Preventive Dentistry
Dr. Travis Howey has the experience and credentials you should look for when considering preventing dental problems.
Dedicated to life-long learning, Dr. Howey has averaged 50 continuing education credit hours (per licensing period) throughout his career; the minimum requirements for the state of Washington are 20 continuing education credit hours per licensing period!
“This is the absolute best dental office in all of Washington. Yes, I mean it. The staff is always friendly, the appointments are a breeze, and the care is second to none.”
Dr. Travis Howey, with a high-tech dental office located in Sammamish, is an experienced preventive dentist.
Preventive Dentistry
Preventive dentistry it’s vital to maintain oral health. Only by combining regular check-ups with good oral hygiene will patients avoid dental problems and expensive visits to the dentist.
Every patient has bacteria in their mouth. Some bacteria are beneficial, but others can damage the oral tissues. Cavities and gum disease begin when harmful bacteria accumulate in the teeth and gums’ surface, developing dental plaque. This plaque, aided by the sugars and starches you consume, generates an acid that disintegrates the oral tissues. The acid attacks the enamel, which is the “teeth’ bodyguard” against decay. When that protection is gone, your teeth are vulnerable. In the same way, bacteria attack your gums, causing inflammation, which leads to gum and periodontal disease.
Every patient, no matter their age, is vulnerable to cavities and gums disease. Taking proper care of your oral health must start early in childhood and continue throughout every stage of your life.
Prevention For Children
Almost half of the kids under 11 years old have had cavities in their baby teeth. And 32% between 9 and 11 years have decayed their permanent ones.
These figures aren’t intended to alarm parents. But we want to make them reflect on the importance of preventive dentistry. Young children are particularly prone to cavities and gum disease. Babies’ and young kids’ diets usually include heavily-sugared fruit juices and formulas that contribute to the development of decay.
Preventive dentistry in young kids will help identify dental problems on time and avoid worse conditions that often require expensive treatment.
Dr. Howey suggests parents bring their child for an examination before turning one year old and schedule regular check-up visits ever since.
These visits will typically involve:
Before the first dental visit, parents can also help with many things:
OR CALL (425) 557-9900 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.
Prevention For Teens
As children grow up and become teenagers, cavities are still an issue, and the role of the parents keeps being essential. It is important to teach teens to maintain proper dental hygiene and help them build healthy habits. And parents shouldn’t forget to bring them in for dental check-ups and cleanings every six months. Dr. Howey will help every teen patient keep his smile bright and healthy.
Other tips for parents are:
Video 00:39 | With our state-of-the-art procedures, therapies and advice, we can keep your oral health in tip-top condition. As you know, great oral health is a building block for overall excellent vitality.
Prevention for Adults
Minding about your children’s smiles is crucial. But you shouldn’t neglect your own oral health. Below, we listed some tips to maintain a healthy, bright smile and prevent severe dental conditions:
OR CALL (425) 557-9900 OR TEXT US TO GET STARTED.