Family Dentistry

The retention phase is an important milestone. When you’re ready for an orthodontic retainer, the slow, challenging work of moving teeth is over.

Your smile looks amazing, but stay with the program.

There is still a lot going on behind the scenes—under the gums. Your jawbone, muscles, and soft tissues are adapting. This takes a while.

What is a Retainer?

A retainer is a custom-made appliance that helps teeth preserve their new position after orthodontic treatment. Retainers may be removable or fixed in the mouth.

Patients who neglect to wear their retainers are at risk. Their beautifully-aligned teeth may shift. If your bite was corrected during treatment, it may revert back to the original condition.

Follow Dr. Blackwood’s Recommendations

Your dentist will prescribe a schedule for wearing your retainer. Your orthodontic treatment plan is unique. It may differ from that of other patients.

What If I Lose My Retainer?

Occasionally, patients lose their retainers. If this happens, contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS right away for a replacement. We understand that life can get hectic. We urge you not to let weeks pass without getting a replacement retainer.

We teach our patients how to care for their retainer. It’s helpful if parents reinforce this training at home for their kids undergoing treatment.

Keep Your Retainer Clean

After eating, clean the retainer with a toothbrush. Brush it carefully with a toothbrush and toothpaste. You can use denture cleaner periodically for a deeper clean.

If your teen has a cell phone, set an alert to remind them to clean their retainer. While you’re at it, set an alert reminding them to keep the retainer in its case when not in use.

Keep Your New Smile Clean!

If it’s important to clean your retainer, it’s no surprise that it’s even more important to clean your beautiful new smile. It will be easier now that the braces are off.

Practice daily oral hygiene. This includes brushing after meals and flossing at least once a day. Flossing and brushing before bed ensures that particles of food don’t sit on teeth all night. For extra cavity prevention, use a fluoride rinse before going to sleep. This helps to rinse food particles from your mouth as well as neutralize the acids that cause plaque.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Today the team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS examines eruption charts.

An eruption chart is simply a listing of the different types of teeth in the mouth and when, typically, they come out, or ‘erupt’ from the gums. An eruption chart tells you when you can expect baby teeth to erupt and fall out.

Dentists use these charts to compare the development of their patients’ teeth to the average times in the population.

The friendly staff here would love to schedule an appointment with you and answer any questions you have about children’s teeth eruption times, dental sealants, fluoride treatments, thumbsucking, and athletic mouthguards.

If you have a toddler who has not yet had their first dental exam, we encourage you to schedule an appointment. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that dental visits should begin before the first birthday.

A beautiful, healthy smile boosts confidence and self-esteem for kids. A healthy mouth equals better overall health and well-being. Maintaining optimal oral health puts children at a lower risk for diabetes and heart disease.

When kids develop healthy oral practices, you avoid the need for costly restorative dental work down the road. Strong teeth help babies get proper nutrition.

We provide experienced, gentle dentistry to our young patients in the Murray area. If you are looking for a children’s dentist, we invite you to schedule a consultation.

We see ourselves as key members of your healthcare team and are dedicated to your physical, mental, and emotional health. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we serve the Murray area with general and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next checkup with us today!

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

We spend a lot of time in the dental world emphasizing how to create a dazzling, healthy smile This time around, however, we’re flipping the script, so to speak. In this latest installment of our Salt Lake Dental Care blog, we present to you, the Top Six Ways To Destroy A Beautiful Smile. Take note so you will know going forward, what NOT to do!

6. Be a Builder Not a Wrecker
Bacteria is constantly trying to build an empire in your mouth, give it what it wants: juice, soda, chewy candy for the small crevices and hard to reach surfaces!

5. Let Acid Rock It!
Energy drinks, diet soda, red wine, coffee, tea. Great at staining and wearing away surfaces. The perfect magnet for acid loving bacteria. So avoid gums with Xylitol and Recaldent and shoot for foods and beverages containing citric acid and the super duper sourest of candies.

4. Enjoy an Overcast Day Every Day
Lighting up and remaining in a tobacco fog is an efficient way to achieve the vibrant yellow hue we’re all (so not ) looking for in the appearance of our teeth.

3. Toss out Toothbrush and Floss
Avoid brushing after every single meal with a soft, gentle bristled toothbrush and fend off the urge to floss twice a day. This is critical if you want the bacteria to take over and result in gum disease and tooth decay.

2. Use Your Teeth as Tools
Hammer, wrench, screwdriver, scissors, bottle-opener. Use your imagination. Who needs a toolbox when you’ve got 32 solid options?

1. Cancel Regular Check-Ups
It is more difficult to ruin your smile if you have regular check-ups with your trusted dentist. Best to avoid them altogether if your goal is to wreak havoc in your mouth.

No, but seriously. We hope that you have walked away from reading this blog with a renewed desire to take care of those enamel-covered marvels that serve you faithfully day in and day out.

We know that you have plenty of options when it comes to dental care in the Murrah, Utah area. Our team at Salt Lake Dental Care  would like to work with you on discovering the many options available for improving your oral health and increasing your smile satisfaction Please consider calling our office to schedule a consultation. We look forward to working with you on a plan to restore the beauty of your smile. Braces, veneers, teeth whitening and dental crowns are among some of our many available offerings. Call us today at 801-506-6009.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Our team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is committed to educating you on the many ways that you can maintain optimal oral health. It’s one reason we consider ourselves your top choice for general and cosmetic dentistry in the Murray, Utah area.

This post offers some answers to some common questions about bad breath.

Q. My wife says my breath is terrible, but I brush twice a day. Shouldn’t that be enough?

A. Bacteria can increase and stink in hidden crevices that can only be reached with floss. Time to start flossing. If your breath hasn’t improved in a few months, make an appointment so we can discuss other possible causes of your halitosis.

Also keep in mind that brushing just the teeth may not remove food particles between the teeth and up in the gums. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Q. My breath seems to get worse during hay fever season. What’s up with that?

A. Allergies can change mouth odor in a couple of ways. First, anything that stimulates post-nasal drip can be a trigger because bacteria at the back of the throat mixes with the mucous and gives off a smelly odor as it breaks down. Second, hay fever medications often cause dry mouth which can cause stinky breath. Antihistamines can diminish post-nasal drip so this is a catch-22. If you take antihistamines, drink water frequently throughout the day to keep your mouth hydrated, suck on sugar-free mints to stimulate saliva production and rinse with a non-alcohol mouth rinse.

Q. What health conditions can cause bad breath?

A. As discussed before, any condition that lessens saliva creation can cause halitosis. It is also a frequent side effect of diabetes, kidney failure, and liver failure. Of course, if your kidneys or liver is failing, you have bigger problems.

Q. Why did my breath become dreadful when I went on a strict low-carb diet?

A. Ketones were most likely the culprit. Ketones are generated when the body digests fat—which is usually the goal of a low-carb plan. On the flip side, sounds like you weren’t cheating!

We hope this q&a provided some answers to common questions. Don’t you think it’s time to secure yourself a consultation with a high-quality dental practice? We will examine your teeth and also answer questions about how to improve your oral hygiene in Murray. We offer a wide array of services, such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, sedation dentistry, and dental implants. That’s just one reason we have been a trusted dental option in the Murray, Utah area since 2005. Please call us today for an appointment. We would be honored to take care of all your dental needs.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Are dental implants worth the investment? At Salt Lake Dental Care, your premier general and cosmetic dentistry option in the Murray, UT area, we say absolutely!

A dental implant is a permanent tooth replacement that looks, feels and functions like a natural tooth. Also known as a tooth implant, it goes in place of a root in order to support dental restorations. It can also act as an anchor for other dental prostheses, like crowns, bridges, or dentures.

Dental implants need to be strong, they are generally made of materials like titanium and are actually placed within the jaw bone.  Within a few months, the tooth implant will fuse with the bone, allowing it to function and feel like an actual tooth. The post meshes with the bone to provide a stable foundation. This is critical because the root replacement post helps prevent jaw bone deterioration that generally occurs after a tooth has been lost.

When the implant has meshed securely with the bone (it can take up to six months), a smaller post is attached. This post extends above the gum line. The artificial tooth (crown) is then attached. Same day implants are available for some patients that fit the criteria. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Blackwood about your situation.

The industry-leading dental implants available at Salt Lake Dental Care are extremely versatile and can be used in a variety of configurations. One dental implant can replace one missing tooth. Again, a series of implants can replace more than one tooth or anchor a dental bridge. Denture wearers should know that tooth implants may also serve as a sturdy base for partial or full dentures.When calculating the cost of dental implants, it’s important to compare them to other restorative options such as a dental bridge.

Our team at Salt Lake Dental Care, would be honored to consult with you on dental implants or any other cosmetic or general dentistry services that you may need in the Murray, UT area. Please call us to schedule a visit and to discuss your dental goals and the possibility of affordable dental implants.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-506-6009

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

You are chewing an apple and hear a strange sound, then something in your mouth feels wrong. You realize that one of your dental crowns has come off. Chances are, the crown can be re-cemented, which could potentially save you hundreds of dollars. What do you do when your dental crown in Murray comes off? It’s vital that you take the following steps:

Don’t Swallow It!
This may seem like a fairly obvious tip, but we are mentioning it because it is essential. Carefully take the dental crown out of your mouth. If you accidentally swallow it, you will have some extra issues that aren’t very pleasant.

Look Carefully
Inspect the crown and your tooth in the mirror. If there is damage to either, Dr. Blackwood and his team of professionals will need that information.

Call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS
We will schedule you an appointment ASAP and advise you on whether you should use temporary cement to re-attach the dental crown in Murray until you can get into Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS and have it permanently re-cemented.

Clean Gently
Use a toothbrush to very carefully clean the crown and the unprotected partial tooth. Do not put too much pressure on the tooth and be as gentle as possible. You don’t want to cause any damage to the tooth.

Handle With Care
While waiting for the crown to be re-cemented, forego substances that are chewy, sticky, or crunchy. Avoid snacks, candy, chips, and gum. Try to eat things that are soft or that are mostly liquid.

We hope this post has been informative for you. If you would like more information on taking care of your dental crown in Murray, give us a call at 801-938-8855. At Salt Lake Dental Care, our practice offers a variety of dental services such as dental implants, dental veneers, and wisdom teeth extraction. We look forward to hearing from you.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Finding an extraordinary dentist in Murray is typically achieved with a personal recommendation. The most common way for people to find a dentist is to ask a friend or neighbor ‘Who is your dentist?’ The answer is usually followed up with an explanation about whether or not your friend likes their dentist, and whether they would recommend their local dentist.

Finding a New Dentist in Murray

Patients evaluate a dental practice on the dentist’s chairside manner, dental skill, the services offered, location, dental office atmosphere, wait times, and availability of dental financing. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we are proud to serve not only Murray but the greater Salt Lake City area. Our friendly dental team consists of proud members of the community we serve. It’s worth the trip for the change it will make in your life. Furthermore, we are currently accepting new patients from the Salt Lake City area.

What Are You Waiting For?

We realize that most of our new patients come to us by word-of-mouth referrals and patient testimonials. It is our goal to deliver such an extraordinary dental experience that you will be compelled to tell your friends about how happy you are with our dental service. We offer a large variety of comprehensive general and restorative dental services including:

• Sedation dentistry
• Teeth whitening
• Wisdom teeth removal
• Porcelain veneers

We have been devoted to improving lives with dental expertise since we opened our doors in 2005. Your smile is our priority and we want your personality to shine as brightly as your smile. Our team invites you to schedule a consultation by calling us at 801-938-8855. Come visit Salt Lake Dental Care, where a friendly dentist in Murray looks forward to meeting you.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

Teeth are important. We all come to realize this more definitively as we get older. From the obvious functional utility to the important cosmetic nature of teeth, we literally can’t live without them.

Importance of Your Teeth

When it comes to functional utility, teeth are a foundation of our health. It’s how we eat. The condition of our teeth can impose unnecessary restrictions on our diet. With no teeth at all, our diet might be limited to such a restricted range of foods that we don’t get the necessary nutrition.

For those who don’t have teeth, this is an all-important realization. Dentures and other prosthetic solutions can bridge the gap. There are substitutes for the real thing, but having your own healthy teeth is preferred. When it comes to the cosmetic side, a bright and toothy smile just can’t be beaten. You can always improve the appearance of your smile with teeth whitening or dental implants. Healthy teeth are not just the center of our health, they are the center of our social presence. A beautiful healthy smile can be the foundation of strong self-esteem.

Seeking Help from a General Dentist in Murray

A healthy smile is more than just a nice set of teeth. It’s a healthy lifestyle and the launching pad to your personal interactions. Aging does a lot of damage to teeth. The simple process of eating causes wear and tear. A continuous bacterial onslaught threatens the protective layers of our teeth. Cavities, gum disease, and trauma round out the list of detriments that could separate us from our teeth. Healthy oral habits are, of course, the best way to keep your teeth in great shape. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing often are all good ways to make sure your teeth are here for the long haul.

A visit to your general dentist in Murray is also an important part of your tooth health plan. Your dentist can help you establish goals for improving the health of your teeth. Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS can help you discover problems before they escalate and can prescribe special treatments to restore dental health. Regular visits to your general dentist in Murray can become an important part of your overall health plan. Since your teeth are so central to your overall health, it makes sense to have a good trusted provider who can help.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107

When is the last time you had a dental checkup in Sandy? Most people need a dental check-up every six months. If you have a higher risk of oral diseases, we advise you to receive an examination every four months.

Welcome to Salt Lake Dental Care

Clint Blackwood DDS of Salt Lake Dental Care is accepting new patients. If you do not currently have a dentist or are not happy with your provider, we invite you to learn about our practice and meet our team. We are convinced that you will like what you find. Many patients entrust us with their dental health and we are grateful for the relationships we have with them. Give us a call at 801-938-8855 to make an appointment. You can also visit our website for more information about our services.

Know The Risk Factors For Oral Problems

Most people are in a medium to low-risk category for dental problems. However, if you use tobacco or alcohol, eat a lot of sugar, have an eating disorder, have poor oral hygiene practices, or are plagued with medical conditions that impact your mouth, you are likely in a higher risk category. It is vital to your dental and physical health to have your teeth examined right away. Schedule a dental checkup in Sandy with Dr. Clint Blackwood, and our staff will ensure that you enjoy your visit with us.

Our team assesses many factors to determine the condition of your oral health and the outlook for your future because we want you to have the healthiest teeth possible so that you can enjoy a beautiful smile for life. Patients should never ignore their dental problems because they will not go away. In fact, they may even get worse with time. Call 801-938-8855 to schedule a dental checkup in Sandy. Our practice also offer services such as Invisalign, dental crowns, and teeth whitening. We hope to hear from you soon.

Contact Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS:

801-938-8855

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

279 E 5900 S Ste 202
Murray, Utah
84107