Dr. Barry Jacobs, DDS

Dr. Barry Jacobs, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. He practices at his clinic in Palm Harbor, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to general preventive dentistry serves as your primary partner in lifelong oral health, creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. He serves all ages, and patients should call (727) 785-6511 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Barry Jacobs, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Palm Harbor, FL, committed to a collaborative and evidence-based approach to patient care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to actively participate in their long-term health journey. His practice prioritizes the prevention of oral health issues, working with patients to develop strategies for maintaining a healthy smile and overall well-being. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality care, and his focus on prevention ultimately optimizes oral and systemic health. Dr. Barry DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Barry DDS is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Barry DDS can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Barry DDS provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Odontogenic Lesions: Maintaining good oral hygiene helps prevent many odontogenic lesions, but regular checkups help identify those that may still develop and manage their progression early.
• Receded Upper Jaw: A receding upper jawline can indicate underlying issues like gum disease or bone loss, emphasizing the need for proactive dental care to prevent further damage and maintain overall oral health.
• Crouzon Syndrome: Early identification of Crouzon syndrome allows for timely intervention to address dental abnormalities, preventing potential issues like misaligned bites, difficulty eating, and impacted teeth.
• Toothache: Toothaches often signal underlying dental problems; addressing them early helps prevent complications and preserves your oral health, impacting overall well-being.
• Cleft Lip and Palate: Regular checkups and early identification of cleft lip and palate are crucial for timely treatment, preventing issues like ear infections and developmental delays.
• Crossbite: A crossbite, where your upper teeth don't properly overlap your lower teeth, can lead to jaw problems and tooth damage if not addressed early, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups.
• Gonorrhea of Pharynx: Preventing the spread of pharyngeal gonorrhea and protecting your sexual health requires responsible behaviors, including consistent condom use and regular STI testing.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Barry DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Dental Infection Treatment: Taking care of a dental infection promptly can safeguard you from potential complications like gum disease and jawbone damage.
• Preseason Dental Exam: Don't wait for a problem to arise—schedule a preseason dental exam to screen for cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues, ensuring a healthy, confident smile.
• Enamel Matrix Derivative Application: Protect your smile's foundation by undergoing Enamel Matrix Derivative application, a process designed to fortify your tooth enamel and prevent cavities.
• LumiSmile™ White: LumiSmile™ White helps brighten your smile, making it easier to maintain good oral hygiene and catch any potential issues during your routine dental checkups.
• Endodontic Treatment: By addressing infected or damaged tooth pulp early through endodontic treatment, you're preventing the need for extractions and preserving the integrity of your natural smile.
• Orthodontic Procedures: Investing in orthodontic procedures can improve your smile's aesthetics while simultaneously enhancing your oral health and reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Take proactive steps toward a healthier smile by scheduling regular dental hygiene services to detect and prevent cavities and gum disease.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Preventive Dentistry Services in Florida.

Dr. Barry DDS is dedicated to partnering with Dental Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By attending regular checkups and diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a family proactively managed their risk of odontogenic lesions, gaining peace of mind about their oral health.
• By attending regular checkups and following a personalized preventive plan, a patient successfully maintained a healthy jawline, reducing their risk of future oral health complications and enjoying a more confident smile.
• By proactively managing dental care, a family with a child diagnosed with Crouzon syndrome was able to address potential dental issues early, ensuring a smoother and more comfortable experience for the child. This proactive approach allowed for a more positive overall outlook on managing the syndrome's potential challenges.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Dental care with Dr. Barry DDS:

How often should I visit the dentist for a check-up and cleaning?

At Dr. Barry DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months for a checkup and cleaning. This is a crucial preventive step to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect cavities in their early stages, and screen for signs of gum disease and oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

Even with excellent brushing and flossing, plaque hardens into tartar that only a professional cleaning can remove. This is crucial for preventing cavities and, importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Your oral health is deeply connected to your overall well-being. Chronic gum inflammation, or periodontitis, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal oral and overall body health.

How can I whiten my teeth safely?

The safest and most effective way to whiten your teeth is under professional supervision. Dr. Barry DDS can assess your oral health to determine if you're a good candidate and offer professional-grade treatments, like custom trays or in-office procedures, for better and safer results than over-the-counter products.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

Yes, an oral cancer screening is a routine and important part of every dental check-up. Dr. Barry DDS will visually inspect the lips, tongue, gums, and entire mouth for any abnormalities, as early detection is key to successful treatment.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Barry DDS recommends a child's first dental visit within six months of their first tooth erupting, or by their first birthday. This early visit is crucial for ensuring proper tooth development and establishing a positive dental home for future care.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Barry DDS can help some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea. We can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep your airway open while you sleep, providing a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP therapy.

Are dental X-rays safe, and why do I need them?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Barry DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

32850 US Highway 19 N
Palm Harbor FL 34684
Phone: (727) 785-6511

Dr. Barry Jacobs, DDS is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1215023601

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Preventive Dentistry Services like Dr. Barry DDS are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your preventive dentistry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.