It’s unfortunate that due to dental anxiety, many people avoid preventive care at the dentist’s office. Preventive treatments can help you avoid cavities, tooth decay, gum disease, and other common dental problems. The dental team at Ashley Lloyd, DDS in Raleigh, NC can help you with key treatments that will ensure your smile stays pristine.

What Is Preventive Dental Care?
Any treatment or maintenance that’s meant to keep your teeth clean, protected, and free from dental disease is preventive dental care. The aim is to avoid problems altogether instead of having to fix them in the future. When you work with your Raleigh dentist and keep up with regular visits, you’ll get into the habit of taking better care of your teeth. Preventive care treatments will give you more confidence in the health of your teeth and gums.

Why Is It So Important?
About 18 percent of children under the age of 19 have untreated dental cavities, and that number increases to 31 percent once they reach adulthood according to CDC statistics. Nearly half of American adults have gum disease according to the CDC. Early dental intervention could prevent these problems. Many people, unfortunately, wait until there is a severe toothache to see the dentist, but by that time expensive treatments may be required. Preventive care can save you a lot of time, money, and aggravation.

Preventive Care Treatments
Your teeth need constant care and attention if you want them to stay healthy throughout your life. Here is a list of some of the most common treatments that fall under the umbrella of preventive care:

- Standard cleaning and exam.
- Dental sealants to prevent cavities.
- X-rays to check the health of the soft tissues and bone surrounding the tooth.
- Fluoride treatments to strengthen tooth enamel.

Take Positive Steps Starting Today
There’s no time like the present to take steps with your dentist to prevent future dental problems. Call 919-828-1001 today to schedule a cleaning and exam with Dr. Ashley Lloyd at her office in Raleigh, NC.