Dr. Martha Barrera, DDS

Dr. Martha Barrera, DDS is a Preventive Dentistry practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive preventative dental care. She practices at her clinic in Lakeland, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Martha DDS is a dentistry practitioner in Lakeland, FL, accepting new patients. Her focus is firmly rooted in prevention, emphasizing the crucial link between oral and systemic health. She works with patients of all ages, developing personalized preventive strategies to create a foundation for a healthy, confident smile. Her approach is characterized by a commitment to empowering patients to make informed decisions about their oral health. Dr. Martha DDS provides consultations primarily in English. To schedule an appointment, please call (866) 234-8534.

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

• Tooth Discoloration (Resistant to Whitening): Persistent tooth discoloration that doesn't respond to whitening treatments might indicate an underlying issue requiring professional dental attention to prevent further complications.
• Dental Crowding: Preventing future dental problems starts with early detection of crowded teeth; orthodontic intervention can help avoid more complex and costly procedures later.
• 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.
• Broken Tooth: Addressing a broken tooth promptly minimizes the risk of infection spreading to other teeth or to your overall health, emphasizing the connection between oral and systemic well-being.
• Orofacial Pain: Orofacial pain, encompassing pain in your mouth, face, and jaw, can signal underlying issues like gum disease or TMJ problems, making early detection crucial for preventing more serious complications.
• Malocclusion (Bad Bite): Malocclusion, or an improper bite, can strain your jaw joints and damage your teeth over time, making regular dental checkups crucial for early intervention and preventive care.
• Hutchinson Incisors: Detecting Hutchinson incisors during routine dental examinations can help identify individuals who may require further medical evaluation to address underlying systemic conditions, emphasizing the link between oral and overall 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. Martha DDS offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Nobel Teeth in an Hour™: Invest in your oral health with a rapid check-up that helps spot early signs of cavities, gum disease, and other oral health issues.
• Natra-Veneer: Natra-Veneer is a natural-looking veneer option that can improve your smile's appearance while protecting vulnerable teeth from further damage.
• Implant-Supported Crown: To maintain your oral health, an implant-supported crown provides a reliable solution for replacing a missing tooth, reducing the risk of jawbone deterioration and improving your bite.
• DEXIS® Platinum Digital Radiography System: Take a proactive step towards better oral health with digital X-rays that help detect cavities and gum disease early, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing bigger problems down the line.
• Invisalign®: Take proactive steps towards better oral health with Invisalign®: these clear aligners gently shift your teeth into proper alignment, preventing future dental issues and enhancing your overall smile.
• Gum Surgery: Gum surgery is a proactive measure to remove gum disease's underlying causes, promoting long-term oral health.
• Pediatric Filling: Early detection and treatment of cavities are vital for your child's oral health, and a pediatric filling provides a long-term solution to restore the affected tooth.

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. Martha 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:

• A patient's persistent tooth discoloration, resistant to whitening treatments, prompted proactive dental care. Early intervention allowed for the identification and management of an underlying issue, preventing further complications and restoring a confident smile.
• By scheduling regular checkups and following a proactive oral hygiene plan, a family was relieved to learn that early intervention for potential dental crowding minimized the need for more involved and costly procedures in the future.
• By attending regular checkups and diligently practicing good oral hygiene, a patient successfully reduced their risk of dental bone loss, gaining peace of mind about their long-term oral health.

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. Martha DDS:

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

At Dr. Martha DDS, we recommend visiting every six months for a check-up and cleaning. This allows our team to remove tartar buildup that brushing alone can't, identify 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 gum disease, which can impact overall health, including your heart.

How is oral health connected to my overall health?

Oral health is intricately 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 not only a healthy mouth but also a healthy body.

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. Martha DDS to see issues like cavities, bone loss, and impacted teeth that aren't visible otherwise, enabling early intervention and better treatment outcomes.

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.

When should my child first see a dentist?

Dr. Martha DDS recommends a child's 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 years to come.

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 surrounding teeth.

What is TMJ disorder?

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

1417 Lakeland Hills Blvd
Lakeland FL 33805
Phone: (866) 234-8534

Dr. Martha Barrera, 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): 1790023562

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. Martha 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.