Dr. Mark Barber, DDS is a General Dentist practicing at his clinic in Port St. Lucie, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive dental care for older adults, 65 years and older, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Barber understands the unique dental needs of seniors, recognizing that oral health is inextricably linked to overall well-being.
General dentists play a vital role in the overall health of older adults, providing comprehensive oral care, managing age-related dental issues like dry mouth and gum disease, and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure optimal oral and overall well-being. Dr. Mark Barber, DDS is committed to this collaborative approach, utilizing evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He strives to provide the highest standard of care tailored to the specific needs of his senior patients. Prospective patients should call (772) 336-2300 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Mark Barber, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Port St. Lucie, FL, dedicated to the comprehensive dental care of seniors. He prioritizes a collaborative approach to patient care, recognizing the importance of open communication and shared decision-making. While Dr. Barber provides consultations primarily in English, he is dedicated to ensuring clear and compassionate communication with all patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mark Barber is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Barber is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive dental care with a compassionate touch. He understands the unique oral health needs of aging adults, proactively managing age-related issues like dry mouth and gum disease. His commitment extends beyond the teeth, recognizing the vital connection between oral health and overall well-being, ensuring collaboration with other healthcare providers for a coordinated and holistic approach to senior care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mark Barber can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Cigna
- Delta Dental
- Delta Dental PPO
- Delta Dental Premier
- Dental Complete DPPO
- DentalGuard Preferred
- Elite Plus DPPO
- Guardian
- Total Dental DPPO
- United Concordia Dental
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mark Barber provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Lockjaw: Lockjaw, or trismus, is a condition causing difficulty opening your mouth, often due to injury or infection, and treatment focuses on managing pain and improving jaw mobility for easier eating and daily tasks.
- Taste Disorders: A taste disorder means your sense of taste isn't working as well as it used to, affecting your appetite and enjoyment of meals; your dentist can work with you and your doctor to find solutions.
- Cold Sore: Managing cold sores involves keeping the area clean and dry, using over-the-counter medications to ease discomfort, and avoiding touching or picking at the blisters to prevent spreading or scarring, helping maintain a comfortable daily routine.
- Toothache: If you're dealing with a toothache, it's important to seek dental care right away. Your dentist can assess the pain, determine the source (like a cavity or impacted wisdom tooth), and create a personalized treatment plan for lasting relief.
- Sjögren's Syndrome: Dry mouth, a common symptom of Sjögren's Syndrome, can be managed with artificial saliva and other strategies, preserving the health of your teeth and making eating more enjoyable.
- Cleft Palate: A cleft palate is a birth defect where there's an opening in the roof of the mouth, impacting speech and eating, but with proper care and surgery, individuals can lead full and healthy lives.
- Oral Infection: An oral infection is a bacterial or fungal infection in your mouth, often causing pain, swelling, and discomfort that can be effectively treated by your dentist.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Mark Barber offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Dental Bonding: Dental bonding can address minor aesthetic issues and improve chewing function, contributing to better overall oral health.
- Bone Regeneration Procedure: Bone regeneration helps to manage bone loss associated with gum disease or tooth loss, improving the long-term health of your mouth and jaw.
- Gum Surgery: Gum surgery can be a vital step in restoring oral health, particularly if other treatments haven't fully addressed gum disease.
- Prosthetic: Your dentist uses prosthetics to restore your smile and function, helping you enjoy your favorite foods and improving your overall quality of life.
- Implant-Supported Bridge: For seniors dealing with missing teeth, an implant-supported bridge is a reliable treatment option that helps restore proper chewing function and improves your ability to enjoy your favorite foods.
- Dental Restoration: As part of a complete oral health strategy, dental restoration treatments enhance the longevity of your natural teeth, preserving your smile for years to come.
- Dental X-Ray: Dental X-rays help your dentist see hidden cavities or infections beneath the surface of your teeth, ensuring early detection and treatment.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for General Dentists in Florida.
Dr. Mark Barber is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After struggling with lockjaw, a senior was able to resume enjoying their favorite hobby of knitting, thanks to the dentist's guidance in managing the pain and improving jaw mobility.
- Grandma enjoyed her meals again, savoring the flavors of her favorite dishes, thanks to the dentist's guidance and collaboration with her physician. Her family rejoiced at her newfound appetite and the joy she experienced in eating.
- Knowing how to keep the area clean and dry, and using over-the-counter medications, a senior woman was able to quickly manage her cold sore, allowing her to smile confidently and enjoy her usual activities without discomfort.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Dental care with Dr. Mark Barber:
- How is dental health connected to my overall health, like my heart?
- Dr. Barber's practice emphasizes the critical link between oral and overall health. Bacteria from chronic gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and poorly controlled diabetes. Regular dental care is essential for maintaining not only healthy teeth but also your overall well-being.
- My medications make my mouth constantly dry. Is this a dental problem?
- Yes, dry mouth (xerostomia) is a very common side effect of many medications, and it is a dental problem. Saliva is the body's natural defense against cavities, so dry mouth significantly increases the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. Dr. Barber can recommend special rinses, gels, and other strategies to manage dry mouth and protect your teeth.
- What is involved in an oral cancer screening?
- Dr. Barber's oral cancer screenings are a quick, painless, but vital part of every routine dental exam. He will visually inspect your mouth and throat for any unusual sores or discolorations, and gently feel your jaw and neck for lumps. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
- What is the difference between a crown and a filling?
- A filling is like a patch to repair a small area of damage, while a crown is a cap that covers the entire tooth, providing strength and protection for a more significantly damaged tooth, like one that has had a root canal or is cracked.
- Are dental implants a safe and good option for older adults?
- Dental implants are often an excellent solution for older adults with sufficient jawbone health. They provide a secure, long-term way to replace missing teeth, anchoring a crown, bridge, or even a full denture, preventing slipping. This is a great investment in restoring chewing ability and confidence.
- Is it normal for my gums to bleed when I brush or floss?
- No, healthy gums should not bleed. Bleeding when brushing or flossing is usually the first sign of gum inflammation (gingivitis), which can progress to more serious periodontitis if left untreated. This is often reversible with professional cleaning and improved daily oral hygiene, and Dr. Barber can help create an effective and gentle home care routine.
- My dentures don't fit as well as they used to. What can be done?
- Changes in the jawbone and gums over time can cause dentures to loosen. We can often reline the existing denture for a better fit, or create a new one if the current one is significantly worn. A proper fit is important for comfortable eating and speaking.
- Why are my teeth becoming more sensitive as I get older?
- Tooth sensitivity in older adults is often due to receding gums, exposing the tooth root. Years of brushing can also wear down enamel. Dr. Barber can recommend desensitizing toothpastes, fluoride treatments, or check for other problems like cavities or cracked teeth.
718 SE Becker Rd
Port St. Lucie FL 34984
Phone: (772) 336-2300
Dr. Mark Barber, 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): 1336287804
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. General Dentists like Dr. Mark Barber are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.