Preventive care · Lewes, DE
Preventive care, for a lifetime of healthy smiles.
Preventive dental care matters at every age. Good habits at home plus regular checkups with us are the simplest way to keep your smile bright and healthy for years to come.
Checkups every six months ·Get directions
The everyday basics
Small habits that prevent plaque and cavities.
- Brush twice a day
- Floss once a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Brush your tongue
- Eat a balanced diet
- Limit sugary treats
Been six months? It’s time to schedule your next checkup and cleaning.
At home
Brushing and flossing, step by step.
Decay-causing bacteria linger between teeth and under the gumline where bristles can’t reach. Here’s how to clean every surface.
- Twice a day
Brushing
Hold a soft-bristled brush at a 45-degree angle to your gums and brush gently in small circles. Clean the outer, inner and chewing surfaces of each tooth, and use the tip of the brush for the inside of your front teeth.
- Once a day
Flossing
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers and guide an inch of it between your teeth. Curve it into a C-shape against each tooth, slide gently beneath the gums and move it up and down.
- Extra credit
Rinsing & tongue
Brush the top of your tongue to remove plaque-causing particles and freshen breath. A mouthwash can help kill bacteria between teeth.
Beyond brushing
Your preventive toolkit.
In addition to daily brushing and flossing, these simple steps go a long way toward avoiding cavities and gum disease.
- Checkups and cleanings every six months
- Sealants on the chewing surfaces of back teeth
- Fluoride treatments if you’re prone to cavities
- A custom mouthguard if you play sports
- Raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and fruit
- Oral cancer screening at every exam
Your checkup
What happens at a preventive visit.
Regular visits let us catch problems early, while they’re easier and less costly to treat.
Plan for 45–90 minutes
Appointment length depends on the care you need — we’ll let you know when you book.
Professional cleaning
Our hygienists remove plaque and tartar that brushing and flossing can’t, then polish your teeth.
Exam and x-rays
Your dentist checks for decay, gum disease and signs of oral cancer, with x-rays as needed.
A plan for home
We’ll share personalized tips and recommend sealants, fluoride or other preventive care if it would help.
Related care
Preventive care we provide.
Dental exams & cleanings
Checkups every six months to catch problems early.
Fluoride treatments
Strengthen enamel against decay in just a few minutes.
Dental sealants
Smooth protective coatings for the grooves of back teeth.
Oral cancer screening
A quick check for early warning signs at every exam.
Mouthguards
Custom sports guards for athletes of all ages.
Common questions
Preventive care FAQ
Have another question about keeping your smile healthy? Call us and we’ll be glad to help.
- How often should I see the dentist?
- The American Dental Association recommends a checkup and professional cleaning every six months. Some patients with gum disease or other concerns benefit from more frequent visits.
- What kind of toothbrush should I use?
- A soft-bristled toothbrush with fluoride toothpaste. Brush gently in small circles at a 45-degree angle to your gums — scrubbing hard can wear enamel and irritate gums.
- Do I really need to floss?
- Yes. Toothbrush bristles can’t reach between your teeth or under the gumline, where plaque and bacteria collect. Flossing once a day removes it before it causes cavities or gum disease.
- What foods are good for my teeth?
- Nutritious foods like raw vegetables, plain yogurt, cheese and fruit help keep your smile healthy. Try to limit sugary snacks and drinks between meals.
- Are sealants and fluoride just for kids?
- No. Both are common for children, but adults can benefit from them too, especially if you’re prone to cavities. We’ll recommend them when they’d help.
- How long is a checkup appointment?
- Most appointments last between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the care you need.
4,000+ five-star reviews
Kind words from our patients
I know most people hate the dentist but I love it! And it especially helps having such a great dental team that I know I can trust. I love leaving with my teeth feeling clean and well cared for. Dr. Bryan and his assistants (both Jess and Aliya) are so kind and caring.
Kristen F. · Google review
My experience with Dr. Labin has been nothing but positive! I have been going to him for years and he is very gentle, making sure his patients are comfortable before he starts any procedure. The staff, from the office staff to the dental hygienists, are all professional and go above and beyond.
Carolyn C. · Google review
Been six months since your last visit?
Call our Lewes office to schedule your next checkup and cleaning.
Visit us
We look forward to meeting you.
Always accepting new patients from Lewes and the surrounding communities. We’ll work with you to schedule appointments that fit your life.
Dental emergency?
Don’t wait for it to get better on its own. Call us right away and we’ll fit you in.
- Address
- 34359 Carpenter’s Way
Lewes, DE 19958 - Office hours
Monday – Thursday 7:00am – 5:30pm Friday 7:00am – 4:00pm Saturday & Sunday Closed