“We are so honored that we have won,” says Dr. Davis. “Having our dental team’s work publicly lauded is extremely flattering. It reassures us that our patients feel we are providing high quality dental care and customer service at the standard we set for ourselves.”

The newspaper polls their readership to determine the best people, places and things that make the Ozarks a special place to live. Residents cast their votes via an online survey or paper ballot from Dec. 4 to Dec. 13. The number of voters this year quadrupled, according to the Best of the Ozarks Facebook page.
The winners are recognized at a reception in late January and highlighted in the 2011 Best of the Ozarks feature of the print and online edition of the newspaper.

When people are looking for a dental practice, they look for certain characteristics. One of the most influential factors is often the word of mouth recommendation. This award is a loud and clear community recommendation about our friendly, professional care.

According to Dr. Kelly Barnett, patients gravitate toward practices and dentists that have been recognized for their technology, effectiveness and patient care, and the Best Dentist Office award has definitely increased their client base over the years. Barnett-Davis Dental Group also has a portfolio of academic achievements and professional affiliations.

We practice general dentistry for all ages with dental services ranging from preventive checkups and restorative dentistry like dental implants to cosmetic procedures like Invisalign and full mouth reconstruction. Because of the impact oral health has on the whole body, we strive to educate patients about dental health and how to prevent more serious and costly issues.

They believe everyone deserves quality dental care, so they volunteer for events that provide dental care services for people who could not otherwise afford them. In September, they participated in Missouri Mission of Mercy, a two day dental clinic organized by the Missouri Dental Association that provided more than a million dollars in services and treated 1,856 people through the volunteer efforts of dental professionals and community members.

The Drs. Barnett have been practicing dentistry in the Ozarks since 1984 after graduating from the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry in the top 10 percent of their class.

Dr. Davis, who also graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry, associated with Drs. Barnett in 2004 to form the Nixa general dentistry practice, Barnett-Davis Dental Group.

We have also been ranked as Top Dentists for the last four years in a row by 417 Magazine in a poll of all dentists and some other types of health professionals located within the 417 area code.
“The highest praise we could ever receive is recognition from happy, satisfied patients,” says Dr. Davis. “So we want to extend our gratitude to our patients and community who voted for our practice. It’s our honor to serve you.”

© 2012 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, SEO search engine submission experts, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

In time for the holidays or making whiter teeth a New Year resolution, Barnett-Davis Dental Group, a Springfield, MO dentists, are offering KöR Whitening Deep Bleaching System, now with improved in-office whitening prescription bleach.

“We have been offering the KöR system for several years but the improved bleach for the chairside treatment we got last year has been providing awesome results,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a porcelain veneers specialist.

The system was developed by Dr. Rod Kurthy, an internationally renowned cosmetic dentist and bleaching expert, and dental professionals around the world have added the product to their repertoire.  Dental Product Shopper deemed the Evolve Dental Technologies’ treatment Best Product in 2009, giving the product a rating of 4.8 out of 5.
“This whitening system is ideal for patients with special whitening needs, such as sensitivity issues or very stained teeth, and others who want the whitest possible results,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, a dental crowns provider.

The procedure begins with one of our dentists making dental impressions to create the custom-molded mouth trays. The next step of the KöR whitening system is an in-office teeth conditioning visit that actually makes the teeth more susceptible to the bleach solution. After this visit, the patient is given a two-week supply of prescription bleach to use in their customized trays at home.  Following this two week at-home whitening, the patient returns for another office visit for chairside power bleaching.

“This final visit gives the whitest ‘wow factor,’ and our patients are so happy with the results,” says Dr. Marc Barnett.

Research shows that KöR’s whitening gel provides six or more hours of active teeth whitening, whereas other popular custom whitening trays made by dental offices provide an average of 25 – 35 minutes of active whitening.

“The KöR Deep Bleach Technique has proven itself to be very effective in whitening even the darkest teeth, and our patients are so pleased because it does that without the sensitivity associated with some other in-office bleaching systems,” adds Dr. Kelly Barnett, who has practiced family dentistry in the Ozarks since 1984.

Some patients experience tooth sensitivity to temperature, pressure and touch after whitening treatments, even gum irritation from bleaching solvents or gels. KöR Deep Bleaching has enhanced technology that protects teeth from sensitivity, and reviews of the product report low to no sensitivity post-treatment.

“We are very happy to be offering this to our clientele,” says Dr. Davis, a dentures specialist. “The pros of this treatment seem to address the cons of other treatments well and give our patients another option for teeth whitening.” For more information about KöR Whitening, visit their website.

© 2011 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, experts at avoiding SEO duplicate content woes, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

People with dental anxiety and phobia are not alone. Many people experience these feelings and experience some level of fear about going to the dentist, but the caring professionals at Barnett-Davis Dental Group are changing that.

Drs. Marc and Kelly Barnett and Tracy Davis and their highly trained team help patients from all over Southwest Missouri deal with and overcome their dental anxiety every day. We understand that many patients are apprehensive or even frightened of coming to the dentist so we take time to listen, explain procedures and make a plan with them to cope with their fears.

Many people are terrified of the loss of control they experience in the dental chair. Maybe they have had a past experience where a dentist proceeded to do things and they did not stop, in spite of the patient being in distress. Or the patient might have been physically, emotionally or sexually abused in the past, and being in the dental chair reminds them of these experiences. Or perhaps they simply have a general preference for being in control of situations. Whatever the reason, if you are that patient who fears a dental visit or loss of control, the dental team at Barnett-Davis Dental is the one for you!

“We don’t want anyone to feel embarrassed by their dental anxiety or avoid seeing us. Avoiding dental care runs the risk of dental problems getting worse or causing health problems,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett. “We work with many patients every day that have dental fears, and we can help them overcome those feelings and learn coping mechanisms. Many times, even our most phobic patients learn to actually enjoy coming to the dentist!”

Patients with dental anxiety may experience a sense of uneasiness about their appointments and have exaggerated or unfounded worries and fears. While others who have dental phobia experience lack of control or intense fear and dread, leaving that person feeling terrified or panic stricken, explains Dr. Davis. The  simplestepsdental.com is helpful in understanding and dealing with dental fears.

“The most important advice in dealing with a dental phobia is to let us know that you are apprehensive or scared when you come to the dentist,” adds Dr. Marc Barnett. “The good news is that we are here, and we really do care about you and your feelings. We have decades of experience in helping phobic patients just like you, and we can teach you great coping skills.”

The actual facility of Barnett-Davis Dental is designed to be as relaxing as possible. From the soothing sounds of a waterfall as you enter the office to the aroma of scented candles in the waiting room, you will know that your comfort is our primary concern. Each treatment area is equipped with comfortable chairs, cozy blankets if you are chilly, soft pillows on the headrest, nitrous oxide relaxing air and satellite-fed stereo headphones.

To diminish anxious feelings, we give our patients the following advice:

• Tell the Drs. Barnett and Davis about any fearful, tense or anxious feelings, so we can tailor your treatment and pace to suit your special needs.
• If you are interested, Drs. Barnett and Davis will discuss the use of nitrous oxide and relaxing prescription medications to take before your appointment.
• Remember that you are in control. We emphasize that our patients are always in control of the appointment, and we will stop the procedure immediately every time the patient asks us to do so. We will arrange a signal in advance for you to indicate to us any discomfort you might be experiencing or the need for a break.
• Remember to schedule your appointments when you are the least likely to be rushed or physically strained.
• Get the recommended amount of sleep the night before. Eat light meals the day of and wear loose, comfortable clothes.
• Visualize something soothing during the visit.
• Remember…we really do care and want your visits with us to be pleasant and comfortable.

Here are some other great ideas from the American Dental Association that are a good starting point for relaxing before and during dental treatment:

“We do not want you to put off getting routine dental care or restorative procedures any longer,” say the Ozark family dentistry practitioner. “Please call the office today, and let us get started on finding a solution to your dental anxieties.”

© 2011 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, professional SEO provider, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

The good news is that bad breath, medically called halitosis, is not something that someone has to live with or attempt to cover up with breath mints or gum, according to the Branson dentists at Barnett-Davis Dental Group.

The problem may arise from poor dental health habits or be a sign of other health problems, and it can be exacerbated by the types of foods you eat and other unhealthy lifestyle habits.

How Does What You Eat Affect Breath?
Most people realize that when they eat foods with strong odors like garlic or onions they risk having bad breath. Unfortunately, most people don’t realize how long this “onion breath” lingers because most people are unable to smell their own bad breath.

“If you eat foods with strong odors like garlic or onions, you can try to mask the odor with brushing, flossing, mouthwash or mints but this will only work temporarily,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a dental care provider. “The offending odors will not go away completely until those foods have passed through your digestive system.”

Basically, all the food you eat begins to be broken down in your mouth. As foods are digested and absorbed into your bloodstream and then they are eventually carried to your lungs and given off in your breath.

“The best way to avoid this type of bad breath is to avoid garlic and onions, especially if you know that you will be in close conversations with other people that day,” adds Dr. Kelly Barnett.

Why Do Poor Dental Habits Cause Bad Breath?
Poor dental hygiene can be another cause of bad breath. If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, which promotes bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums and on the tongue, explains Dr. Tracy Davis, a tooth whitening provider.

She adds, “Poor hygiene habits or lack of regular professional cleanings can also lead to periodontal or gum disease which will cause chronic mouth odors.”

Even people that do not have teeth can have bad breath. Failure to properly clean dentures or other dental appliances will leave odor-causing bacteria and food particles on the dental device contributing to bad breath.

Smoking and chewing tobacco-based products can also cause bad breath, stain teeth, reduce ability to taste foods and irritate the gums.

What Health Problems Are Associated With Bad Breath?
Persistent bad breath or a bad taste in your mouth may be warning signs of gum disease, called periodontal disease. Gum disease is caused by the buildup of plaque on teeth. The bacteria cause toxins to form in the mouth, which irritate the gums. If gum disease continues untreated, it can damage the gums and supporting jawbone.

Other dental causes of bad breath include poorly fitting dental appliances, yeast infections of the mouth and dental caries.

“Certain medical conditions like dry mouth, also called xerostomia, can also cause bad breath,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a laser dentistry expert.

Saliva is necessary to moisten and cleanse the mouth by neutralizing acids produced by plaque and washing away dead cells that accumulate on the tongue, gums and cheeks. If not removed, these cells decompose and can cause bad breath. Dry mouth may be caused by the side effects of various medications, salivary gland problems or continuous breathing through the mouth.

Many other diseases and illnesses, many not even originating in the mouth, may cause bad breath. Common bad breath culprits are respiratory tract infections, including pneumonia or bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, postnasal drip, diabetes, chronic acid reflux and liver or kidney problems.

What Can I Do to Prevent Bad Breath?
According to Dr. Davis, bad breath can be reduced or prevented by following these five recommendations:

1- Practice good oral hygiene. Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste to remove food debris and plaque. Brush your teeth after you eat – even at work or school. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, too. Replace your toothbrush every two to three months. Use floss or an interdental cleaner between your teeth to remove food particles and plaque between your teeth once a day. Dentures should be removed at night and cleaned thoroughly before being placed in your mouth the next morning.

2- See your dentist regularly, at least twice a year. Drs. Barnett and Davis will conduct an oral examination and professional teeth cleaning and they will be able detect and treat periodontal disease, dry mouth or other problems that may be the cause of bad mouth odor.

3- Stop smoking/chewing tobacco-based products. Ask Barnett-Davis Dental Group for tips on kicking the habit.

4- Drink lots of water. This will keep your mouth moist. Chewing gum or sucking on candy – preferably sugarless – also stimulates the production of saliva, which helps wash away food particles and bacteria.

5- Keep a log of the foods you eat. If you think the foods that you eat may be causing your bad breath, record what you eat. Bring the log to your dental checkup for review. Similarly, make a list of the medications you take. Some medications may play a role in creating mouth odors.

Who Treats Bad Breath?
In most cases, we can treat the cause of bad breath, says Dr. Kelly Barnett. If we determine that your mouth is healthy and that the odor is not of oral origin, you may be referred to your family doctor or to a specialist to determine the odor source and treatment plan. Or, if the odor is due to gum disease or another dental issue, we can discuss treatments for those problems.

What Products Can I Use to Eliminate Bad Breath?
There are a number of over-the-counter mouthwashes that claim to eliminate bad breath. However, keep in mind that many of these mouthwashes generally provide only a temporary way to mask unpleasant mouth odor.

Certain products on the market like antiseptic mouth-rinse products are more effective long-term because they kill the germs that cause bad breath instead of simply masking breath odor.

“Don’t be afraid to talk to us about bad breath. Ask us about which product is best for you,” says Dr. Marc Barnett. “We can help you overcome this embarrassing problem.”

© 2011 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, search engine optimization information experts, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Pain caused by tooth sensitivity is no longer a problem that you have to live with because the dentists of Barnett-Davis Dental Group are explaining the most common culprits of tooth sensitivity and how to get relief.
Take It Easy
Sometimes tooth sensitivity can be caused by brushing with too much force or with a toothbrush with bristles that are too hard. The protective layers of your teeth wear down when a person repeatedly brushes improperly, exposing the microscopic hollow tubes or canals that lead to the dental nerves.
“The tubules are very sensitive, meaning exposure to hot, cold, acidic or sticky foods and beverages often results in discomfort or pain,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, an Ozark tooth whitening specialist. She recommends patients switch to a toothbrush with softer bristles and to brush gently.

Check The Ingredient Label
Acidic foods and beverages like tomato sauce, lemon, grapefruit, kiwi and pickles can push those tooth sensitivity buttons, so avoid them while you work on finding the reason for the sensitivity.
Some people are very sensitive to ingredients, such as teeth-whitening chemicals or alcohol, added to certain types of toothpaste and mouthwash. Switching the toothpaste brand or type for one that does not contain tooth whitening active ingredients can alleviate sensitivity symptoms, as well as swapping out the mouthwash or rinse that “burns” for a neutral fluoride rinse.
“In certain cases, you could simply skip the rinse and be more diligent about flossing and brushing,” says Dr. Tracy Davis.

Be On Guard

Bruxism may be the cause of tooth sensitivity for some people. The condition is clenching or grinding the teeth, causing the strongest substance in the body, enamel, to wear down.

“Bruxism eventually exposes the dentin, the middle layer of the tooth, which contains the hollow tubes that lead to your nerves,” says Dr. Marc Barnett. “For this type of situation, investing in a mouth guard – ideally a custom-made guard – protects your teeth and prevents the pain.”

Stop Avoiding The Dental Office
While some instances of tooth sensitivity can be remedied with a simple change in diet, toothbrush, toothpaste or mouthwash, many times tooth sensitivity or pain is because you have gone too long between routine dental exams and cleanings.
Excessive plaque causes the protective enamel of teeth to wear away. Good dental care, meaning daily brushing, flossing, rinsing and regular visits to the dentist for cleanings, should prevent this problem.
Besides keeping cavity-causing plaque at bay, regular cleanings and examinations allow the dentist to watch for decay around the edges of fillings, gum recession and gum disease, which can all cause tooth sensitivity or pain.
“Fillings that have weakened, fractured or leaked around the edges make teeth susceptible to bacteria and enamel breakdown. They need to be replaced to prevent further tooth decay,” says Dr. Marc Barnett.
On the other hand, gum disease left untreated will cause much larger issues than tooth sensitivity or decay. It is the leading cause of tooth loss in people over 35 and is linked to other health problems, including heart and respiratory diseases, preterm, low birth weight babies, stroke, osteoporosis and diabetes.
“Another reason for tooth sensitivity or pain is a chipped or cracked tooth. That often causes pain that goes beyond tooth sensitivity,” says Dr. Davis, a porcelain veneers provider. “Your dentist will evaluate the tooth and discuss the treatment options available.”

Wait It Out After Recent Dental Procedure
Teeth often become more sensitive after a recent visit to the dentist or dental procedure. Some patients may experience sensitivity after a root canal, an extraction or the placement of dental bridges and crowns.
“If your sensitivity doesn’t dissipate after a day or two, another visit to your dentist is in order to rule out a potential infection,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett.

The Bottom Line
With any tooth sensitivity or pain, an office visit with your dentist can help you determine the culprit, and he or she may recommend other treatments, such as a fluoride gel or prescription desensitizer. These products are applied to areas where you have the most sensitivity to strengthen tooth enamel and reduce sensitivity.
“Together we can come up with a treatment plan to reduce tooth sensitivity and improve dental health, so you can find relief and go about everyday activities without bracing for the ‘ouch,’” says Dr. Marc Barnett.

© 2011 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, search engine optimization information experts, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

“It is astonishing how much soda and other sugary beverages, such as sports drinks, sweet tea and flavored water, Americans consume each year,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, who is a dental care specialist at Barnett-Davis Dental Group.

A 12-ounce bottle of Gatorade Thirst Quencher has 21 grams of sugar, which is approximately seven teaspoons of sugar. A 16-ounce can of Monster, a common energy drink, contains 54 grams of sugar, or roughly 13.5 teaspoons of sugar.

“These beverages are a double-whammy to teeth because the acid breaks down the tooth enamel, which allows faster access to the cavity-causing sugars,” says Dr. Davis, a tooth bonding and dentures provider.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended in their latest guidelines that consumers choose water instead of sugary beverages (http://www.ada.org/news/5984.aspx). Another recent news release, one from the American Academy of Pediatrics in June, tailored those guidelines to children, parents and caregivers. They take the USDA guidelines even further saying sports and energy drinks are very detrimental to children and unnecessary in the majority of cases (http://www.ada.org/news/5970.aspx).

“To compound this problem is the fact that many people don’t get enough fluoride,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, a Springfield, MO dental implants provider. “Drinking bottled and filtered water prevents consumers from getting the benefits of the fluoride added to tap water.”

However, the Nixa dentists have suggestions to help people counteract the havoc these beverages wreak.

Being aware of how much sugar there really is in the drink – four grams of sugar is approximately one teaspoon – helps some people reduce consumption.

“Obviously, the number one way to prevent these problems is to not drink those beverages,” says Dr. Davis. “Excellent oral hygiene habits, regular teeth cleaning and fluoride varnish keep teeth strong and healthy.”

A concentrated fluoride varnish applied to teeth after a regular cleaning helps build up tooth enamel and reduces tooth decay by 40 percent according to clinical studies.

“If you do continue to drink soda and sports drinks, there are some things you can do to reduce the tooth damage,” adds Dr. Marc Barnett.

He says limiting the amount of time the teeth are in actual contact with the acid and sugar in the soft drink is helpful. You can do this by using a straw and not sipping on a soda over an extended period of time. Dr. Barnett also advises to rinse with water after consuming a soft drink to reduce the concentration of the sugars and acids in actual contact with the teeth.

It is important to discuss your intake of sugary liquids with your dentist, adds Dr. Kelly Barnett. We can then work together to formulate a personalized plan to start reducing the intake of cavity-causing agents by replacing them with a healthier choices.

© 2011 Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google – SEO free web site tips provider and industry leader—is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

The magazine used information collected by an independent agency in a poll sent to all dentists and some other types of health professionals located within the 417 area code. The ballots ask that participants take into account years in practice, continuing education, patient interaction, physical results, and incorporating new techniques and technology when ranking their peers.

The list including the Springfield MO dentists was published in the August 2011 issue and reached a readership of more than 130,000 in southwest Missouri. In addition to the annual Top Dentists feature, the magazine covers topics related to arts, events, dining, entertainment, home and other local quality of life issues.
The article posted on the magazine’s website says, “The dentists on these pages were voted by their peers to be among the best, and they could be your source for top-notch dental care.” Dr. Marc Barnett said the recommendation over the past four years has really increased their client base since patients gravitate toward practices and dentists that have been recognized for their technology, effectiveness and patient care.

The Barnett-Davis Dental Group is a general dentistry practice for all ages with a full range of dental services from preventive checkups and cosmetic procedures to full mouth reconstruction.

While patients could walk into any dental practice and have a tooth fixed, when they walk into our office we are not only treating their teeth, we are treating them as a person, according to Dr. Barnett, an expert in mini dental implants. “Teeth have more impact on the overall health of a person than most people know, so we strive to educate our patients about dental health and how to prevent more serious and costly issues,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett.

The Barnetts have been practicing dentistry in the Ozarks since 1984 after they graduated from the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry in the top 10 percent of their class.

In 2004, Dr. Davis, who also graduated in the top 10 percent of her class at the University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry, associated with Drs. Barnett to form the Barnett-Davis Dental Group.

“While receiving awards and recognition for what we do is wonderful, our ultimate reward and highest praise comes from our happy, satisfied patients,” says Dr. Davis.

The Top Dentists 2011 list published in 417 Magazine includes more than 80 dentists and specialists in the Springfield area and is from the 2011 topDentists list. For more information, visit the website.

© 2011 Sinai Marketing, Inc. dba Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, dental patient marketing experts, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

Ozark smile makeover dentist, Dr. Tracy Davis says the MDI System consists of two parts: the miniature titanium screw that acts as the root of your tooth and a retaining fixture that is incorporated into the base of your denture or crown. An O-ring snaps over the ball-shaped retaining fixture at the head of the implant, and together they act as a socket to hold the denture at a predetermined level of force, according to Dr. Davis. Dental bridges or crowns can also be cemented onto the implant’s head for a permanent restoration option.

Dr. Marc Barnett, a tooth bonding professional, says the implant fixture’s design allows for micro-mobility while withstanding natural lifting forces.

“They eliminate the worry that removable dentures will slip or fall out when laughing or sneezing and the difficulty some people have eating foods like steak, salads or apples,” the dentistry expert says.

The process for placing mini implants is accomplished quickly and easily in the office with local anesthesia or light sedation for comfort. One of our specialists uses a minimally invasive surgical technique to place the implant into the jawbone. Only the head of the implant protrudes from the gum tissue. The procedure does not require sutures or the typical months of healing.

“Patients can leave the office after their visit in the morning and be ready to eat dinner that evening,” says Dr. Kelly Barnett, who offers tooth whitening services.

A complimentary consultation determines if you are a candidate for implant placement. Computerized radiographs and impressions are made and sent to the dental lab. Dr. Barnett, a veneers provider, says the final visit, when the implants are placed, usually only takes about an hour.

The benefits of mini dental implants extend beyond functional and aesthetic, according to Dr. Barnett, smile makeover provider. Implants help preserve bone and facial appearance, plus, the MDI system is less than half the cost of conventional-style implants.

© 2011 Sinai Marketing, Inc. dba Master Google and the Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company that offers website SEO analysis, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons recommends the use of mouth guards for children and adults when playing any sport that involves falls, body contact or flying equipment. This includes football, wrestling, baseball, soccer, hockey, skateboarding, gymnastics, in-line skating, mountain biking – any activity that might result in an injury to the mouth.

“Injuries to the face and teeth can cause so many long-term oral health problems,” says Dr. Marc Barnett, Springfield MO dentist. “If you don’t want to land in the dentist’s chair- or worse, the ER- after being hit in the face with a hockey puck, ball or elbow, you need to protect yourself and wear a well-fitted mouth guard.”There are different devices worn over the teeth during organized athletics and other physical activities. According to Barnett, they typically cover the upper teeth, and their main purpose is to protect the mouth from injuries such as broken teeth, cut lips and other damage. Our office offers three types of custom mouth guards.

“We just started offering the latest performance mouth wear products from Under Armour,” says Dr. Tracy Davis, Springfield MO dental expert. Under Armour claims that their products improve athletic performance by increasing speed and endurance, reducing stress and impact and speeding up reaction time. Some Under Armour designs offer mouth protection, too.

We provide our patients with complimentary consultations at our Springfield MO dentistry practice to help them decide what type of mouth guard is best for them. Davis says patients who wear braces or other fixed dental appliances on their lower jaw might need a mouth protector for those teeth, as well.

Mouth Guard and Performance Wear Basics
Any type of mouth guard or performance wear an athlete decides on should be resilient, tear-resistant and comfortable, and it should definitely not restrict speech or breathing, says Dr. Kelly Barnett, a specialist at the Springfield, MO dental clinic.

Athletes involved in multiple sports should inspect their mouth guards for wear because they do need to be replaced periodically, she says. We recommend custom mouth guards be reevaluated after each season because the material may wear with extreme usage, and that can make them less effective.

“Remind kids and adolescents to check their mouth guard for proper fit and protection every couple of months,” says Barnett. “Their mouths, jaws and teeth are still developing, so a mouth guard that fit six months ago might not fit now.”

Types of Mouth Wear
Stock, boil-and-bite and custom-made are three main categories of mouth guards and performance wear.

Stock
Stock mouth guards are pre-formed plastic and ready-to-wear. Because they are available at sporting goods stores and large retailers, inexpensive and ready-to-wear, they often appeal to athletes. Unfortunately, many athletes will not wear them because they find they frequently do not fit well, can be bulky, and may make breathing and talking difficult.

Boil-and-Bite
Boil-and-bite mouthpieces also come pre-formed but can be altered to create a more customized fit. The person boils the form according to the package directions and then bites into the softened plastic to create a mold. These are also widely available and inexpensive.

Custom-Made Mouth Guards and Performance Wear
For the best fit, comfort and protection, we would recommend custom mouth guards or performance wear. These are made at our dental practice or a professional dental laboratory, which means they cost the most out of all three options, says Barnett, Springfield MO veneers provider. They are created by making an impression of the person’s teeth and creating a mouth guard based on that model.

Just like there are different types of mouth guards and performance wear, there are also different types of custom-made mouth wear. We offer three custom mouth guard options at our Springfield, MO cosmetic dentistry practice, says Davis.

1. Economy Mouthguards-We often recommend Economy Mouthguards for children because they are the least expensive option. Children and adolescents need new guards as the jaw grows and permanent teeth come in.
2. Playsafe Mouthguards-This mouth guard is fabricated at a laboratory and is a good choice for patients wanting a unique-looking mouth guard. They can customize colors, patterns and images. Playsafe offers four levels of protection, ranging from light to heavy pro. The level of protection we recommend for patients depends on age and type of sport played.
3. Under Armour Performance Mouthwear-This category, fabricated by the Under Armour Company, has three different mouthpieces. Patients choose an option based on the sport they play and the goal of the mouthpiece. Two of these mouthpieces are designed strictly to boost performance, but the third option offers a blend of protection and performance-enhancement.

© 2011 Google ranking company, Inc. dba Master Google and Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a SEO consulting service, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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The water-based, sugar-free paste is smeared directly in the oral cavity or on the tooth surface. The application process can be done by the dentist in the office or by the patient at home. The active ingredient, RECALDENT (CPP-ACP), is a milk-derived phosphopeptide that binds calcium and phosphate to tooth surfaces, plaque and surrounding soft tissue, according to the MI Paste website.“This paste is very helpful as a preventive measure for patients with a high risk of caries,” said the Springfield, MO veneers provider, Dr. Kelly Barnett. “The paste works with saliva, the natural plaque-fighting tool, to strengthen tooth enamel, reduce sensitivity and prevent white spot lesions.”

According to the Springfield, MO cosmetic dentist, several factors raise the risk of caries by creating an acid imbalance in the mouth and demineralizing teeth, such as aging, side effects of medications, systemic disease, pregnancy, heartburn and consuming sport drinks, soft drinks, fruit juices, coffee and alcoholic beverages.

Demineralization is a process where the tooth loses calcium and phosphate and causes cavities. MI Paste works with the body’s natural defense system to replace those minerals and keep teeth strong and healthy. Insurance companies often accept the paste under a claim as fluoride treatment.

“Preventing cavities and other oral health issues is about more than just keeping teeth healthy,” said Dr. Marc Barnett, a Springfield, MO dental clinic provider. “Major problems in the mouth can cause problems in the body.”

If you think you are at a high risk of caries, or want more information about the benefits of MI Paste, call the office at (417) 581-3600 to make an appointment at the Springfield, MO dentistry practitioner. The MI Paste website also has answers to many frequently asked questions.

© 2011 Sinai Marketing, Inc. dba Master Google and the Barnett-Davis Dental Group. Authorization to post is granted, with the stipulation that Master Google, a company who provides useful tips on SEO for beginners, is credited as sole source. Linking to other sites from this press release is strictly prohibited, with the exception of herein imbedded links.

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