Dr. Sarah Barr, DMD

Dr. Sarah Barr, DMD is a Preventive Dentistry specialist committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Brandon, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to general preventive dentistry as a cornerstone of lifelong oral health. This involves creating personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. She serves all ages, understanding the unique dental needs of each patient.

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. Dr. Sarah DMD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 689-5928 to schedule. Dr. Sarah Barr, a Tampa native and third-generation patient of the practice, brings a deep understanding of local needs and a passion for preventive care. She is a graduate of Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, holding a Master's degree in Medical Science from the University of South Florida and an undergraduate degree in Exercise Science from Florida State University. Dr. Sarah DMD is an active member of the Florida Dental Association and the American Dental Association, and her commitment to her profession is matched by her dedication to her community.

We are proud of our dedicated and caring dental team, each of whom was carefully selected to provide exceptional care for our patients at every stage of treatment—from routine hygiene visits to the most complex procedures. Our team shares the same values of continued educational development and dental industry advancements to provide the best dental care possible. They strive to maintain the feeling of friendship and family that has always been a hallmark of our practice. Dr. Sarah DMD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Sarah DMD 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. Sarah DMD 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. Sarah DMD 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:

• Tooth Demineralization: Early identification of tooth demineralization, the initial stage of tooth decay, allows for timely intervention through improved oral hygiene and professional treatments, preventing significant dental issues in the future.
• Tooth Damage: Tooth damage, like cavities or cracks, can be prevented with regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, reducing the need for costly and extensive repairs later.
• Tooth Discoloration: Preventing tooth discoloration starts with good oral hygiene habits to maintain the natural whiteness of your teeth and avoid future complications.
• Gum Disease: Don't let gum disease put your overall health at risk; proactive steps such as brushing, flossing, and regular dental checkups can significantly minimize your chances of developing this preventable condition.
• Grinding of Teeth: Grinding your teeth, or bruxism, can wear down enamel, leading to cavities and sensitivity—catching it early with a dental check-up prevents major problems.
• Broken Tooth: A broken tooth, if left untreated, can lead to infection, further damage, and ultimately tooth loss, highlighting the importance of regular dental checkups for early detection and prevention.
• Tooth Abrasion: Tooth abrasion, the wearing away of tooth enamel, can be prevented by using a soft-bristled toothbrush and avoiding abrasive toothpastes, protecting your teeth from premature damage and sensitivity.
• Dental Disorders: Regular dental checkups are crucial for early detection and management of dental disorders, allowing for timely intervention to prevent further damage and improve long-term oral health.
• Tooth Abscess: Managing oral health effectively through regular brushing, flossing, and professional cleanings helps reduce your risk of developing a tooth abscess and its associated pain and discomfort.
• Loose Teeth: Don't ignore loose teeth – they indicate a problem that, if left untreated, can lead to infections, further tooth loss, and even impact your overall health.
• Cavity: Catching cavities early through regular checkups and cleanings helps prevent larger, more painful problems down the line and keeps your teeth healthy longer.
• Tooth Loss: Early detection of gum disease and cavities through routine dental visits can significantly reduce your chances of experiencing tooth loss later in life.

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. Sarah DMD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Composite Fillings: Composite fillings offer a safe and effective way to restore teeth damaged by decay, safeguarding your overall oral health and preventing complications.
• Cosmetic Procedure: Improving your smile's appearance through cosmetic procedures can motivate you to maintain better oral hygiene, preventing future problems.
• Dental Cleaning: A dental cleaning is a simple yet effective preventative measure to keep your mouth healthy, detecting any issues early and avoiding future complications.
• Dental Crown: Investing in a dental crown can prevent the loss of a tooth and help maintain a healthy, functional bite by protecting a compromised tooth from further damage.
• Dental Hygiene Services: Take proactive steps toward a healthier smile by scheduling regular dental hygiene services to detect and prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Dental Implant: Dental implants are artificial tooth roots surgically placed to replace missing teeth, providing a strong, stable foundation for long-term oral health and preventing further tooth loss.
• Non-Surgical Gum Treatment: Take proactive steps towards preventing gum disease with a non-surgical gum treatment, helping catch and address issues early before they worsen.
• Porcelain Veneers: Porcelain veneers are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth, improving their appearance and protecting them from further damage, thus proactively enhancing your smile and oral health.
• Root Canal: Root canal treatment is a vital step in preventing the spread of infection from a severely damaged tooth to other areas of your mouth and body, promoting overall well-being.
• Simple Tooth Extractions: A simple tooth extraction proactively removes a damaged tooth to prevent infection and maintain the health of your surrounding teeth.
• Teeth Whitening: Professional teeth whitening is more than just aesthetics; it encourages regular dental checkups, supporting the early detection of oral health concerns.
• Tooth-Conserving Dentistry: Protecting your natural teeth is key to your overall health, and tooth-conserving dentistry provides the necessary preventive and restorative care to achieve that.

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. Sarah DMD 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 following a personalized oral hygiene plan, a family proactively addressed early signs of tooth demineralization, significantly reducing their risk of future dental problems. This proactive approach ensured a healthy smile and peace of mind for years to come.
• By diligently following a preventive dentistry plan, including regular checkups and at-home care, a family significantly reduced their risk of costly dental repairs and enjoyed the peace of mind that comes with proactive oral health.
• By establishing a consistent oral hygiene routine and attending regular checkups, a patient maintained the natural beauty of their smile, preventing future tooth discoloration and enjoying a confident, healthy smile.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Sarah DMD:

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

Dr. Sarah DMD recommends seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months. This schedule helps remove tartar buildup, which brushing can't, and allows for early detection of cavities and gum disease, as well as oral cancer screenings.

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, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems like heart disease.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation (periodontitis) has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Preventive dental care is essential for maintaining optimal body health.

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

Modern digital dental X-rays use extremely low levels of radiation and are very safe. They allow Dr. Sarah DMD to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention.

What are dental implants?

Dental implants are the modern gold standard for replacing missing teeth. They are titanium posts that act like artificial tooth roots, which are then topped with a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of adjacent teeth.

What are dental sealants, and who should get them?

Dental sealants are a thin, protective plastic coating applied to the chewing surfaces of back teeth. They are a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque, preventing cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

What are veneers and how are they different from crowns?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, are caps that cover the entire tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength after significant damage or decay.

What is the difference between gingivitis and periodontitis?

Gingivitis is an early, reversible stage of gum disease characterized by red, swollen gums that may bleed easily. If left untreated, gingivitis can progress to periodontitis, a more serious stage where the bone supporting the teeth is damaged, potentially leading to tooth loss.

212 N Moon Ave
Brandon FL 33510
Phone: (813) 689-5928

Dr. Sarah Barr, DMD 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): 1568029692

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. Sarah DMD 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.