Dr. Maria Ribeiro-Totzke, DDS

Dr. Maria Ribeiro-Totzke, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to building personalized plans to prevent cavities and gum disease, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness to ensure optimal oral and systemic health. She recognizes the vital link between oral health and overall well-being, making her a trusted partner in your journey toward a healthier you.

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. Maria DDS is dedicated to providing this comprehensive care for all ages, fostering a supportive and collaborative approach to patient care that puts you, the patient, in the driver's seat of your oral health journey. She firmly believes in evidence-based medicine and a patient-centered approach, empowering you to take an active role in your long-term health.

Dr. Maria Ribeiro-Totzke, DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Tampa, FL, committed to proactive, preventative care. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 814-4000. Dr. Maria DDS provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Facial Ectodermal Dysplasia: Facial ectodermal dysplasia is a rare genetic condition affecting teeth, skin, and sweat glands, making early diagnosis crucial for managing oral health complications and preventing infections.
• Burning Mouth Syndrome: Prevent worsening discomfort from burning mouth syndrome by practicing good oral hygiene and scheduling regular visits with your dentist for early identification and treatment.
• Cranioacrofacial Syndrome: Because cranioacrofacial syndromes may affect jaw structure and tooth alignment, proactive dental care is critical for preventing dental problems and preserving overall oral health.
• Gingivostomatitis: By maintaining good oral hygiene, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing gingivostomatitis and its associated discomfort.
• Dental Bone Loss: Dental bone loss, often a silent process, can be prevented with regular dental checkups and good oral hygiene, allowing for early detection and treatment before significant problems arise.
• Dentinogenesis Imperfecta - Short Stature - Hearing Loss - Mental Retardation: Dentinogenesis Imperfecta is a rare genetic condition affecting teeth and sometimes causing short stature, hearing loss, and intellectual disability; early diagnosis helps manage dental problems and potential complications.
• Tooth Displacement: Preventing tooth displacement through good oral hygiene and wearing a mouthguard during sports minimizes the risk of serious dental problems.

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

• Non-Surgical Orthodontic Procedures: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with non-surgical orthodontics; it helps align your teeth to prevent cavities and gum disease.
• Endodontic Surgery: Investing in your long-term oral health includes addressing severe tooth decay or trauma. Endodontic surgery helps prevent the spread of infection and preserves your natural teeth.
• Inlay Restoration: To safeguard your smile's longevity and prevent extensive dental work, consider an inlay restoration; it's a conservative way to repair moderate tooth decay before it worsens.
• In-Office 3D Cone Beam Imaging: Ensure comprehensive oral health care with a 3D Cone Beam imaging scan; this technology provides a more precise view, leading to accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of various oral health conditions.
• Clear Dental Braces: Correct your bite and improve your oral health with clear braces, actively preventing future problems such as temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders.
• Mouthguards: Reduce your risk of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders and related pain by wearing a mouthguard to minimize jaw clenching.
• Desensitizing Therapy (Dental): Take proactive steps towards a healthier smile by addressing tooth sensitivity with desensitizing therapy, ensuring you can enjoy all your favorite foods and drinks.

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 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 proactively scheduling regular dental checkups, a family was able to identify potential oral health complications early, reducing the risk of infections and ensuring a healthier future for their child with Facial Ectodermal Dysplasia.
• By consistently practicing good oral hygiene and attending regular dental checkups, a patient successfully managed the discomfort of burning mouth syndrome, ultimately reducing the risk of future flare-ups and maintaining a positive quality of life.
• By proactively managing dental care, a family with a child diagnosed with cranioacrofacial syndrome experienced improved oral health and reduced the risk of future dental issues, fostering peace of mind.

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 DDS:

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

At Dr. Maria DDS, we recommend seeing a dentist and dental hygienist every six months. This schedule helps remove plaque and tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, allowing for early detection of cavities and gum disease, and screening for oral cancer.

Why are routine dental cleanings so important for prevention?

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

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is deeply connected to your 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 healthy gums and a healthy body.

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 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 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're a powerful preventive tool, primarily for children and teenagers, that seals out food and plaque to prevent cavities from forming in the deep grooves of the teeth.

Can you help with snoring or sleep apnea?

Dr. Maria DDS can help with some cases of snoring and sleep apnea. For some patients with mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, she can create a custom-fitted oral appliance to keep the airway open while you sleep. This is a comfortable and effective alternative to CPAP for eligible patients.

What causes tooth sensitivity?

Tooth sensitivity can be caused by worn enamel, receding gums that expose the tooth root, or tiny cracks in the teeth. A proper diagnosis by Dr. Maria DDS is needed to determine the specific cause and recommend effective treatments, such as desensitizing toothpaste or in-office procedures.

11333 Countryway Blvd
Tampa FL 33626
Phone: (813) 814-4000

Dr. Maria Ribeiro-Totzke, 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): 1831365550

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 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.