Dental Blog: General Family Dentistry

At our trusted dental practice in the heart of Wilmington, Dr. Bruce Matthews and our team are dedicated to providing comprehensive, family-focused care to our community. From your baby’s first checkup to restorative care and cosmetic tweaks, we take pride in delivering personalized care to ensure your long-term oral health in a comfortable environment.

A Warm, Family‑Friendly Environment

Our aim …

Now that 2026 has arrived, how are your resolutions going? Are you still going to the gym? Still buying healthy organic foods to eat? If some of your resolutions have fallen by the wayside, you're not alone. 

But what about your smile? Your dentist in Wilmington, DE, has some tips for resolutions for your smile that are easy to keep. …

You might assume that a qualified dentist is a qualified dentist, right? But why do qualifications matter in pediatric dentistry? When you’re searching for a dentist for your child, you want someone who is dedicated to working specifically with kids. Someone who is not just skilled at working on their teeth, but who also gets how they think, how they …

It takes more than routine dental visits to achieve a great smile; numerous factors contribute to long-term oral health. What you eat can go hand in hand with maintaining healthy and happy teeth and gums.

Even if you make sure to brush and floss each day, your daily meals can help or harm your progress; that’s why we like to …

Summer has arrived, and so have the beach bags, car snacks, and getaway plans. From sunny days on Delaware’s coast to epic cross-country road trips, adventures are in full swing. While you're busy packing the essentials, don’t let your dental routine get left behind.

Keeping your smile in shape is just as important as tossing sunscreen into your bag. Dr. …

You’re expecting a child and have made all the preparations. You see your OBGYN on schedule, take your vitamins daily, and eat healthy. It seems you’re on the right path, but you’re forgetting about your teeth and gums!

Oral health during pregnancy is vital to your well-being and the safety of your unborn child. It’s true! Strong clinical evidence and …

Avoiding dental checkups and cleanings is like trying to keep your house tidy without ever cleaning it or maintaining it. Eventually, something has to give.

Consider your car and how care and maintenance prolong its life on the road.

Your home and car are priorities, but so is your dental health, especially considering all that can go wrong when you …

If you’re a bit embarrassed that you’ve watched two Summer Olympics since your last dental exam, know that our compassionate team will welcome you with open arms and help get you back on track!

At Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, PA, we understand that “life,” from work to our kids’ busy schedules to finances, sometimes gets in the way of regular …

For many people, summer is the best time of the year. The kids are out of school, you’re taking a much-needed vacation, and it’s a great time to be outdoors and enjoy time with family and friends.

While summer may be your favorite season, some common dental myths are associated with typical summer activities. Keep reading as we debunk these …

Dentists and labs fabricate dental crowns using various materials, including porcelain, metal, fusion materials, and zirconia.

Your dentist in Wilmington often relies on zirconia because it is durable and ideal for back teeth taxed with chewing.

Why You Might Need a Zirconia Dental Crown in Wilmington, DE

You Have a Weak Tooth

If you have a weak tooth following root …

Have you ever felt a sudden pain when you sip hot coffee or bite into an ice cream bar? Are your teeth susceptible to hot and cold temperatures for no reason? Although tooth sensitivity isn’t uncommon, it could indicate a dental issue that needs to be addressed.

So, if you are experiencing “dentin hypersensitivity,” keep reading to learn more about …

One of the best ways to protect your dental health is by committing to an excellent home care routine of brushing at least two times daily and flossing once daily. Today, we will offer you some helpful hints on how to enhance your home care to protect your smile. 

Up Your Oral Product Game!

Are you using an electric toothbrush? …

Maintaining oral health is a lifelong commitment that evolves with time. Each phase of a person’s life presents unique challenges and opportunities for preserving their smile's strength, integrity, and visual appeal.

From developing healthy dental care habits in childhood to navigating the challenges of oral health in older adulthood, tailoring your approach to your specific life stage ensures that your …

At some point in your life, you will probably go to the dentist and be told you have a cavity. It’s certainly not the news you want to hear, but you should feel better knowing that your dental professionals in Wilmington, DE, can help. From finding out if you are at risk for cavities to tips on reducing the chance …

Did you know that children should see their dentist every six months just like their parents? It's true! And since February is National Children's Dental Health Month, we want to take some time to discuss everything you need to know about your little one's dental health. 

When Should My Child First Visit the Dentist?

The ADA, American Dental Association, and …

We're glad you asked why you should choose Dr. Bruce Matthews as your family dentist! The answer is simple. We are a team of general dentists in Wilmington, DE, who have been providing exceptional dental care to families for over 45 years. Not to mention that our talented team of dentists is also a family!

One-Stop Dental Care for Your …

November is National TMJ Awareness Month, and we want to take the time to discuss this vital joint and how it impacts your body!

What Is the Difference Between TMJ and TMD?

TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint and refers to your jaw joint, the most complicated joint in your body. Your jaw joint can move backward, forward, left and right, …

A general dentist is your primary dental care provider who diagnoses, treats, and manages your overall oral health needs. Regular general dentist visits ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and disease-free and can include various services, such as gum care, root canals, fillings, crowns and bridges, veneers, and patient preventive education. If you have an issue with your smile, …

Choosing the right family dentist in Wilmington, DE, is just as important as picking the right physician. First, you want someone with experience. You want someone who can treat your entire family, from youngest to oldest.

Let’s Look at the benefits of having a family dentist.

4 Benefits of a Family Dentist for Your Loved Ones

#1 Experience Across All …

Your Wilmington, DE dentist stages gum disease from gingivitis to advanced. And as the disease progresses, it becomes treatable rather than curable.

The Stages of Gum Disease in Wilmington, DE

Gingivitis

Gingivitis is the reversible stage of gum disease. It is so early, in fact, that we don’t always refer to it as a severe condition of the gums or …

When it comes to tooth decay, the primary culprits are poor oral hygiene and lack of dental care.

Brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your Wilmington, DE dentist every six months for exams and teeth cleanings is vital. These healthy habits can mean the difference between preventable oral health conditions and a lifelong healthy smile.

Most patients know that cavities …

Even if you brush and floss your teeth after every meal, it is not enough to fully protect your oral health against cavities and tooth decay. Of course, we’re thrilled that you’re brushing and flossing regularly, but there is still more to be done!

Your Wilmington, DE Dentist Recommends Preventive Checkups

Your dentist—like most dentists—recommends two dental checkups every year …

Finding the best family dentist for you and your loved ones is essential for your family’s oral health and well-being. Here’s a list of what you may want to look for in a family dentist in Wilmington, DE. 

#1 Education and Expertise 

First and foremost, you want a dentist who is trained and experienced in family dentistry. A licensed dentist …

You may already be aware of the importance of daily brushing and flossing for your overall oral health. But does the sequence of your oral hygiene routine make a difference? Which comes first, the brushing or the flossing? Believe it or not, it does make a difference, and your Wilmington, DE, dentist is here to help you understand why. 

Why …

At the office of Bruce E. Matthews, DDS, we try to convey the importance of a good oral hygiene routine to patients at every visit to our Wilmington dental office. A good oral hygiene routine can help you save time and money on dental care in our office by keeping your teeth and gums healthy and strong.

1. Dedicated Tooth …

When you find a dentist you can rely on to take care of every member of the family, it definitely makes life less complicated. You spend less time running around town to multiple appointments, which can also minimize your stress level.

Finding a Wilmington family dentist you trust means that you are more likely to be consistent with your routine …

Protecting your dental health helps you to guard your overall well-being. There has never been a more critical time to look out for your overall health than now.

As we welcome our patients back into our Wilmington, DE dental office, we want to remind you that your routine dental cleanings and checkups are essential. Protecting your dental health can help …