A toothache is probably the most common dental problem. However, they have multiple causes. A toothache can come on gradually–or attack with full force. 1. You sip a cold drink and–bam!–tooth pain. When a cavity has eroded enamel it eventually reaches the layer underneath. This is called the dentin. This layer is softer than enamel…
Family Dentistry
Signs Of Oral Cancer: What Not To Ignore

Today’s message focuses on a very serious topic—oral (oropharyngeal) cancers. The medical community categorizes oral cancers as a subset of head and neck cancers. Oral cancers can arise in the following locations: The tongue The roof of the mouth and under the tongue The inside of the cheeks The oropharynx (the part behind the soft…
The 4 Stages of Gum Disease

You may be wondering why every so often your gums are red and swollen, or your breath is bad. Maybe you’re just seeking information about improving your dental health and want to be more aware for your next appointment. Learn about the four stages of gum disease you may be overlooking when thinking of your…
Great Reasons to Floss Your Teeth

Flossing is a bit of a chore. It takes a little extra time, and if you haven’t flossed in a while, it can even be painful. It’s no wonder our team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS is constantly reminding our patients to ‘brush and floss!’ Flossing is crucial, You’ll never hear…
Halitosis And Xerostomia (Bad Breath And Dry Mouth)

While substandard oral hygiene is the most common cause of halitosis, many conditions can contribute to or intensify the condition. One of these is the lack of saliva or xerostomia. Saliva and Oral Health Saliva moistens the teeth and gums and removes odiferous dead cells. Saliva also neutralizes the ever-present acids on the tongue, gums,…
Are Floss Picks As Good As Regular Dental Floss?

Are floss picks as good as regular floss? Floss picks vs regular floss? While it’s better to floss with a floss pick than to not floss at all, it’s important to note that floss picks can only clean a part of the tooth’s surface. Dr. Blackwood recommends traditional floss or dental tape. Here’s why: A…
Don’t Underestimate The Importance of Retainers

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…
Eruption Charts: Not As Scary As They Sound

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…
Your Dentist Does A Lot More Than Fill Cavities

Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS provides a wide variety of dental services to help you get that perfect smile. You visit your dentist for toothaches and dental cleanings, but did you know there are other issues they can help you with? Dry mouth, technically called xerostomia, is caused by a lack…
Top 6 Ways To Destroy A Beautiful Smile

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…