Though most Utah residents are fairly health-conscious, periodontal disease is more common than you might think. At Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS, we see patients with gum disease every day. Some patients aren’t even aware they have it until Dr. Clint Blackwood diagnoses it. Fortunately, it can be treated with varying degrees…
General Dentistry
Flossing For Health And Happiness

Most Murray men and women know that flossing is an important part of oral health. The value of this simple yet important exercise in oral hygiene has been shown time and time again. Flossing offers a chance to remove bits and pieces that a toothbrush will undoubtedly miss. Being afraid of the ‘cavity bugs,’ ‘mouth…
What You Need To Know About Oral Cancer

During routine dental examinations, your dentist may look for signs of oral cancer. Oral cancer refers to cancers in the tongue, mouth, lips, jaw, and throat. Many Murray dental patients don’t realize the seriousness of oral cancer. The American Cancer Society estimates that over 39,000 people will get oral cancer this year.1 Consider this sobering…
Do You Eat A Tooth-Healthy Diet?

Maintaining healthy teeth is an important concern for our local Salt Lake City dental patients. As your Dr., I’m committed to helping you care for your teeth and keep them healthy. Everyone in Salt Lake City knows that maintaining healthy teeth requires thorough daily brushing and flossing. Regular visits to your local Salt Lake City…
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…
Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS Takes Care Of Plaque, Calculus, And Cavities

We find that many dental patients in the Sandy, Taylorsville, and Draper areas get a couple of dental terms mixed up. We would like to clarify the differences between plaque, calculus, and cavities. Plaque is a film that covers teeth – a sticky layer of bacteria. You can remove plaque through daily brushing and flossing.…
3 Cavity Fighters For Murray Kids

Most parents know children’s oral health basics: brush regularly, reduce sugar intake, limit snacking, and get adequate amounts of calcium and Vitamin D. Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS recommends three additional tools for preventing cavities in toddlers and children. Sealants Fluoride supplements Oral rinses Resin dental sealants are applied by your dentist.…
Why A Root Canal Is Not Something To Fear

Today’s Salt Lake Dental Care – Clint Blackwood DDS post addresses one of the most feared dental procedures: the infamous root canal. A successful root canal (or endodontic treatment in dental-speak) can save a tooth and prevent the need for an extraction followed by a dental bridge, dental implant, or gap in your smile. If,…
You May Have Gingivitis

Every person’s mouth provides a cozy home for over 600 types of bacteria. If you are passionate about oral hygiene and have healthy gums, these microbes usually don’t affect your health. However, if you have gum disease, bacteria can enter your bloodstream through your gums and cause problems. The first sign of gingivitis is swollen,…
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…