Dr. Maria Bernard Flores, MD

Dr. Maria Bernard Flores, MD is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Dental care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she practices at her clinic in Palm Springs, FL. 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. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages, and patients should call (561) 469-2945 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Maria Bernard Flores, MD is a dentistry practitioner in Palm Springs, FL, dedicated to the prevention of oral health issues. Her practice prioritizes comprehensive preventative care, which includes personalized plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. She emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention, coordinating screenings and managing overall wellness to maintain optimal oral and systemic health. This approach ensures that patients are not only proactive about their dental health but also understand the connection between oral and systemic well-being. Dr. Maria Flores provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Jaw Cyst: A jaw cyst is a fluid-filled sac that can develop in your jawbone, and early detection through regular dental checkups helps prevent potential complications like infection or bone damage.
• Swollen Gums: Noticeable gum swelling warrants a visit to your dentist; early intervention can often reverse the condition and maintain good oral health.
• Tooth Avulsion: Taking proactive steps like wearing protective gear during high-risk activities significantly reduces the likelihood of a tooth being knocked out, preserving your smile and oral health.
• 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.
• Clefting - Ectropion - Conical Teeth: Addressing clefting, ectropion, and conical teeth through timely treatment can minimize potential complications, such as speech impediments or eating difficulties, and support long-term well-being.
• Herpes Simplex Infection: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, like oral herpes, can be managed with antiviral medications and good hygiene practices to reduce outbreaks and prevent complications.
• Cavity: Cavities are preventable! Practicing good oral hygiene and regular dental visits are key to protecting your teeth from decay and maintaining your overall oral health.

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

• Electric Handpiece: Proactive oral care starts with regular checkups using an electric handpiece for thorough cleaning and early detection of potential issues.
• Replacing a Single Tooth: A single-tooth replacement prevents jawbone loss and preserves the natural shape of your face, promoting long-term oral health and aesthetics.
• Dental X-Ray: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with a dental X-ray. It allows your dentist to see below the surface of your teeth and gums to diagnose problems early, often before you experience any symptoms.
• Removable Appliances: Regularly cleaning and inspecting your removable appliances helps identify any damage or infections early, leading to timely treatment and preventing further complications.
• iTero™ Digital Scanning: Protecting your smile starts with early detection. iTero™ Digital Scanning helps your dentist identify subtle signs of decay or gum problems, enabling timely intervention and preventing more extensive treatments.
• Single Visit Root Canals: Safeguarding your oral health is easy with a single-visit root canal, enabling prompt treatment of infected tooth pulp and preserving your natural tooth.
• Implant-Supported Dentures: Protect your jawbone and maintain a natural-looking smile with implant-supported dentures; this approach offers superior stability and comfort compared to traditional dentures.

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. Maria Flores 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 scheduling regular dental checkups, a patient detected a potential jaw cyst early, significantly reducing the risk of infection and bone damage, and gaining peace of mind.
• Recognizing early signs of gum swelling and following a proactive dental care plan, a patient maintained healthy gums and avoided more serious oral health issues. This preventive approach brought peace of mind and ensured long-term oral well-being.
• Knowing the risks of sports-related tooth injuries, a young athlete proactively discussed protective gear with a dental professional, significantly reducing the chance of tooth avulsion and ensuring a 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. Maria Flores:

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

For most people, a visit to Dr. Flores and our dental hygienists every six months is recommended. This allows us to remove tartar buildup that brushing can't, detect cavities early, and screen for 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, more importantly, gum disease, which is linked to other health problems.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intrinsically linked to overall health. Chronic gum inflammation, or 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?

Yes, modern digital dental X-rays are very safe, using extremely low levels of radiation. They allow Dr. Maria Flores to see issues like cavities between teeth, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better oral health.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Maria Flores recommends that children have their 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.

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, supporting a natural-looking crown. This helps prevent bone loss and preserves the health of surrounding teeth.

Do you perform oral cancer screenings?

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

What is TMJ disorder?

Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) disorder is a condition affecting the jaw joint and muscles that control jaw movement. Common symptoms include jaw pain, clicking or popping sounds, and headaches. Dr. Flores can help diagnose the issue and recommend treatments like a custom nightguard to prevent damage from grinding.

2459 S Congress Ave Ste 206
Palm Springs FL 33406
Phone: (561) 469-2945

Dr. Maria Bernard Flores, MD 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): 1265972038

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. Maria Flores 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.