Every health-conscious parent in Salt Lake City knows that sugar is the number one cause of cavities. And cavities are a central concern of family dentistry.

The jury is still out on whether sugar has much nutritional value. But there is little doubt that sugar is a villain when it comes to tooth decay.

Because of cavity risks and high calorie content, many parents want to limit the sugar in their children’s diets. Obviously, there is a lot of sugar in a vast array of readily-available sweets, like bubble gum, lollipops, and gummy candy. But there is also hidden sugar a lot of processed foods.

The following snacks may have more sugar than you think:

• yogurt (and yogurt-covered raisins)
• fruit snacks including the roll-up and syrup-filled varieties
• rice cakes
• juice drinks
• flavored milk
• barbecue sauce
• fruit smoothies
• cereal bars

Controlling sugar intake in your child’s diet is essential for lifelong oral health. When choosing lunchbox or after-school snacks, read the labels. Sugar content varies among brands.

Sugar is not the only thing to watch out for. If your child’s diet is lacking key vitamins and minerals, the tissues in their mouth may have trouble fighting infection. These infections can lead to gum disease.

At Salt Lake Dental Care, services include cosmetic dentistry for Salt Lake City and the surrounding area. We also provide high-quality general and family dentistry. If you have a toddler who has not yet visited a dentist, call us today to schedule a first-time dental check-up.

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

Q: For Salt Lake City residents: When is the least expensive dental implant really the most expensive?

A: When it ends up costing more in the long run.

Too often, people who lose a tooth don’t understand the importance of replacing it with a dental implant. They believe that one missing tooth is not a significant problem. In fact, some people who have an abscessed tooth extracted are so glad the pain is gone, they forget that the extraction is not the solution. When a tooth is lost, the risk of losing the adjacent teeth increases dramatically.

Dr. David Scharf, a Board Certified Periodontist and Dental Implant Surgeon and a Clinical Assistant Professor at New York University College of Dentistry says:

“Many times consumers will choose to replace a missing tooth with a removable partial denture because it is the least expensive option. In the long run, however, removable partial dentures may be more costly due the loss of adjacent teeth and the need for future replacements. Many people opt to replace teeth with dental implants because they do not compromise the survival of the adjacent teeth.”

Dr. Scharf continues:

“With the price of gasoline and food soaring, people try to cut back wherever they can. Unfortunately, choosing the least expensive options for tooth replacement can have some very costly ramifications down the road.”

If you are missing a tooth, you may be able to save the adjacent teeth if receive an implant soon. An implant bonds with the jaw bone and helps maintain its stability.

To schedule a dental implant consultation, call Salt Lake Dental Care. In addition to cosmetic dentistry, we provide comprehensive general dentistry.

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

Hi, I’m Dr. Clint Blackwood. Practicing dentistry at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is enjoyable and rewarding. I appreciate the relationships I have formed with my valued patients who trust me to care for their teeth. If you are one of my patients, let me thank you personally for allowing me to serve your dental needs. I know you have many other choices for dentistry in the Salt Lake City area.

Kudos to my talented dental team and dedicated administrative staff who keep my high-quality Murray practice running smoothly and allow me to focus on what I do best.

If you are visiting this blog for the first time and need an experienced dentist, I hope you will consider my practice. You can learn more about our services and philosophy at https://www.saltlakedentalcare.com/meet-dr-blackwood/ or call 801-506-6009 to schedule a no-pressure consultation.

I have been keeping smiles healthy and performing smile makeovers at my Murray cosmetic dental practice since 2005. Each one of my Salt Lake City smile redesign patients values their new smile almost as much as I value their support.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we provide a full array of innovative cosmetic dental procedures available including teeth whitening, invisible braces, tooth-colored fillings, dental crowns, porcelain veneers, cosmetic bonding, gum contouring, and crown lengthening. If you don’t make it a point to keep up with the ever-evolving world of dentistry (and who does?), you might not be aware of the procedures that are now available.

There have never been as many effective treatments for crooked teeth, gum disease, discolored teeth, and any other dental malady you can imagine. Ask us about exciting advances in children’s cavity prevention, laser dentistry, cold sore removal, same day restorations, early decay detection, and oral cancer screening.

Again, thanks for visiting our Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS website. Enjoy your day.

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

If you are fortunate to have dental insurance but do not have a regular dentist, it’s time to pick a dentist in Murray, Utah. And if you haven’t got insurance but have dental needs, perhaps it is time to consider who can meet those needs affordably.

An Educated Dentist
Clint Blackwood, DDS performs fabulous work for patients traveling from the Draper and Sandy areas. Clearly Dr. Blackwood’s friendly and professional care combined with continuing education and experience will bring stamina and compassion to your general dentist experience. Education is what you should be looking for. Schedule a consultation to learn for yourself at 801-506-6009.

An Experienced Dentist
Our team of dental professionals have been providing valuable services since 2005. Some of our services include sedation dentistry, teeth whitening, wisdom teeth removal, porcelain veneers, and Invisalign. Patients will note the ease and skill Dr. Blackwood exhibits after performing these procedures successfully many, many times. Experience takes out the guesswork. Visit our website for more information: https://www.saltlakedentalcare.com/meet-dr-blackwood/.

An Affordable Experience
It is not in our best interest to scare patients away with overpriced procedures and debilitating payment plans. We are here to serve our friends and neighbors. Murray is our home too. If you are in the market for affordable dental care near Murray, Utah 84107 then call us for prices related to general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, or dental implants. Compare the bottom line.

Remember, procedures such as cosmetic dentistry or dental implants require not only costly technical equipment but a trained staff to support the proper use and maintenance as well as superb dental expertise by Dr. Blackwood. Quality dental care is an investment in your health and its value cannot be overestimated.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, it is our desire to charge responsible fees made affordable for our community. Give us a chance to prove our value.

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, UT
84107

Are you a busy Murray resident suffering with a toothache, but ignoring the pain? Have you started chewing on one side of your mouth to avoid your sensitive teeth? Have you stopped drinking hot and cold beverages to alleviate the discomfort? Dental pain is like an unpaid speeding ticket, ignoring it won’t make it go away. It’s time to visit your family dentist.

Many Utah adults and children dread seeking relief from a dentist because they fear the treatment will hurt worse than the pain they are experiencing. Waiting too long to care for your teeth can cause serious health issues – and not just in your mouth.

My name is Clint Blackwood and I have been enthusiastic about calming the distressed feelings of my Murray patients since 2005. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we help you relax and ease any discomfort you may have. We create a relaxed dental experience for all of our Salt Lake City patients.

If you have dental anxiety, Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS offers several solutions including sedation dentistry. We can also use anti-anxiety agents to quiet your fears and make your dental visit as safe and serene as possible.

In addition to sedation dentistry, Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS offers cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening, and oral cancer screenings for Murray residents.

Your smile can and should be your most attractive feature. Don’t let dental distress keep you from gaining and maintaining a dazzling smile.

Let the high-quality dental team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS help restore and preserve your oral health. Call today to schedule an appointment. Our phone number is 801-506-6009. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS we want your smile to last a lifetime.

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

Today in our dental blog we will highlight some of the simple things you can do with your toothbrush to keep your mouth as clean and healthy as possible.

One of the most important habits Salt Lake City residents can form is to always allow their toothbrush to completely air dry between uses. The best way to let the toothbrush air dry is by placing it in a toothbrush holder on the counter with the bristles pointing up. This method of storage is much better than sticking it away in a drawer since it will take longer to dry in there.

Also, when you travel away from the Sandy, Taylorsville, or Draper area, make sure your toothbrush is dry before you seal it away in a travel container.

A good strategy for Murray residents to make sure their toothbrush has ample time to dry is to buy two toothbrushes at your Salt Lake City drugstore. Then alternate between the two so each has time to fully dry out between uses.

And Salt Lake City dental patients should remember to replace their toothbrush (or toothbrushes) every 3-4 months, or sooner if they’ve had a cold!

Hi. I’m Dr. Clint Blackwood, a dentist in Murray. I want my patients to have the best oral health possible. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS we offer the following services:

wisdom teeth removal
Invisalign
sedation dentistry
porcelain veneers

We are currently accepting new Salt Lake City patients and the high-quality staff here would be happy to answer any questions you have about teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, or other cosmetic dentistry procedures.

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, UT
84107

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we stay abreast of new discoveries in the exciting field of dentistry and occasionally share interesting facts with our patients. Today’s post focuses on new findings in a captivating field of research: genetic dentistry.

“About 60% of the risk for tooth decay appears to be due to genetic factors.” Mary L. Marazita, director of the Center for Craniofacial and Dental Genetics at the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.¹

Whoa! Did she say 60%? That’s huge. You might be thinking: “That’s why I brush and floss but still get cavities.” Or, better yet, you might be thinking, “No wonder I have never had a cavity but eat candy often and occasionally go to bed without brushing.”

A recent article on CNN.com highlights tooth decay risk factors that have a genetic link¹:

Enamel Strength
Your genes play a critical role in the composition of your tooth enamel. Soft enamel is more cavity prone.

Sugar Cravings
Whether or not you love sugar has a genetic basis. Now you can blame your parents if you pop M&Ms all day. (But it still isn’t good for your teeth or waistline!)

Chemical Composition of Saliva
Your saliva can protect against cavities – if it properly metabolizes important minerals and vitamins like calcium, potassium, iron, and Vitamin C. Your genes influence your saliva’s power to prevent decay.

Immune Response to Bacteria
We don’t like to think about the dangerous bacteria in our mouth but, hopefully, our immune system is ever-vigilant at fighting their constant attempts to cause decay and gum disease. The strength of your immune system is determined, in part, by genetics.

In the next few decades, scientists in the emerging specialty of genetic dentistry may play a key role in the development of new cavity prevention techniques.

The purpose of this article is not to encourage Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS patients to be lax about oral hygiene if their parents have strong teeth. Nor to cause those whose teeth decay easily to throw their hands up in despair and resign themselves to a toothless mouth.

Proper oral hygiene is critical for all of us, regardless of our genetic predisposition to tooth decay. You have the power to be passionate about your oral health, regardless of the genes you inherited. Whether you have frequent dental check-ups, consistent fluoride intake, effective brushing and flossing techniques, and proper nutrition, is up to you.

If you need a thorough dental exam, an expert dental cleaning, a refresher course on proper brushing and flossing, or want to improve your smile with industry-leading cosmetic dentistry, call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-506-6009 to schedule a consultation.

We offer the following services:

wisdom teeth removal
Invisalign
sedation dentistry
porcelain veneers

¹Paul Frysh, “Bad teeth? Blame your genes,” CNN, July 3, 2014, http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/03/health/tooth-decay-causes/, accessed on June 24, 2015

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

I’m Clint Blackwood DDS of Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS in Murray. My patients often ask me if chewing xylitol gum is an effective substitute for tooth brushing and regular dental exams.

Before I answer that question, let me tell you a little bit about xylitol:

Xylitol is a natural sweetener that was first discovered in birch tree bark but is also found in many fruits and vegetables. Unlike most other sweeteners (natural or synthetic), xylitol is actually useful for your teeth.

Numerous clinical studies have shown that xylitol inhibits the growth of the bacteria that initiates dental caries. It also helps alleviate plaque and strengthens tooth enamel.

Xylitol has other benefits, as well. Because it is low on the glycemic index, many of my patients with diabetes enjoy it as a healthy alternative to sugar. For my patients that live with frequent dry mouth, I recommend xylitol gum or mints to stimulate saliva production while protecting against dental caries.

Now, back to the golden question. Is xylitol gum just as effective as brushing your teeth and seeing your family dentist regularly? Absolutely not! If you cannot brush your teeth after a meal, chewing xylitol gum for five or ten minutes is probably a good idea. However, you should still brush your teeth thoroughly (with a soft brush) after meals and get twice-yearly exams and dental cleanings.

At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, our goal is to keep your smile healthy and beautiful for life by preventing dental issues before they start. If you postpone dental visits until you feel pain, you risk losing teeth and most certainly will require more extensive treatment than if the issue was caught earlier.

Is it time for a dental exam? Call us at 801-506-6009 to book an appointment. Our high-quality team is waiting 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, UT
84107

Our practice, Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, offers family dentistry, general dentistry and many cosmetic dental services. If you have a family and are looking for a family dentist, give us a call at 801-506-6009.

If you live in the Murray area, it is wise to choose a local dentist for your family dentist. It will be easier and more convenient for every member of your family to come in for regular examinations and cleanings. Most busy Murray parents don’t need the added inconvenience of a long commute to a dental appointment. And what if you experience a dental emergency? A neighborhood dentist who knows your family is best equipped to handle unexpected dental needs.

In addition to basic preventative dental health services such as fluoride treatments, routine x-rays and oral hygiene, we offer wisdom teeth removal, Invisalign, and sedation dentistry. You can reach Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS at 801-506-6009.

Murray parents with infants and toddlers often seek information about thumb-sucking, the health of ‘baby teeth,’ x-ray safety, and fluoride supplements. Parents with older children are often concerned about sealants, tooth protection for sports, tooth straightening, and dental financing.

We look forward to answering all of your questions.

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, UT
84107

Murray parents want what’s best for their kids, but some can’t always provide everything their children need when the family budget is tight. If your child has crooked teeth and you are on the fence about braces, we encourage you to read this post.

1. A beautiful smile with straight teeth boosts your child’s self-esteem.

Young children with crooked teeth may not notice that anything is wrong, but eventually they will realize that their teeth don’t look right. Straight teeth make the whole face more pleasing and attractive. If your child is self-conscious about an unsightly smile, he or she will be reluctant to smile. A serious demeanor could impact the way he or she is treated by peers.

2. Crooked teeth can affect the bite.

If you suspect that your child’s bite is not aligned, we invite you to make an appointment with Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS. Dr. Clint Blackwood can evaluate your child’s bite and make recommendations to see a specialist if necessary.

3. Crooked teeth can impact normal speech development.

4. Correcting a child’s teeth with orthodontia is faster and easier when the jaw is young and flexible.

5. Crooked teeth can reduce your child’s power to eat a healthy diet.

Misaligned teeth can make chewing and eating difficult. Children need a variety of foods but may miss out on important nutrients if they can’t chew raw vegetables or meat, for example. If your child only eats soft foods, his/her jaw may not develop normal size and strength.

6. Misaligned teeth can damage the gums and underlying bone.

7. If crooked teeth cause malocclusion (bad bite), issues with TMD (Temporomandibular Disorders) can result.

TMD is a detrimental condition affecting the jaw joint.

8. It’s easier to clean teeth when they are straight and uncrowded.

When uneven teeth begin to crowd together, it becomes difficult to make critical daily cleanings effective. And, when your teeth aren’t cleaned properly, troubles with plaque build-up, cavities, and gum disease generally result.

9. If the child’s crooked teeth are not corrected while they are young, the problems may compound and become worse with age.

Severely crooked teeth typically affect energy and quality of life. For example, chewing issues can lead to ulcers, and gum disease increases the risk of stroke and heart disease.

10. There are many new types of braces.

Ceramic, self-ligating, and lingual (invisible) braces are some of the new orthodontia options. In some circumstances, invisible braces can be just as effective at aligning teeth as the traditional type.

To find out if your child needs braces, schedule a consultation at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS by calling 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, UT
84107