General 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

The team at Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, would like to share with you some insights about halitosis.

Halitosis, or bad breath, can be embarrassing when it happens. Poor oral hygiene is often the cause. Make sure you schedule your preventive visits and teeth cleaning with us twice a year.

Brushing just the teeth may not remove particles of food between the teeth and up in the gums. Bacteria can grow and stink from hidden floss-only locations. Gently brushing the gums, sides of the mouth and the tongue in addition to the teeth may make the difference.

Also, the food you are eating can impact the odor in your mouth. Onions, garlic, and coffee are likely to show up on the breath regardless of time spent brushing.

Illness, infection, and allergies can all cause dry mouth which in turn upset the control of bacteria in the mouth. Diabetes, kidney failure, radiation therapy, liver malfunction, dry mouth, or even a sinus infection can cause an odor. The microbe balance in the mouth is ever-changing.

Finally, dentures or a removable appliance may also carry bacteria that needs to be cleaned and freshened up on a regular basis.

1. Brush and floss the teeth as well as brush the tongue, gums, and sides of the mouth.
2. Enjoy onions and garlic a little less.
3.  Stay on top of health issues.
4. Keep dentures clean.

Call Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, serving the Murray, Salt Lake City and Sandy Utah area if you have a breath issue. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we offer sedation dentistry, Invisalign braces, and Six Month Smiles, as well as general and cosmetic dentistry. Call today for an appointment.

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

Dental health and a stunning smile depend on more than simply brushing regularly. In this post from Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we present a quick refresher course on critical lifestyle practices that affect dental health.

You are probably familiar with most of these recommendations, but it is helpful to get a reminder once in a while. We encourage all of our patients to maintain a lifestyle that promotes dental health as well as overall physical health. After all, the two are inseparable.

DO:

• Eat a nutritious diet.
• Eat calcium-rich dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt to neutralize acids that attack enamel.
• Brush gently but meticulously at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
• Make sure you clean thoroughly between teeth with dental floss or interdental cleaners such as flossing picks.
• If you have children, talk to your Salt Lake City dentist about water fluoridation.
• If your municipal water supply is not fluoridated, you may want to give your children fluoride supplements.
• Get your teeth professionally cleaned twice a year.
• Have a dental examination twice yearly with your Murray dentist.

DON’T:

• Eat a sugar frequently. Sugar triggers the production of detrimental cavity-causing acids that weaken enamel.
• Snack throughout the day. This speeds up plaque production and subjects the teeth to constant bombardment with acids.
• Chew on ice.
• Use your teeth as tools. Ever.
• Drink energy drinks.
• Get oral piercings.
• Ignore tooth pain or sensitivity.

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

As you stand over your sink looking at the frayed bristles of a favoritre toothbrush, do you think the time has come to replace it? It’s a good question, and Salt Lake Dental Cary in Murray has an answer.

We all brush our teeth on a daily basis. Like a good pair of jeans, it seems the more we use a toothbrush, the more comfortable it gets.

As it turns out, that’s not a good thing.

The angle of the bristles on your toothbrush are an important part of cleaning. Straight bristles scrub your teeth and flex your gums. A light circular motion is enough to clean your teeth without causing damage.

Flat or frayed bristles are less efficient and can even cause you to work harder. Pressing harder on your teeth can cause damage.

So how often should you change your toothbrush?

Anyone who has worried about the oil in their car knows this basic rule of thumb: change it every three months. It’s the same with your toothbrush.

The American Dental Association suggests replacing your toothbrush “every three to four months.”

In addition to worn bristles, bacteria can also built up in the small gaps of your toothbrush and may contribute to decay and bad breath. Make sure you keep your toothbrush in a sanitary location. Allow for good drying to help extend its life.

Regardless of how long it’s been, if the bristles on your toothbrush look like they’re trying to get away from each other, it’s time. Otherwise, change your toothbrush at the start of every new season to keep it fresh and effective.

At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray, services include general and family dentistry, and cosmetic dentistry. Schedule your next appointment 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

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

It’s easy to forget that teeth are alive. After all, they don’t grow like hair or fingernails, and the enamel is not made of living cells. We are reminded that they are alive when we have an issue. In serious cases, it may take a root canal from Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT to save the tooth.

Like other organs, teeth need a blood supply to stay alive and healthy. Veins, arteries, lymph vessels and nerves live below the enamel and dentin in the pulp of the tooth. When the blood flow is cut off, the tooth eventually dies. What can cause blood flow troubles? Injury, trauma, infection, large fillings, and multiple restorations can impact a tooth’s blood supply.

At Salt Lake Dental Care, we can carry out root canal therapy to save a dead tooth if required. During a root canal procedure the soft tissue in the root of the tooth is removed. The resulting empty space is shaped, then filled with a special rubber material. What’s left is covered with a crown.

Root canals generally last many years, but not always. Inadequate oral hygiene, decay, periodontal disease, an undetected crack, abscess, or degradation of root canal sealing materials can all cause a root canal to fail.

How do you know if you have a dead or dying tooth? It is essential to call Salt Lake Dental Care if you experience tenderness or pain, hot or cold sensitivity, tooth discoloration, tooth injury, gum swelling, gum pain, or lymph node tenderness or drainage. Keep in mind, sometimes there are no noticeable symptoms. That is why it is so important to have regular checkups.

In addition to root canals, Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray UT offers clear braces, and a wide range of general and family dentistry services. Schedule an appointment 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

Brushing your teeth on a regular basis is one of the best things you can do for your smile. Healthy teeth make a beautiful smile. You can keep your teeth clean and healthy with regular dentist appointments at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray.

Of course, it’s important you do your part at home, too. Brushing twice a day helps with gum health and even keep your breath smelling sweet.

For some of us, brushing can be a bothersome chore. Hopefully you don’t think of brushing like that, but it happens.

The best way to build brushing into your routine is to make it a habit. A habit is an repeated practice that becomes hard to give up. Some habits can be bad, of course. Brushing can be a good habit.

If you can make brushing your teeth a habit, you’ll be one step closer to a life of successful checkups.

Here are some tips for creating a good habit that you can teach to your kids. These tips will also work on teens. And they work on adults, too:

Keep It Simple

One of the best ways to create a habit is to keep the requirements simple. Brushing teeth is already a simple task, but we can focus on the simplicity to help it stick as a habit.

When it comes to your children, don’t complicate the instructions. Keep it as simple as possible at the start. A small amount of toothpaste on your toothbrush, brush for about two minutes, rinse with clear water. Simple.

Regular Timing

One of the cornerstones of a habit is routine. Routine is rooted in consistent timing. Choose at least two, or three regular times to brush your teeth. Set a timer if you have to, but it’s best to create a habit around other regular activities. “First thing in the morning” or “after breakfast” are good times. After dinner or just before getting into bed are also good times.

Regardless of when you choose, make sure it is a daily activity, and that it is tied to another routine or habit as a reminder. In this way you are actually appending an existing habit or routine, and that makes it easier.

Stick To It

Research indicates it takes about two weeks to create a habit. You have to do a task for at least two weeks in a row before your brain will turn it over to auto-pilot and make it into a habit. Your brain tries to do this with routine things so you don’t have to keep the task in your short-term memory.

If you can stick with a task for two weeks, you’ll be well on your way to creating a good habit. If you can hold on for 30 days, you’ll imprint your new habit as a reflexive routine. You may never have to think about it again!

Improve It

Finally, any good habit needs constant improving. You can improve your habit of brushing your teeth by working on proper form, or by adding a little bit of time. Work toward the two minute mark; any longer and it may start to cause damage. You can also make sure you are using a soft or medium brush, and that you are using floride toothpaste to keep your teeth healthy.

Start Today

There’s no time like right now to get started on creating healthy habits for your teeth. If you are having trouble with brushing, make a commitment to work on it starting now. If you are caring for a child, or working with a teenager, help reinforce good habits with reminders, positive support, and a leading example.

At Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray, the dental health of our patients is always our top priority. Our services include general and family dentistry, and specialties like clear braces. Schedule an appointment 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

Few physical improvements can have as dramatic of an impact on  your self-confidence and self-esteem as a smile makeover. Excellent oral health and an attractive smile can contribute to overall physical health and a high quality of life. Our team at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray is passionate about upgrading your smile through cosmetic dentistry.

During your no-pressure smile transformation consultation we will cover:

• How you want your smile to look and feel after the makeover.
• The overall condition of your oral health.
• The individual aspects of your teeth and gums that you wish to fix.
• A detailed explanation of each needed treatment (e.g. porcelain veneers, dental crowns, inlays/onlays, gum contouring, crown lengthening, tooth implants, braces, or teeth whitening).
• Showing you before and after pictures of previous smile makeover clients.
• Your options for how to schedule the procedures (all at once or over time).
• Information about oral conscious sedation.
• Answers to any questions or concerns.
• Cosmetic dentistry expenses and financing options.

If you have ever wondered how cosmetic dentistry could change your life, it is time for you to pick up the phone today to  schedule a consultation with our team at Salt Lake Dental Care in Murray. Remember, your remarkable smile begins with us!

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