How to Maintain Healthy Teeth and Gums
A bright, confident smile is often the first thing people notice, but maintaining that smile requires more than just occasional brushing. At Times Square Dental, we believe that oral health is a lifelong commitment that significantly impacts your overall well-being. Since opening our doors in 1997, our goal has been to provide the Boise community and surrounding Ada County with exceptional, patient-centered care. Dr. Jon Hastings, a native of Idaho Falls, and Dr. Katie Travelle, who joined us after running a successful practice in Washington, are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal oral hygiene through education and preventative care.
While professional visits to our office are crucial, the daily choices you make at home play a massive role in the longevity of your smile. Many patients search for a “dentist’s office near you” only when they are in pain, but we want to help you prevent issues before they start. Whether you are 7 or 70, implementing a solid oral hygiene routine can save you time, money, and discomfort in the long run. Below, our team shares essential tips to keep your teeth and gums in top shape between visits.
If you need advice on the best tools for your smile, call our top Boise dentists near you at 208-343-1981.
1. Master the Art of Brushing 
It sounds simple, but many people rush through their morning and evening routines. Proper brushing is the first line of defense against plaque and tartar buildup. We recommend brushing at least twice a day for a full two minutes each time. Using a soft-bristled toothbrush is essential, as hard bristles can actually damage your enamel and irritate your gum tissue.
When you brush, hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle to your gums. Use short, gentle strokes to clean the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of your teeth. Don’t forget to brush your tongue, as bacteria loves to hide there and can contribute to bad breath. By maintaining a consistent routine, you support the work we do during your professional general dentistry appointments.
2. Don’t Skip the Floss
Flossing is often the step that gets skipped when you are tired or in a hurry, but it is just as important as brushing. Your toothbrush simply cannot reach the tight spaces between your teeth or below the gum line where food particles and plaque accumulate. Leaving these areas unclean can lead to cavities and periodontal issues.
If traditional floss is difficult for you to use, consider interdental cleaners, floss picks, or a water flosser. The goal is to disrupt the bacteria between teeth daily. If you notice bleeding when you floss, do not stop; this is often a sign of early gingivitis, and consistent flossing can help reverse it.
3. Prioritize Routine Professional Cleanings
Even the most diligent brushers and flossers need professional help to remove hardened tartar. At Times Square Dental, we recommend scheduling dental cleanings and exams every six months. During these visits, our skilled hygienists use specialized tools to clean areas you might miss, while Dr. Hastings or Dr. Travelle checks for early signs of decay or other issues.
Regular visits allow us to catch problems while they are small and manageable. This preventative approach is the cornerstone of family dentistry, ensuring that every member of your household maintains a healthy foundation for their smile.
4. Watch Your Sugar Intake 
What you eat has a direct impact on the health of your teeth. Sugary foods and drinks feed the bacteria in your mouth, which then produce acids that attack your tooth enamel. Frequent snacking on candies, sodas, or even dried fruit keeps your teeth under a constant acid attack, increasing the risk of cavities.
- Limit sticky sweets: Gummies and caramels cling to teeth for hours.
- Drink water: Rinse your mouth with water after sugary snacks to neutralize acids.
- Choose crunch: Crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots act as natural toothbrushes, stimulating saliva flow.
If you are concerned about how your diet is affecting your oral health, contact our team at 208-343-1981 to discuss preventative strategies.
5. Stay Hydrated with Water
Water is the best beverage for your overall health and your smile. In Boise, our tap water is fluoridated, which helps strengthen enamel and makes it more resistant to decay. Drinking water throughout the day helps wash away food residue and keeps your mouth hydrated.
A dry mouth can be detrimental to your oral health because saliva is your body’s natural defense against tooth decay. Saliva washes away food and neutralizes acids produced by bacteria. If you frequently experience dry mouth due to medications or other factors, increasing your water intake is a simple but effective remedy.
6. Be Alert for Signs of Gum Disease
Healthy gums should be pink and firm, not red or swollen. Gum disease treatment is much more effective when the condition is caught early. Gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease, is reversible, but if left untreated, it can progress to periodontitis, which can lead to tooth loss.
Pay attention to your body. If you see blood in the sink when you brush, or if your gums feel tender, it is time to see a professional. Dr. Hastings and Dr. Travelle use advanced technology to diagnose and treat periodontal issues gently and effectively.
Do not ignore the warning signs. Call our office today at 208-343-1981 to schedule a periodontal evaluation.
7. Don’t Ignore Dental Pain or Sensitivity
Pain is your body’s way of telling you something is wrong. Whether it is a sharp pain when biting down or a lingering sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures, dental discomfort should never be ignored. Delaying treatment often leads to more extensive damage and the need for more complex procedures later.
Our team offers comprehensive restorative dentistry to repair damaged teeth and eliminate pain. From fillings to crowns, we can restore the function and comfort of your bite so you can get back to enjoying your life in Boise.
8. Manage Dental Anxiety for Consistent Care
We know that fear keeps many people from visiting “dentists near you” as often as they should. However, avoiding the dentist can lead to a cycle of deteriorating oral health and emergency visits. At Times Square Dental, we are committed to relieving dental anxiety so you can maintain a consistent schedule of care.
Our office features ceiling-mounted flat-screen TVs in every care room, allowing you to distract yourself with entertainment during your appointment. We also offer sedation options, including nitrous oxide (laughing gas), oral sedation, and IV sedation, to ensure you feel completely relaxed. Your comfort is our priority, and we will work with you to make your visit a positive experience.
9. Use a Mouthguard During Sports
For our active patients in Ada County, protecting your teeth from physical trauma is just as important as brushing them. If you or your child participates in contact sports like football, soccer, or basketball, a custom-fitted athletic mouthguard is a crucial piece of equipment.
Unlike generic store-bought boil-and-bite guards, a custom mouthguard from Times Square Dental provides superior protection and comfort. It fits securely over your teeth, reducing the risk of broken teeth, lip lacerations, and other oral injuries during play.
To learn more about custom protective gear, call us at 208-343-1981.
Partner with Times Square Dental for a Lifetime of Smiles
Achieving and maintaining healthy teeth and gums is a team effort. By combining these daily habits with the professional care provided at Times Square Dental, you can enjoy a smile that looks great and functions perfectly for years to come. Dr. Jon Hastings’ commitment to continuing education at the Kois Center and Dr. Katie Travelle’s extensive experience mean you are in expert hands.
We treat our patients like family because we are your neighbors. From the moment you walk into our relaxing office at 1529 S. Times Square Ct., you will see why we have been a trusted provider in Boise since 1997.
Ready to take the next step in your oral health journey? Contact our Boise dentists near you today at 208-343-1981 or use our online form to request your appointment. Let’s work together to keep your smile healthy and bright!