to check the condition of past dental work and ensure that any fillings, crowns, or even implants are in good condition. 

Call us at Foutz Family Dentistry 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

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

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

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