You water the garden three times a week, you change your car's oil every three months, and you replace the batteries in your smoke detectors once a year. Your teeth need to see your dentist on a regular schedule, too.
While daily oral hygiene habits are essential to good oral health, professional dental cleanings at our office ensure your teeth are treated to a deeper level of cleaning. We recommend for most of our patients to have a checkup at least every six months. In addition to a thorough cleaning and polishing of your teeth, these regular visits help us detect and prevent the onset of tooth decay and periodontal (gum) disease. During your visit, we’ll check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks, and tongue. We’ll also check old fillings and restorations, as these can wear away over time from constant chewing, grinding, or clenching.
If you are predisposed to oral diseases, you may need to visit our office more often than every six months. Factors at play in these diseases include age, pregnancy, tobacco use, medical conditions (such as diabetes, dry mouth, or HIV infection), along with how well you take care of your teeth on a daily basis.
Make sure your teeth get the professional attention they deserve – If you’re overdue for your next cleaning, check with our office to schedule an appointment!

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! We wanted to remind you that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge, remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you would like more advice about how you can prevent cavities, give us a call!

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. With Earth Day coming up on Sunday, we thought we would discuss some of the things we do to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Our office is digitalized, which means we can operate without the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials. The information in our office can be sent and processed digitally, which is also more efficient. We take all of the steps possible to be a 'green' office, making us better for the planet and more convenient for our patients.

We would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or post on our Facebook page!

Spring is in the air! As you probably know, you can always connect with us on our Facebook page, but we invite you to please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you.

We also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Thank you! Have a great week!

Visiting our office regularly will not only help keep your teeth and mouth healthy, but will also help keep the rest of your body healthy. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved. Since April is Oral Cancer Awareness Month, we would like to take this opportunity to remind all of our patients about the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene.

We are trained to diagnose, treat, and prevent oral health problems. Please let us now if you have any questions about your oral health during your next appointment. Take care of your teeth!

Fluoride is a compound that contains fluorine, a natural element. Using small amounts of fluoride on a regular basis can help prevent tooth decay. Fluoride inhibits loss of minerals from tooth enamel and encourages remineralization (strengthening areas that are weakened and beginning to develop cavities). Fluoride also affects bacteria that cause cavities, discouraging acid attacks that break down the tooth. Risk for decay is reduced even more when fluoride is combined with a healthy diet and good oral hygiene. Using fluoride for the prevention and control of decay has been proven over the past 70 years to be both safe and effective.

Fluoride can be found in any toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Approval, as well as in drinking water across the United States. To ensure you’re getting the appropriate amount of fluoride, having a professionally applied fluoride treatment during your next checkup is possible if you are concerned you are not getting adequate amounts at home.

Learn more about the All-on-4™ dental implant procedure here: www.advanceddentalcarelc.com/dentures

Otto, a patient of Dr. Jerry Dunn, talks about his experience with the All-on-4™ implant procedure.

All-on-4 dentures require only 4 implants. This state-of-the-art option offers stability even with minimal bone volume, good clinical results, and increased efficiency. With the All-on-4 Procedure, qualified patients receive just four implants and a full set of new replacement teeth in just one appointment—without bone grafts! The real appeal is how quickly permanent implants can be placed so that patients can leave the same day with fixed, non-removable replacement teeth.

Visit our YouTube Channel for more All-on-4 patient testimonials, http://www.youtube.com/user/DrJerryDunn.

You may remember our post from last week, when Dr. Jerry Dunn and our staff discussed February being "National Dental Health Month." But did you know February is also American Heart Month?

It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Jerry Dunn. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Jerry Dunn says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at our office, please give us a call.

Or, you may ask us on Facebook!

Even if you brush and floss daily, it is still important to see us at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas every 6 months, or as recommended.

Why?

• We can detect and treat tooth and gum problems that you may have never felt or noticed.
• Even thorough daily oral care may not be enough to prevent cavities and oral decay.
• Frequent visits can allow us to treat a problem early to prevent future complications.

If you are overdue for an appointment with us, please give us a call today!

-- Dr. Jerry Dunn & Team

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!
For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.
We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2012!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

With holiday season here, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas wanted to stop for a moment to say how thankful we are to have you in our dental family. We realize that our practice thrives because of great patients like you. We are the lucky ones because we not only help keep you and your smile healthy, but we also have the pleasure of knowing you and your loved ones.

As always, if you know anyone we can help, just let us know. We promise to give them the same quality care that we have given you over the years.

We hope that this holiday season brings fond memories. Thank you for being part of our family.

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we know maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense.  The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth. Then, you start getting cavities.

Instead, our friends at the American Dental Association recommend nuts or dried fruit, which are a nice alternative to sugars and have a greater nutritional value—and can satisfy your sweet tooth! Both nuts and fruit are a great source of fiber and act as an appetite suppressant. In addition, nuts are a great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9, nutrients that contribute to a healthy immune system. Nuts are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with reducing heart disease and lower blood pressure.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays from all of us at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas! As you probably know, you can always connect with  Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team on our Facebook page, but we also encourage you to call us and let us know if you have any new phone numbers or if your contact information has changed!

Please contact our office with any updates to phone numbers and addresses, so that we may be able to reach you. Thank you!

-          The team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas want to know: what do your winter plans look like? Do you have any plans for an exciting family vacation? Are you hanging out around town? Catching up on sleep? Spending time with friends? Let us know!

Please feel free to share your exciting winter plans and experiences with us here or on our Facebook page! We would like to wish all of our patients and their families a safe and fun holiday season!

Whenever you have a follow-up question for Dr. Jerry Dunn or our team, or if you’d simply like to drop us a quick line, we’d love to hear from you! We love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our interactive Facebook fan page.
Please visit Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas on the following networks:

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/DrJerryDunn

Facebook: Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, our team knows the way you care for your teeth at home doesn’t just affect your oral health – it can impact your overall health as well. In recent years, researchers have found clear links between the mouth and other parts of the body, and the evidence is especially impactful for people with diabetes.

November marks Diabetes Awareness Month, and a great time to learn about how keeping your mouth healthy is vital to your overall health, too. If you are one of the nearly 26 million Americans currently living with diabetes, there is some good news: you can protect your gums and teeth from the effects of diabetes by visiting our Irving office for regular check-ups and cleanings. Most people should have at least two dental appointments per year, but those folks living with diabetes may require additional visits to make sure their dental health remains in top shape. Many insurance plans provide expanded benefits for diabetic patients. Dr. Jerry Dunn can tell you how often you need to come in for your dental visits.

For more information on how we can help, please give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

It’s almost that spooky time of year again! Whether you are going door-to-door trick or treating, attending a party dressed in a clever, silly or scary costume, or simply getting together with friends and family to watch scary movies, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team want you to keep in mind the following tips from our friends at the American Dental Association to help reduce tooth-decay.

• Eat treats with meals. Saliva production increases during meals washing out food particles and helping to neutralize cavity causing plaque acid.

• Consider chewing ADA Accepted sugarless gum after meals. Certain sugarless gums have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance for scientifically proving that chewing the gum for 20 minutes after meals helped prevent tooth decay.

• Follow the 1-2-3s of good daily oral hygiene: Floss once a day, brush twice a day and eat three balanced meals a day.

•Visit Dr. Dunn for regular checkups.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN from your friends at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we know nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of WebMD.

Let’s start with brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, evading a trip to visit Dr. Jerry Dunn is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas at least twice a year or as recommended, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your natural teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables. You can still eat these types of fruits and veggies if you’re wearing braces, but be sure to cut them up into bite sized pieces to avoid breaking off brackets.

Finally, before you pick up that candy bar, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, give our Irving office a call or ask us on Facebook!

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

Happy brushing!

Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month? For our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, that means only one thing: Reminding you that your teeth are an important part of your body, and keeping them clean helps keep your mouth and your body healthy. By taking care of your teeth, eating a balanced diet and visiting our convenient Irving office on a regular basis, you can have healthy teeth and an attractive smile throughout your entire life.

We encourage you to check out the American Dental Association website as well, which provides pointers on keeping your mouth clean and healthy. Lastly, has it been six months since your last visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to give us a call to set up an appointment with Dr. Jerry Dunn.

Don’t put off your next visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas any longer! Over the years, oral health issues have been increasingly linked to other health concerns, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease remains American’s number one killer, claiming more lives than any other cause of death, according to the American Heart Association. Believe it or not, an estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of gum disease. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care, both at home and by visiting the dentist.

Studies are also beginning to suggest that patients, especially those with periodontal disease, are believed to have an elevated risk of heart attack and stroke. Since most patients are not regularly visiting a heart specialist, their regular visits Dr. Jerry Dunn can help detect early warning signs of heart issues, prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages.

Additionally, if it’s been more than six months since your last visit to our Irving office, please give us a call!

Everyone loves fun facts and dental tips. Fun, fun, fun! Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas came across these dental fun facts recently and thought you might enjoy!

• The second most common disease in the United States is cavities. The first is the common cold.
• There are almost 9,000 accidental pockings and piercings with toothpicks per year.
• X-rays may be an effective tool in preventing strokes.
• A child will have 20 baby teeth by the time he or she is 2 years old. Through childhood, kids gradually lose baby teeth and grow 32 permanent teeth, including wisdom teeth.
• According to consumer reports, dentists are among the 5 most trusted professionals in the United States.
• Approximately $2 billion a year is spent on dental products like toothpastes, mouthwashes and dental floss.
• The average American spends about 38 days brushing teeth over his or her lifetime.
• Kids in North America spend half a billion dollars per year on chewing gum.
• Approximately 94 percent of Americans say they brush nightly while only 81 percent say they brush first thing in the morning.
• Grand Rapids, MI was the first American city to fluoridate its water.
• Earliest record of a toothbrush was found in Chinese literature about 1600 AD
• The natural bristles of early toothbrushes were taken from the necks and shoulders of swine, especially pigs living in colder climates like Siberia and China.

The end of Summer and then subsequently the beginning of Fall are just around the corner. Soon the temperatures will cool down, the leaves will start to change, and we’re sure that you’ll be thinking about Halloween costumes and Thanksgiving plans.

But wait! First, we want to know: What were your favorite parts of the Summer of 2011? Did you go on a wonderful family trip? Did you pick up a new hobby? Did you try to spend as much time outside and in the sun as possible?

Share your favorite memories, stories, or photos with us by leaving a comment below or on our Facebook page.

-Dr. Jerry Dunn and team

Everybody is jumping on the electric toothbrush bandwagon in recent years, with many experts in the dental field claiming electric toothbrushes provide superior dental care. It’s true that electric toothbrushes are recommended for those who can’t do a good job brushing manually or who have arthritis or other conditions. But manual toothbrushes do have some advantages, according to an article we recently found including:

• Cost. While electric toothbrushes may be expensive for many people, manual toothbrushes are both inexpensive and accessible.

• Less pressure on your teeth & gums. While we can feel the amount of pressure we’re using as we grasp our manual toothbrush, we can’t feel the pressure nearly as well with an electric toothbrush. Placing too much pressure on our teeth can wear away at the tooth enamel, which causes pain, sensitivity, as well as an increased risk of tooth decay.

• Simple to pack. Manual toothbrushes are easy to carry around for those business or family trips. People are less likely to let their good dental care habits lapse on vacation with a toothbrush that they can easily bring along!

• Better for kids. Learning at a young age how to properly use a manual toothbrush helps children get a feel for how to properly take care of their oral hygiene.

Electric toothbrushes, on the other hand, are more effective in removing plaque and are considered a better alternative to maintaining gum health. Remember, whether you choose a manual or an electric toothbrush, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team encourage you to choose one with soft bristles and be sure to change the bristles on the electric brush when they become worn down. We also encourage you to replace your toothbrush every three months, when the bristles are no longer straight and firm or after you recover from a cold.

Give us a call at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas if you have any questions or ask us on Facebook!

Happy brushing!

Does the sound of a drill make you flinch or cringe? Do you worry about your twice-yearly dental checkup? Trust Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team at Advanced Dental Care of Los Colinas when we say you’re not alone! In fact, the Journal of the American Dental Association has estimated that 30 to 40 million people have a fear of visiting the dentist.

To eliminate some of that fear, we’ve put together six steps to help you or your child overcome your dental anxiety before visiting Dr. Dunn’s office.

1. What are you most afraid of? Is it the sound of the drill? Do you have needle phobia? Have you been traumatized by previous dental visits? Write down your fears, one by one.

2. Don’t wait. The more frequently you visit our office, the less work needs to be done at any one visit. Simply having your teeth cleaned professionally by Dr. Dunn twice a year—or as recommended—prevents many, if not most, problems.

3. Bring a distraction to your appointment. Bringing along an iPod is a great idea. Just plug in those earphones, close your eyes, and get lost in the music. Listening to music can also be a pain killer.

4. Relax. Inhale slowly, and count of five. Hold your breath for 10 seconds, then exhale slowly to the count of eight. Repeat. It's easier if you're not totally focused on the work going on inside your mouth.

5. Ask. Before any procedure, ask Dr. Dunn or one of our assistants why we’re using the tools we’re using. Ask us what we're doing, what the tool is used for, and how it will benefit you during the appointment. Also, please ask about anti-anxiety medications that we may prescribe to help you relax during your appointment.

6. We are here to help you. Remember, we are health care professionals who want to improve your oral health, and will never judge you or the state of your mouth. Dr. Dunn and team will do all we can to ensure a trauma-free and pain-free experience!

We hope this helps! For more on dental anxieties, we encourage you to visit this helpful article, ask us during your next visit to our convenient Irving office! Or, ask us on Facebook!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we know getting kids and teens to eat healthy isn’t always an easy task, especially when they’re busy with school and other school- and social-related activities. At the school cafeteria, it's just too easy for kids to nosh on French fries, chicken nuggets and other fried foods and unhealthy snacks, so Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team thought we’d pass along five delicious and nutritious snacks we know your child will love.

1. Cheese – Cheese is one of the healthiest snacks for your child's teeth. In addition to providing large amounts of much-needed calcium, cheese also does its part to fight cavities. Cheese stimulates the body's salivary glands to clear the mouth of debris and protect them from acids that weaken them, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. This means cheese disrupts the development of cavities, especially when eaten as a snack or at the end of a meal. Calcium and phosphorous found in cheese reduce or prevent decreases in the plaque's ph level and work to re-mineralize the enamel of your child's teeth.

2. Blueberries - These tiny nutritional powerhouses are loaded with Vitamin C, as well as folic acid, minerals, fiber and disease-fighting phytochemicals, which have shown to help prevent cancer and diabetes. Kids love them sprinkled with a bit of sugar, topped with whipped cream, added to muffins and pancakes.

3. Whole wheat bread or cereal – With bread, kids get their iron, vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. With vitamins, calcium, and fiber, a bowl of enriched whole grain cereal with milk—and even fruit—is a power-packed snack or healthy start to the day.

4. Almonds - They’re rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals and Vitamin E, and also have good amounts of fiber, iron, and calcium. Let your kids eat them raw. (Note: Whole nuts are a choking hazard for children under 3 years old.)

5. Yogurt - Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Low-fat yogurt is an excellent source of calcium, especially when whipped up in a parfait with berries and granola. Homemade fruity yogurt pop sure beats sugary store-bought frozen treats!

We encourage you to check out the other 15 healthy snacks your child can enjoy at any time of the day! For more information about which dairy foods are best for keeping your teeth healthy, please post your question here on our blog, give us a call or ask us on Facebook!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we know your smile is important. And we know you want to keep it sparkling and looking its very best. Recently, we came across an article that suggests at least 20 things can ruin that perfect smile you have.

These include:

- Sports drinks
- Bottled water
- Tobacco
- Wine
- Soft drinks
- Citrus and acidic foods

Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team encourage you to read the rest of the article and ask us here on our blog or during your next visit to our convenient Irving office. For more tips or for general questions about your ongoing dental treatment, we invite you to ask Dr. Dunn during your next visit! We also invite you to ask us on Facebook!

A whiter smile is one just one dentist visit away! ZOOM! Smile Whitening brightens and whitens your teeth in just 1 hour. Once you have gone through the Zoom! treatment we will send you home with an at-home whitening bleaching kit with custom made trays. Using the take home trays will allow you to maintain your desired level of whitening over several months.

While Zoom! Smile Whitening is a great way to enhance the appearance of your smile, it's not always for everyone. Those with deep, dark stains that remain unaffected by whitening treatments and patients with regular tooth sensitivity may not be good candidates. Find out more about Zoom! Smile Whitening at our web site; and when you are ready to have a whiter, brighter smile contact Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas for an evaluation!

You no longer need to hide your smile because of gaps, chips, stains, or misshapen teeth. With veneers, you can easily correct your teeth’s imperfections to help you have a more confident, beautiful smile. Veneers are natural in appearance, and are a perfect alternative for patients wanting to make minor adjustments to the look and feel of their smile.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells made from tooth-colored materials (such as porcelain) designed to cover the front side of your teeth. To prepare for veneers, Dr. Jerry Dunn will create a unique model of your teeth. This model is sent to the dental technician to create your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, Dr. Dunn may need to conservatively prepare your tooth to achieve the desired aesthetic result.

When placed, you'll be pleased to see that veneers look like your natural teeth. While veneers are stain resistant, Dr. Dunn may recommend that you avoid coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco to maintain the beauty of your new smile.

Dr. Dunn is one of the few dentists in the area that is trained to do no prep DURAthin veneers when indicated. DURAthin veneers are very thin porcelain veneers designed to adhere directly to the front of the teeth without removing any enamel! This means for some people, we can design the smile of their dreams without even drilling on their natural teeth. Contact our office to see if you are a candidate!

CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. It makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful — all while keeping your teeth looking natural. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. This is the finest restorative material available today, all in one appointment.

First, Dr. Jerry Dunn will meet with you to discuss the details of the procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Dunn will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as an optimal impression. The restoration will then be designed by the computer on this impression. Then CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk to create your restoration piece out of a high tech ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.

Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas is your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

Summer is here, and with summer comes lots of swimming! Our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas found some helpful pool safety tips that we’d like to share with you, courtesy of our friends at the American Association of Pediatricians.

* Install a fence at least four-feet high around all four sides of the pool. The fence should not have openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through.

* Make sure pool gates open out from the pool, and self-close and self-latch at a height children can't reach.

* Never leave children alone in or near the pool, even for a moment.

* Keep rescue equipment (a shepherd's hook - a long pole with a hook on the end - and life preserver) and a portable telephone near the pool. Choose a shepherd's hook and other rescue equipment made of fiberglass or other materials that do not conduct electricity.

* Avoid inflatable swimming aids such as "floaties." They are not a substitute for approved life vests and can give children a false sense of security.

* Children may not be developmentally ready for swim lessons until after their fourth birthday. Swim programs for children under 4 should not be seen as a way to decrease the risk of drowning.

* Whenever infants or toddlers are in or around water, an adult should be within arm's length, providing "touch supervision."

Have more questions about your children and their safety this summer? Give us a call!

Did you know that gum disease is the leading cause of tooth loss in adults? Below you’ll find a video that our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas found which explains the three stages of gum disease, what to watch for and some simple preventive techniques.

If you have any more questions about gum disease or how to maintain good oral health, please feel free to give our office a call.

If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. During your visit, Dr. Jerry Dunn can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

Looking for a fun treat that will impress the kids this 4th of July? Here’s a fun and simple recipe that our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas found that’s sure to WOW the kids.

You will need:

• Red and/or blue fruit flavored beverage (Powerade, Gatorade, Kool-Aid…)
• Seltzer (flavored or plain) or clear soda
• Ice cube trays

Directions:

Fill the ice cube trays with the red and blue beverages and let them freeze solid. After they are frozen, place three or four cubes into a glass and fill the glass with seltzer or clear soda. As the ice melts, colored bubbles will appear in the drink.

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

-Dr. Jerry Dunn and team

It’s summer here at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbecue, a camping trip, hitting America’s open roads or just having fun in the backyard, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team want to hear all about it! We encourage you to post any comments and photos from your adventures to our Facebook wall!

Happy travels!

Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, your Irving dentist, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our amazing patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Irving? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in Texas?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Irving, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” in Texas.

If you need to schedule your next appointment, give us a call! Have a great week!

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Dr. Jerry Dunn wants to remind you that vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge, remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you would like more advice about how you can prevent cavities, give Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas a call or ask Dr. Dunn during your next appointment.

Wisdom teeth are a type of molar that is found in the very back of your mouth and are the last molars to develop. There are four wisdom teeth: upper left, upper right, lower left, and lower right. These teeth usually appear in late teens or early twenties but may become impacted (fail to erupt) due to lack of room in the jaw or angle of entry. The removal of wisdom teeth has become so commonplace that it is almost a rite of passage for young adults.

Dr. Jerry Dunn will tell you that when a tooth is impacted, it may need to be removed. If it is not removed, you may develop gum tenderness, swelling, or even severe pain. Impacted wisdom teeth that are partially or fully erupted tend to be quite difficult to clean and are susceptible to tooth decay, recurring infections, and yes, even gum disease.

Our friends at WebMD have developed a helpful explanation about wisdom teeth and how they impact your health. Also, feel free to give us a call with any questions you have or ask us on Facebook!

With the school year close to winding down for a lot of our patients at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we wanted to remind all our patients about the importance of reading. Sure it’s easy to keep putting off reading this time of year, but reading is a vital step in brain development and literacy. And if you needed any more reason to read, May marks “Get Caught Reading Month.”

Today, we thought we’d ask: What's on YOUR reading list? What are some of your all-time favorites? Out of ideas for great reads? Ask us for suggestions, and Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team would be happy to provide a few. You may also ask a local librarian for some ideas on what to read next!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your book picks or your all-time favorite novels or literature on our Facebook page!

Maintaining your oral health is an important part of keeping your entire body well, and never more so than when you’re expecting. If you’re pregnant or considering pregnancy, schedule an appointment with us, and remember to raise the issue of your oral health at prenatal appointments with Dr. Jerry Dunn.

If pregnant, Dr. Dunn wants you to be aware of the following issues:

• Tooth Decay
Excessive morning sickness can also contribute to tooth decay, as the acids in your stomach introduced to the mouth during vomiting wear away the protective enamel coating on your teeth.

• Gingivitis & Gum Disease
This is a major issue. The precursor to gum disease is gingivitis, a condition in which plaque buildup on teeth irritates the gums, making them red, swollen and sensitive. The high levels of hormones in the bloodstream brought on by pregnancy exaggerate your gums’ reaction to irritation from plaque.

• Loose Teeth
Another risk faced during pregnancy is loosening teeth. The large amounts of hormones in your bloodstream can have an unfavorable affect on the bones and ligaments that create the foundation of your teeth, weakening them to the point that teeth may loosen.

The ideal time to schedule an appointment at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas is before becoming pregnant. Dr. Dunn will perform a check-up to determine the state of your oral health and how pregnancy might affect you. We will discuss completing any necessary treatments prior to your pregnancy. Give us a call today!

We are living in an age with a renewed commitment to conservation, and are frequently reminded to recycle, reduce and reuse. Today is Earth Day, and we thought this would be a great time to discuss everything that Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas does to conserve our natural resources and the environment.

Did you know that we offer patients account access 24 hours a day, seven days a week? We offer convenient and secure online services with our Patient Login system. You can view all of your account information, and even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages. Since this information is submitted electronically, we eliminate the use of large amounts of paper and printing materials.

Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team would love to hear how you minimize your impact on the environment. Leave us a comment below or you can also visit our Facebook page and post something on our wall.

Happy Earth Day!

With spring here, many children, teens and adults all over the Metroplex will once again pick up the ball, bring the bat out of seasonal retirement, and lace up their cleats to hit the fields for the return of spring sports! April is National Facial Protection Month, and during this time, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our dedicated team urge our young athletes to play it safe when out on the field. According to the National Youth Sports Safety Foundation, children, high-school athletes and adults will have more than 5,000,000 teeth knocked out in sporting events this year.

Here are a few ways to ensure your mouth’s safety this spring:

1. Wear mouth guards for contact sports such as baseball, softball, soccer and lacrosse.
2. Wear a helmet
3. Wear protective eyewear
4. Wear a face shield to avoid scratched or bruised skin
5. Be alert, even as a spectator

We hope that helps. Protective gear is vital for anyone engaging in tooth or mouth-threatening activities. If you have any further questions about any of these tips, please contact Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. Stay safe and have fun!

Dr. Jerry Dunn will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles can harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

With over 100 years of combined dental experience, Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas partners with patients on a daily basis to help them achieve the self-confidence they desire. Dr. Jerry Dunn believes in creating a fun, positive dental experience while providing treatments that are personal, comfortable, and tailored specifically to meet your needs.

The bottom line is, we know having a beautiful smile is important to you. It’s important to us, too.

And speaking of smiling, in a new poll conducted by Glamour Magazine, people were asked, “If you had to pick between having perfect teeth, eyesight or hair, which would you choose?

Well, 44 percent of folks out there are choosing teeth! In addition, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, or AACD, conducted a study and found that 99.7 percent of those polled believed a smile is an important social asset. Respondents said straightness, whiteness, cleanliness, as well as the sincerity and sparkle of a person’s smile were all important factors not only socially, but career-wise as well.

Take the next step toward a healthier, brighter smile; please contact our Irving, TX dental office and schedule an appointment.

We hope you are not a part of the 51 percent of Americans who don’t floss every day. And we definitely hope you're not part of the 10 percent who never floss at all. Dr. Jerry Dunn and our staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas will always tell you that proper flossing is just as important for your dental health as brushing regularly. Flossing, you see, cleans food and plaque that build up between teeth and below the gumline, key areas that brushing simply cannot reach.

Flossing 3-to-5 minutes each day is recommended, but even 60 seconds of flossing has a great benefit over not flossing at all. Also, make sure to always brush your teeth after you floss, and to rinse with water or mouthwash. When you begin flossing you may experience gum pain or bleeding, but with daily flossing and brushing this should stop within a week or so.

Lastly, has it been at least six months since your last check-up with Dr. Dunn? If the answer is yes, we encourage you to schedule an appointment!

There are so many ways you protect your teeth throughout your dental treatment with Dr. Jerry Dunn. You brush your teeth twice a day, floss regularly and protect your mouth from being damaged. But did you know there is another, often forgotten about, way to keep your teeth clean and healthy during your treatment? Fluoride – a mineral that helps prevent cavities and tooth decay – can help keep your teeth strong! Fluoride comes in two varieties: topical and systemic. Topical fluoride is applied directly to the tooth. Topical fluoride includes toothpastes and mouth rinses. Systemic fluorides are swallowed in the form of a dietary supplement.

Fluoride used in the dentist's office is often times a stronger concentration than in toothpaste or mouthwash, but is available at some drug stores or a pharmacy (ask your doctor how to purchase professional strength fluoride). A fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. After the treatment patients may be asked not to rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes in order to allow the teeth to absorb the fluoride. Depending on your oral health or doctor’s recommendation, you may be required to have a fluoride treatment every three, six or 12 months. Your doctor may also prescribe a fluoride product such as mouthwashes, gels or antibacterial rinses for at-home treatment.

When choosing your own fluoride product, be sure to check for the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of acceptance. Products marked with the ADA seal of approval have been carefully examined and have met the criteria of the ADA for safety and effectiveness.

Take care of your teeth, and smile bright!

-Dr. Dunn and team

March has arrived, and that can only mean one thing: it’s National Nutrition Month. Every March, Dr. Jerry Dunn and thousands of dentists and hygienists celebrate this occasion, and this year is no different. This March, Dr. Dunn and our team want you to think diabetes, obesity and periodontal disease, and how healthful eating and physical activity may improve periodontal health.

Small changes really can make a big difference, and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) has some advice on ways to start improving your diet this March:

• Focus on fruits and vegetables: Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.

• Think fresh, think local: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Irving.

• Make each and every calorie count: When you are choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.

• It’s tempting, but…: If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you crave a snack in the afternoon, enjoy some trail mix or nuts.

• Expand your horizons: Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.

If you have additional questions about periodontal disease or keeping yourself and your mouth healthy, please give us a call!

Dr. Jerry Dunn understands dry mouth, gum disease, delayed healing and other health issues are all special concerns for our patients with diabetes. But what are your options when infection has weakened teeth beyond repair? In many cases, Dr. Dunn recommends dental implants as permanent replacements for damaged teeth.

Recent studies of dental implants with diabetic patients show success rates of higher than 90 percent. In the rare case that the implant does not blend properly to the bone, Dr. Dunn will remove them and the procedure at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas can be repeated. While the process of implantation takes longer than conventional treatments like bridges, the strength and durability of implants make them an excellent long-term solution for your tooth replacement. If you have diabetes and have lost one or more teeth (and your diabetes is under control), you may consider implants. However, if your blood sugar is not controlled, Dr. Dunn recommends putting off any non-emergency dental care, including implants, bridgework and dentures – until you’ve worked with your primary care physician to control it.

Otherwise, feel free to give us a call and our staff will try to answer any diabetes-related questions we can.

Here is a very concise video explaining the proper way to floss your teeth. Many people think that flossing is only to get the food out from in between your teeth, when actually flossing should be done every day on every tooth to help protect your teeth and gums. Enjoy and have a good weekend!

-Dr. Jerry Dunn and team

How are you saying “I love you” this Valentine’s Day? While flowers, chocolates and a heartwarming card may be the usual go-to gift, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team wanted to remind patients about a few healthy alternatives to the traditional Valentine’s Day box of chocolates.

When choosing a Valentine’s Day gift for that special someone, consider these nutritional options that will not only satisfy that “sweet tooth,” but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc) - A delicious and fun Valentine’s gift, especially if presented in the form of an edible arrangement.
• Homemade Bread- Nothing shows thoughtfulness more than a homemade gift.
• Pretzels (low salt) - Chocolate or yogurt dipped pretzels are a tasty and healthy option.
• Heart shaped treats - Turn any healthy treat into a heartwarming gift with heart shaped cookie cutters and muffin tins. Be creative!

Happy Valentine’s Day, from all of us at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

With February being National Children's Dental Health Month, our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas thought we'd share a few good oral hygiene tips with our patients, courtesy of the American Dental Association, or ADA.

• Teeth brushing techniques: It takes only two minutes to properly brush, using short, gentle strokes and devoting extra attention to the gumline, areas around fillings and hard-to-reach areas such as the back teeth.

• Flossing: hold the floss snugly between thumbs and index finger and place between each of the teeth, making sure to go beneath the gumline and curving the floss around the base of each tooth.

• Snack wisely: choose healthy snacks such as vegetables, fruits and cheese and avoid sticky, chewy candies that can stick to the teeth. If you eat these snacks, make sure to brush after doing so.

• Carbonated or sugary drinks: these beverages create acids that can damage the teeth when mixed with saliva, so they should be avoided altogether. When drinking one of these beverages, avoid sipping on it throughout the day. Rather, have a drink and then brush your teeth.

• Regular dental visits: You should visit Dr. Jerry Dunn regularly (approximately every six months).

National Children's Dental Health Month, now in its 61st year, aims to increase awareness about the importance of kids' oral health. If you have any questions about keeping your mouth healthy, or about your treatment with Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, please feel free to give us a call!

Did you know February is Heart Month? It’s a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Jerry Dunn. Cardiovascular disease remains American's number one killer, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office on a regular basis can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Dunn says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, please give us a call today.

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas is Cavity! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do you get one? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by your dentist, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit your dentist every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

Call our office if you have any additional questions or if you need to schedule your next visit.

Dr. Jerry Dunn, a dentist in the greater Irving TX area, recognizes that many of our patients are concerned about bad breath, or halitosis. While some cases of bad breath are persistent (chronic bad breath), generally bad breath is transient, and can be prevented.

We recently came across this helpful video about bad breath and thought it was worth sharing with our patients. The video explains what might cause bad breath and some ways that it can be avoided. In most instances, bad breath can be prevented by practicing common oral hygiene techniques that you have probably heard us emphasize during a visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, such as brushing and flossing daily. We encourage you to watch this video for additional tips on how to keep bad breath at bay. Enjoy!

If you’re brushing and flossing on a regular basis, we think that’s fantastic! But, don’t forget that it’s also important to visit Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas every six months, in addition to brushing your teeth a couple times a day. Because your dental health is important to us, we'd like to remind you that it's time for your examination.

Regular dental checkups are important for maintaining good oral health. During your visit, Dr. Dunn can:

• Check for problems that might not be seen or felt

• Detect cavities and early signs of decay

• Treat oral health problems early

During an oral exam we will usually check the health of your mouth, teeth, gums, cheeks and tongue. Checkups will also include a thorough teeth cleaning and polishing. If you have not been to our office in the last six months (or as recommended), call us to schedule an appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

In our continuing efforts to provide the most advanced technology and highest quality care available to our patients, Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas screens our patients for oral cancer. The fact is, every hour of every day in the U.S., someone dies of oral cancer, which is the sixth-most common diagnosed form of the disease. The five-year survival rate is only 50 percent, and oral cancer is one of the few cancers whose survival rate has not improved.

Early detection of pre-cancerous tissue can minimize or eliminate the potentially disfiguring effects of oral cancer and possibly save your life. Ask Dr. Dunn about a screening at your next appointment.

Let’s face it- when was the last time you managed to keep a New Year’s resolution? We at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas believe the key to sticking to a goal is picking one that is both reasonable and attainable. If you haven’t yet picked a New Year’s resolution, consider setting one that will improve your oral health!

For example, resolve to brush twice and floss once a day. Good oral hygiene only takes a few minutes a day, and can make a big difference in your oral health and overall health too! For more oral health-themed resolutions for you and your family, check out this article.

We would love to see what you come up with, share with us by commenting on this post or on our Facebook page. Whatever your New Year’s Resolution, we wish you the very best for 2011!

-Happy New Year, from your friends at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas knows that maintaining a healthy diet over the holiday season can prove a difficult task. After all, who can resist the tasty treats of Christmas? With grandma and everybody else offering you candy, chocolate logs or Christmas pudding, you just can’t say “I’ll pass” each time. But trouble lurks: every time you chow down on that chocolate or candy, the bacteria in your mouth have a feast on the sugar—at your expense.  The sugar turns into acid, and the acid eats away at the enamel on your teeth. Then, you start getting cavities. 

Instead, our friends at the American Dental Association recommend nuts or dried fruit, which are a nice alternative to sugars and have a greater nutritional value—and can satisfy your sweet tooth! Both nuts and fruit are a great source of fiber and act as an appetite suppressant. In addition, nuts are a great source of Vitamin E, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B9, nutrients that contribute to a healthy immune system. Nuts are also a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been linked with reducing heart disease and lower blood pressure.

If you must indulge in chocolaty goodness this Christmas or holiday season, remember to brush your teeth after eating sugary treats. Hope this helps! Give us a call if you have any questions!

Happy Holidays from Dr. Dunn and Team!

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds simple and convenient, doesn’t it?

Patients at our office enjoy access to their account 24 hours a day, seven days a week—all through our website. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, all from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages!

You may sign up for this convenient service on our website by clicking on the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please give us a call if you have any questions about getting started!

We’ve all heard that biting your nails is an awful habit, but you many wonder- really- what’s so bad about it? Recently, our team at Advanced Dental Care found an interesting article that discusses how biting your nails affect your teeth and oral health.

Nail biting, also known as Onychophagia, is a common habit among various age groups, including primarily children, teens and young adults. Nail biting is generally triggered by stress and most often decreases with age. That being said, nail biting is unsanitary, unattractive, as well as unhealthy for your teeth!

Here’s why:
• It’s unsanitary. Your nails are dirty, almost twice as dirty as your fingers! Hence, biting your nails is just asking for germs and bacteria.
• No good things come to your teeth. Nail biting causes your teeth to constantly be chewing, which is not good for them. This excessive motion wears your teeth down faster than a non-nail biter’s and puts a large amount of stress on your front teeth- contributing to teeth misalignment.
• Braces don’t love it either. Braces already put pressure on teeth, nail biting ads unnecessary pressure, further stressing your teeth and weakening their roots.
• It can be costly. Nail biting can result in up to $4,000 in additional dental bills over one lifetime, according to the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD). Yikes!

What can you do about it?
Now that you know how harmful nail biting can be, it’s time to take action to break your nail biting habit. Try to be conscious of your fingernails and to keep them looking good- this will help you resist the temptation. Ask Dr. Dunn or visit the article for tips on how to break a nail biting habit. Good luck!

Dr. Dunn and team would like to wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Enjoy a day filled of friends, family, and great Thanksgiving food! What are you most thankful for this year? Leave us a comment, or if you have any stories or pictures to share with us, we encourage you to share them on our Facebook page!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Fall is here, and with it the dreaded cold and flu season. After recovering from your cold, one of the most important steps you can take to avoid becoming reinfected is replacing your toothbrush!

Germs can linger on the bristles, and you risk prolonging your sickness by continuing to use the same toothbrush. Be smart - keep a spare, just in case! To protect your toothbrush from bacteria all year long, consider the following tips:

• Wash your hands before and after brushing
• Allow the brush to air dry after each use, harmful bacteria dies after being exposed to oxygen
• Store the toothbrush in an upright position to allow water to drain and dry faster
• Replace your toothbrush every 3-4 months. Worn bristles are less effective in properly cleaning your teeth, and can actually be damaging to teeth if used too long!

Hope this tip helps! Feel free to call us at Advanced Dental Care if you have any questions.

It’s fall here at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, a time when the leaves change colors, the air becomes crisp, and families begin to make plans for Thanksgiving.

Today, Dr. Dunn and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Dallas, Irving, and Fort Worth in the fall? What do you love most about our community? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite Texas winter getaway?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods” on our Facebook page!

As Halloween is only a week away, Dr. Dunn knows that there will soon be many tricks and treats! While this festive holiday is full of costumes and fun community activities, it can also be a harmful time for the teeth of young trick-or-treaters in our Irving, TX neighborhoods.

With all of the sugary, sticky, and chewy treats that are often shared with trick-or-treaters, it is important that you take the necessary steps to prevent cavities this Halloween. Be sure to visit our "Understanding Cavitites" blog to learn more about cavities, and how they can be avoided by good oral hygiene habits.

For more information on cavities and good oral hygiene habits, you can also ask our doctors or staff at Advanced Dental Care during your next visit.

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we embrace technology, whether it’s through the innovative treatments we offer, our high-tech web site or our Facebook fan page. As you can probably tell, we love connecting with our patients online, whether it’s by sharing news on our blog or communicating ideas on our fan page. For social media to work, we understand that conversation is vital, and that’s why we invite you to join in and tell us what’s on your mind. Although social networks are hugely popular these days, we know they’re unpredictable and ever-changing.

While Dr. Dunn and our staff take a little time to research how to best use social media, we thought we’d ask you, our loyal patients: How would you like us to use our social networks? What would you like us to share on our blog? Please post your thoughts or give us a call!

Each week, Dr. Dunn and our team at Advanced Dental Care in Las Colinas blogs about topics pertinent to dental care and your well-being, including the innovative dental techniques we offer. Today, we thought we’d step back and ask you, our loyal patients and readers: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about the field of dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook fan page!

So… take it away and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have!

Gingivitis, the early stage of gum disease, can be difficult to recognize. Ma”ny people do not recognize the warning signs - bleeding and swollen gums - as a precursor to gum disease. This month, a national campaign is underway to raise awareness about gum health and periodontal disease, and we at Dr. Dunn's office wanted to do our part to help spread the word!

Early recognition and action are the most important steps to health gums, and ultimately a health body too! Studies are published every year linking oral health, including the gums, to the health of other areas of the body, such as the heart. One of the most important steps to improving the care of your gums is recognizing the warning signs for gum disease. These can include:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent halitosis, or bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position

If you notice any of these signs, schedule an appointment with our office as soon as possible. We can take proactive steps to prevent gingivitis and gum disease, while showing you how to improve gum care in your daily oral hygiene habits.

From your very first visit to Advanced Dental Care, Dr. Dunn and team strive to provide superior treatment in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. We thought we’d ask you, our wonderful patients: Have you been especially impressed by Dr. Dunn's work? Did our team go out of their way to make your day? Are you in love with your new smile?

Whether you’ve just come in for a consultation or your family has been visiting our office for years, we’d love to hear your feedback. Or, you can tell us by posting on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,

The team at Advanced Dental Care

CEREC, a technology for restoring damaged teeth, can be completed in a single visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. It makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful — all while keeping your teeth looking natural. The restoration is metal-free and the high-grade ceramic material is compatible with the natural tissue found in your mouth. This is the finest restorative material available today, all in one appointment.

The CEREC Process

First, Dr. Jerry Dunn will meet with you to discuss the details of the procedure. During the procedure, Dr. Dunn will apply a thin layer of reflective powder onto your tooth and will use a special camera to take a photo of your tooth. Using Computer Aided Design, the photo serves as an optimal impression. The restoration will then be designed by the computer on this impression. Then CEREC will use a diamond bur and disk to create your restoration piece out of a high tech ceramic. Finally, the ceramic restoration is bonded to your tooth using state-of-the-art adhesive dentistry.

Dr. Dunn is your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations in Irvine, Las Colinas and surrounding communities. Call us today at (972) 506-9688 to make an appointment.

Happy Wednesday, and we hope you're having a GREAT summer!

With the summer here, and with the heat wave sweeping through most of America this week, we want you to be extra careful when you’re out and about. On Tuesday, Dr. Richard Besser appeared on Good Morning America and discussed the ways you can protect yourself from heat stroke and other heat-related conditions this summer. And, here are a few summer safety tips from our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Jerry Dunn and team encourage you to watch this short clip and remember to always have a bottle of water handy when heading out!

This Sunday, our staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas will celebrate America's 234th birthday. Since we know a lot of our patients love fun facts, below are some fun facts about Independence Day we know you will enjoy! Enjoy the rest of the week everyone and have a FANTASTIC Fourth of July weekend!

- Independence Day was first celebrated in Philadelphia on July 8, 1776.

- The major objection to being ruled by Britain was taxation without representation, which meant that people didn't want to be taxed by a government that did not represent them.

- In 1941, Congress declared 4th of July a federal legal holiday. It is one of the few federal holidays that have not been moved to the nearest Friday or Monday.

- America's mascot, the bald eagle, can achieve speeds of up to 200 miles per hour when making a predatory dive. During a normal flight, bald eagles can travel up to 30 miles per hour.

- Someone who specializes in the history of flags is called a vexillologist.

- The word ‘patriotism’ comes from the Latin patria, which means ‘homeland’ or ‘fatherland.’

- According to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council, Americans consume over 150 million hot dogs during their Independence Day festivities.

- Speaking of food, there's a 1-in-6 chance the beef on your backyard grill came from the great state of Texas. The Lone Star State is America's leader in the production of cattle and calves.

While Irving dentist Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas strive to offer a comfortable experience for all our patients, we realize that fear or anxiety while visiting the dentist can affect a lot of patients anyway. For patients who need that extra comfort and relaxation during their visit with Dr. Dunn, we are pleased to offer sedation dentistry.

The reasons for patients' fear of the dentist can be numerous, but are usually due to a traumatic experience during their childhood. This overwhelming anxiety can cause one to avoid modern dental care, resulting in poor oral hygiene, tooth decay and even gum disease.

There are, however, some important things about sedation dentistry that Dr. Dunn wants you to know about:

- Sedation dentistry is not the same as being unconscious: you will be responsive and conscious throughout the entire procedure, but in a deeply relaxed state of mind.

- Because the sedation takes some time to wear off completely, it's crucial for you to have a friend or family member who can give you a ride to and from our office.

If you suffer from dental phobia, sedation dentistry may be the answer for you. At our convenient Irving office, we use state-of-the-art and effective technology. Please give us a call at (972) 506-9688 for more info about sedation industry, and we'll be more than happy to answer your questions.

As summer quickly approaches, our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas strive to continue writing about important topics related to dentistry and your treatment at our office - and are busy planning out our summer blogging schedule.

To help us continue doing that through the course of the summer, however, we'd really like your input: What would you like us to focus on our blog in the coming months? What would you like to know about the always-changing and exciting field of dentistry? Perhaps there’s something you’ve wanted to ask Dr. Dunn for a while? Let us know by posting here or on our Facebook page!

We look forward to your thoughts and hope you have a great weekend!

With over 100 years of combined dental experience, we partner with patients on a daily basis to help them achieve the self-confidence they desire. Drs. Dunn and Bazan surround themselves with a talented and dedicated staff that is known for their gentle touch and friendly treatment. Our staff averages 10 years with us. We think that says a lot about our dental practice, because we love coming to work here.

Whether you've visited Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas for a week, months or even years, we'd love to hear your feedback about how our practice is faring! There are lots of ways you can share your thoughts about our practice with the rest of the world, but we encourage you to head to our Google Local page and write a review there. Or, you may review us on Yelp if you'd like. After all, reviews help us create more beautiful smiles in Irving, Las Colinas and surrounding communities!

You may write a review here. Thanks in advance and enjoy the rest of your weekend! We really look forward to reading your reviews!

Did you know the month of May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month? In 1983, President Reagan encouraged all Americans to devote more time to physical activity into our lives, and the reminder is even more important today as people are more distracted by TV, social networking, video games and working more hours. Living an active lifestyle can and does improve physical and mental health, productivity and overall well-being. The best part? It doesn’t have to take a lot of time or effort.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has provided these public health guidelines for your reference, which call for people to exercise one hour every day of moderate intensity physical activity (such as playing sports or brisk walking) or one hour and 15 minutes of vigorous activity (jogging, jumping rope or dancing).

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we always encourage our patients to exercise or participate in sports. However, we want to remind you to always wear a mouth guard or other forms of mouth or facial protection when doing so. To learn more about how often you should exercise, we recommend you check out these helpful tips, courtesy of our friends at the American Heart Association.

Our staff just came across a great video with David Letterman talking about his experience with a dentist. In the video, Letterman jokes about his frustration with his dentist and the hole in his mouth "the size of an above-ground pool." The video shows exactly why CEREC single-visit restoration with Dr. Jerry Dunn is the way to go. Had Letterman used CEREC, he would have saved himself time and pain.

CEREC is a technology for restoring damaged teeth, and this restoration can be completed in a single visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. It makes your teeth stronger and more beautiful, all while keeping your teeth looking natural. This is the finest restorative material available today, all in one appointment.

To learn more about CEREC, feel free to give us a call or visit our YouTube channel for an informational CEREC video. We hope you enjoyed this clip! Letterman at his finest!

Our entire staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas (Dr. Dunn included) would like to take this time thank all the wonderful moms out there and wish you all a Happy Mother's Day Week and upcoming Mother’s Day!

And if you're out of Mother's Day gift ideas for mommy dearest this Sunday, check out this helpful video about clever, inexpensive Mother's Day gift ideas, courtesy of Good Morning America. Whatever you come up with, Dr. Dunn and team are sure mom will love it!

Happy Monday! How about a little treat today? Here's a little classic dental humor for you to enjoy, from the bumbling yet lovable British spy, Mr. Bean. Our staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas loved it, and know you'll get a chuckle out of it as well. Enjoy "Mr. Bean Goes to the Dentist”!

If you have any other suggestions you think we should share with other patients, please let us know!

Dr. Jerry Dunn and our staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas will tell you that brushing your teeth is one of the easiest methods of cavity prevention. But which type of toothbrush should your child use? When choosing a toothbrush, look for round-ended (polished) bristles that clean while being gentle on the gums. Choose one that is specifically designed for children's smaller mouths and hands. Also, look for large handles that can help children control the toothbrush. Lastly, throw out a toothbrush after three months or sooner if the bristles are fraying. Frayed bristles have the ability to harm your gums, and are not as effective in cleaning teeth.

As far as which toothpaste is best? It doesn't matter as long as it has fluoride in it. However, for small children who tend to swallow toothpaste, do not use fluoridated toothpaste. Make sure to touch each tooth and every side of that tooth. Also, you do need to gently brush on your gums.

To learn more about choosing the right toothbrush and toothpaste for your child, we encourage you to read this helpful article from Parenthood.com. Or, you may give us a call and we'll try to answer any question you may have about keeping your child's mouth as healthy as possible!

Dr. Jerry Dunn knows that many kids have fear when it comes to visiting their dentist. Our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas found a great article on helping kids overcome fears of the dentist, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Dr. Dunn and our staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas excel at making children feel comfortable visiting the dentist. In fact, most of our young patients look forward to their next visit!

Has your child visited Dr. Dunn in the past six months? If not, it’s time to schedule an appointment! Have a terrific weekend!

Good news, folks! People with big, happy smiles may live than those who don’t, according to a new study at Michigan’s Wayne State University. We’ve known for a long time that positive emotion has been linked to both physical and mental health, but researchers at the university used information from the Baseball Register to look at photos of 230 players who began their baseball careers prior to 1950.

The players' photos were enlarged, and researchers studied their smile intensity (wide smile, no smile or partial smile). The players' smile ratings were compared with data from deaths that occurred from 2006 through last year. The researchers then took into account other factors associated with longevity, such as body mass index, or BMI, career length and college attendance. They found that players who weren't smiling died at the average age of 72.9 years. Players with partial smiles lived to be 75. Those with big smiles, however, lived on average to be 79.9 years old.

The take-away from the new study? Smile now, smile often and you might just live longer! Have you tried perfecting your smile by visiting Dr. Dunn lately? If not, give our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas a call today!

Recently, our staff at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas came across an article about the dental health benefits of Omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin. A recent study from the University of Kentucky reveals that all types of food-borne omega-3 fats (like tuna, walnuts and spinach) cut the numbers of oral disease bacteria by half or more.

The study found that "the dental health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids of marine and plant origin have been found to have strong anti-bacterial activity against a range of oral pathogens and "may include anti-bacterial effects, extending the benefits beyond inflammation." Drs. Ebersole and Huang said that they planned to conduct further studies needed to prove that omega-3s acids work in people’s mouths. While this is encouraging news, Dr. Jerry Dunn wants to remind you that self–examination is another simple way of looking after yourself. If you are unsure about self-examining your mouth, please give us a call and schedule an appointment with Dr. Dunn!

Week after week, Dr. Jerry Dunn and team discuss important topics pertinent to dental care. This week, we thought we’d step back and ask: what’s on your mind? What would you like to know about dentistry? What would you like us to focus on our blog? Let us know! Dr. Dunn would love to hear from you!

Dr. Jerry Dunn knows nobody likes getting plaque on their teeth. Here are five other ways you can avoid that dreaded enemy of the teeth, courtesy of our friends at WebMD.

Let’s start with not brushing regularly. Brushing your teeth twice a day with a fluoride-containing toothpaste is vital to a healthy mouth. Make sure you softly brush all the surfaces of your teeth.

Next on the list is not flossing daily: a simple daily flossing between teeth clears away plaque before it can cause damage and can also clean plaque at the gum line. Plaque is known to reach the spaces between teeth.

Also, avoiding a trip to visit Dr. Dunn is probably not a great idea. Let’s say you brush and floss daily. You’re still at risk for plaque. With time, the plaque hardens and turns into tartar. Consider visiting your dentist at least twice a year, and you have a lower chance of getting cavities or losing your teeth.

You’ll also want to stop avoiding those fruits and veggies. Believe it or not, there are foods out there that play a key role in keeping plaque off our teeth. They include apples, carrots, cucumbers and other raw fruits and vegetables.

Finally, before you pick that candy up, remember to not give in to your sweet tooth. Consuming sugary drinks or eating candy or other junk food allows sugar to stick to our teeth. The bacteria, then, becomes plaque, which turns into acid and damages our teeth. Avoiding these five bad habits keeps your plaque in check and your mouth as healthy as can be. If you have any questions, please give us a call!

You already know it's American Heart Month, but did you know also know it's National Children’s Dental Health Month? Today, Dr. Jerry Dunn is here to tell you about the need for preventative oral care in kids. For 60 Februaries, the American Dental Association, or ADA, has sponsored National Children's Dental Health Month to raise awareness about the importance of oral health. National Children's Dental Health Month began as a one-day event in 1941 in a Cleveland clinic. In 1981, however, the program was extended to a month-long celebration known today as National Children’s Dental Health Month.

Each February, Dr. Dunn and thousands of dental professionals focus on the preventive oral care of America's children. Dr. Dunn and our staff want you to remember developing good habits at an early age and scheduling regular dental visits helps children get a good start on a lifetime of healthy teeth and gums. Has your child visited Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas the past six months? If not, it’s time to give us a call and schedule an appointment!

Right now is a great time to take notice of the health of your heart, says Dr. Dunn. Cardiovascular disease remains American's No.1 killer, claiming more lives than the rest of major causes of death, according to the American Heart Association. Studies have shown a correlation between gum disease and heart disease, underscoring the importance of good oral health care.

Visiting our office regularly can help prevent gum disease or at least catch it in its early stages. And because people with dental insurance are more likely to visit their dentist when they should, a healthy mouth begins with a visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. In observance of Heart Month, Dr. Dunn says it’s also important to know your numbers: blood pressure (less than 120/80), cholesterol (less than 200) and BMI (less than 25). If you have any questions about heart health, or about your treatment at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, please give us a call today.

Is dairy a major part of your diet? If not, it should be! A 2008 study from the American Academy of Periodontology (AAP) has found that regular consumption of dairy products, such as milk, cheese and yogurt, can lower your chances of contracting periodontal disease (also known as gum disease).

Gum disease is caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth that affects the gums and jaw. Gum disease results in a loss of teeth and bone, and has been connected to certain cases of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, respiratory disease and osteoporosis.

Results of the study show that adults who consume at least 55 grams of lactic acid a day are less at risk for gum disease. Eating dairy is not just healthy for building strong bones, but is essential for maintaining a strong, healthy mouth. Next time you reach for a quick snack, choose some cheese, or a glass of milk, and remember with each bite, and every sip you are preserving your teeth for a lifetime of smiles and good oral health!

For more information about keeping your teeth healthy, please give us a call or schedule an appointment.

Access to your account, 24/7. Sounds great, doesn’t it?

Dr. Dunn's patients have access to their account, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on our web site. You can look up your appointments and all of your account details at your convenience, from the comfort of your own home! You can even receive appointment reminders through email or text messages! Just see what some of our patients are saying about this service:

"Can see charges and payment history. Can check on appointment schedules." ~ Erin M.

"Suprisingly different. To share a diagnosis on line is amazing." ~ Jerelene A.

"This is how most working adults communicate. It is just so much faster and easier than phone calls." ~ Jan B.

You, too, may sign up for this convenient service on our web site by clicking the "Patient Login" button on our homepage. Please call the team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas if you have any questions!

Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, located in Irving and serving Las Colinas and surrounding communities, is situated around some pretty unique neighborhoods in Dallas County. Each is special with its own personality, created by the people and places (and our wonderful patients) living within.

Today, Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team thought we'd ask: What are your favorite things about Irving or Dallas? Is there a local event you attend every year? Do you have a favorite eatery? Perhaps a favorite getaway in Texas?

Please feel free to share some information about your favorite local hang-outs in Irving, Las Colinas or Dallas, and everything you love best about “your neck of the woods.” And, who knows, we might post your response on our social networks!

Have a great rest of the week!

We've blogged about the effects of bad breath in the past, and today thought we'd share a few tips with you to help prevent halitosis, or bad breath. Dr. Dunn knows bad breath can be a bummer, but he also knows that it can be easily prevented!

Bad breath is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grow in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds, making your breath smell. Recently, we read an article by Dr. Andrew Weil titled, "3 Ways to Prevent Bad Breath." He recommends the following ways to help prevent bad breath:

1. Brush your tongue: "The tongue, and especially the back of the tongue, is a warm harbor for bacteria," he writes, and recommends spending some time on your tongue during teeth brushing, "moving slowly toward the back so as not to activate your gag reflex."

2. Keep your mouth hydrated: Because a dry mouth typically leads to bad breath, eating oranges or celery, or drinking water, may help.

3. Freshen your mouth: Herbal palate cleansers (parsley, peppermint tea and cardamom seeds may do the trick). If bad breath returns, give us a call! Dr. Dunn may diagnose any condition or concerns of the oral cavity that may be causing the problems, such as gum disease.

If you have any questions about halitosis or your treatment with Dr. Dunn, please give us a call!

Dr. Dunn would like to point you to an interesting article that talks about the steps you need to take to accomplish better oral health. The article is titled, "5 Steps to a Healthy Mouth," and the author notes that having your teeth and gums cleaned by a dental hygienist twice a year, using a goldenseal mouth rinse, washing your hands and massaging your gums with your fingertips and using dental floss are all part of keeping your mouth—and smile—healthy.

If you have any questions on good oral hygiene, give us a call! Have a great week, from the entire team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

Dr. Dunn and his team love getting patient reviews! Lately, the team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, which serves Irving and its suburbs, have been receiving some good reviews! We thought we'd share a few with you. Happy Monday!

"Meticulous work and genuine interest in patient." ~ Kelly B.

" Very professional,respective and kind. My daughter really referred him to me and from her perspective he exuberates with professionalism...and I agree." ~ Jerelene A.

"I can't afford him and I pay more with him but I feel that he knows more and I don't trust anyone else with my difficult dental situations." ~ Dyana B.

"Super friendly, but so is his staff. Been going for approximately 10yrs and it's "out of my way", but it's well worth it! Excellent Service All Around!" ~ Becky M.

Everybody knows that smoking causes lung cancer, but did you also know that smokers and tobacco are susceptible to a variety of oral health problems at a faster rate than non-smokers?

It’s true! Smoking is responsible for almost 75% of gum disease in adults; and, similar to smokers, adults who smoke pipes and cigars, as well as those using smokeless tobacco, are just as susceptible to gum disease and other tobacco related health problems.

As soon as you use tobacco products, you become more likely to experience any of these oral-health problems:

•Oral cancer
•Gum disease
•Tooth loss
•Loss of bone in the jaw
•Gum recession
•Delayed/impaired healing process after oral surgery or any other treatment
•Decreased success rate of dental implant (tooth replacement) procedures
•Mouth sores
•Loss of your sense of taste and smell
•Bad breath
•Tooth and tongue stains

If you are interested in protecting your oral health we strongly recommend you quit using tobacco products! The following steps are recommended by the Surgeon General to help you quit smoking and using tobacco:

•Get ready – set a quitting date and remove all materials from your home, car and office
•Get support
•Learn new skills and behaviors
•Get medication and use it correctly
•Be prepared for relapse or difficult situations

For support, start with Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas! We can help by recommending different options to help you quit, and above all we will support you throughout the quitting process. We are dedicated to helping you protect your oral health – and quitting smoking is significant step in the right direction.

Hope this helps! From Dr. Dunn and staff.

October has come and gone, and—believe it or not—we’re almost in full holiday mode! But before we forget about the spooky month that just wrapped up, we’d like to know how you celebrated Halloween! What did you wear? How much candy did you get? Did you have fun?

If you have any photos or videos that you would like to share with us, please send them our way! We hope you all had a happy and safe Halloween! Also, what are you up to this month? Anything exciting happening in your life? If so, we’d love to hear all about it.

--Dr. Dunn and team

It’s Fall. Leaves are turning shades of orange and red, the wind is picking up and getting cooler, and pumpkin patches are full of bright orange pumpkins. Families gather together, kids head out trick-or-treating, and as always, wedding bells are ringing. That's right, Fall is one of the best times of year to tie the knot! If you are gearing up for a wedding this Fall, consider matching that white dress to a perfectly white smile!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas we offer in-office tooth whitening for the bride, the groom, or the entire wedding party! You get the girls together to get their nails done, and now you can get them together to get their teeth done!

In-office whitening is the quickest, most effective way to achieve whiter teeth. Because we are dental professionals, we have the expertise to use higher percentages of whitening agents than the at-home systems allow. So you can get a brighter white, usually in just one visit!

Give us a call and let us add some extra sparkle to your “I do”!

--Dr. Dunn and team

It's almost Halloween, and Dr. Dunn understands sour candy is a part of any Halloween celebration. But while sour candy can be delicious, it is arguably as unhealthy for your teeth as sweet candy. The reason is, sour candies tend to be very acidic, and are capable of burning your cheeks and gums while wearing down the enamel on your teeth.

In 2008, the Minnesota Dental Association released a study which suggested the amount of acid in sour candies may eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. We would like to remind you that if you should experience a craving for sour candies on Halloween or in the future, please:

1. Remember to rinse your mouth with water immediately after consuming candy, drink milk, or eat a couple pieces of cheese.

2. Do not brush immediately after consuming sour candy. The candy's acidic nature tends to soften tooth enamel. Brushing your teeth can mean abrading the enamel.

3. Limit the amount of sour candies that you consume on a daily basis. If you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

If tooth erosion has already begun, ask us about ways to reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! Dr. Dunn and staff wish you a happy and safe Halloween!

It is estimated that around 80 percent of American adults are currently diagnosed with some form of gum disease. Also known as, periodontal disease or periodontitis, gum disease starts with gum inflammation and can end with major damage to the bone and tissue holding the teeth in place, resulting in tooth loss and irreversible damage to the gums. Many doctors and researchers have also found gum disease to be the cause of several other health problems, including heart disease, diabetes, and complications for women during pregnancy. Gum disease is a serious dental health condition, and by understanding how gum disease is caused, what symptoms to look for, and how you can prevent it, you will be able to keep your smile healthy for many years to come.

What causes gum disease?

Your mouth is full of bacteria, and when the bacteria are left in your mouth, it can cause a sticky, colorless film over your tooth surface called plaque. Brushing your teeth regularly and flossing can help to remove much of the plaque build-up on your teeth; however, if you do not brush and floss regularly, the plaque on your teeth can harden and turn into tartar. Tartar cannot be removed by a toothbrush, only your dentist has the special tools needed to remove tartar from your tooth’s surface.

Eventually, if left untreated, the tartar and plaque on your teeth will cause gingivitis. Gingivitis is the early stage of gum disease and is usually curable if caught early enough. Signs of gingivitis include:

• Red, swollen gums
• Gums that bleed when you brush and floss
• Gums that pull away from your teeth
• Pockets between your teeth and gums where food gets caught
• Persistent bad breath

If you have gingivitis, and it is left untreated, you may end up with gum disease. Gum disease causes the gums to pull completely away from the teeth and form infected pockets. The bacteria in your mouth and on your teeth will start to break down the tissue and bone that supports your teeth and holds them in place. Gum disease that is left untreated will lead to the extraction or loss of teeth. Most people do not show signs of gingivitis and gum disease until they are in their 30s, 40s, or older. Certain risk factors can increase your chance of getting gum disease, including:

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Stress
• Certain prescription medications
• Illness
• Genetics

How can I prevent gum disease?

You can help your chances of never getting gingivitis or gum disease simply by taking care of your teeth and gums on a regular basis. Here are some of the ways you can help keep your smile healthy:

• Brush your teeth at least twice a day using fluoride toothpaste approved by the ADA.
• Floss at least once every day to remove food stuck between your teeth and along the gum line.
• Visit your dentist for routine, general checkups and teeth cleaning every six months.
• Eat a well balanced diet, including fruits and vegetables.
• Stay away from using tobacco products of any kind.

Gingivitis and gum disease are both preventable and treatable. If you would like a list of recommended dental health care products, or have any questions about gingivitis, gum disease, and how to keep your teeth and gums healthy, please ask Dr. Dunn at your next dental checkup. Our practice is happy to answer any questions you may have, and provide you with accurate information to help you maintain the health of your smile in between office visits. If you think you may have any form of gingivitis or gum disease, please contact our practice at 972-506-9688 to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Just as there are so many different types of toothbrushes to choose from, each brush also has a different type of bristle! There are generally three different types of bristles; hard, medium, and soft. We always recommend that our patients, especially children and seniors, use a soft bristled toothbrush.

Using a hard and medium bristled brush can actually harm your teeth and gums by stripping the enamel from the teeth and irritating the gums so that they become red and sore, and can even cause gum recession. If you do use a hard or medium bristled brush as a personal preference, we recommend using an electric toothbrush.

Soft bristles are much gentler on your teeth and gums, and while patients of all ages are recommended to use soft bristled brushes, they are particularly great for children, seniors, patients recovering from a dental procedure, and patients wearing braces.

Soft bristles, and even extra-soft bristles are every bit as effective when it comes to cleaning your teeth; in fact, if you currently use a hard or medium bristled brush, try a soft bristled brush next time you buy a toothbrush and we bet you won’t even notice a difference!

--Dr. Jerry Dunn

It’s easy to tell when you have a cavity; but unfortunately, gum disease can exist in your mouth without you even knowing. In fact, you can have the beginning stages of gum disease without noticing any pain or discomfort. Since gum disease can be undetectable, it’s important to watch for warning signs in order to prevent the disease from worsening!

Signs to watch for:

• Gums that appear red or swollen
• Gums that feel tender
• Gums that bleed easily (during brushing or flossing)
• Gums that recede or pull away from the teeth
• Persistent bad breath
• Loose teeth
• Any change in the way teeth come together in the biting position
• Any change in the way partial dentures fit

If you or someone in your family is showing these signs, make an appointment with Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas right away by calling (972) 506-9688. We can diagnose the problem and begin treatment to save your teeth and give you back a healthy mouth!

--Dr. Dunn

Its summer here at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, a season full of vacations, adventures and great memories. Whether you are headed to a barbeque, a camping trip, or just having fun in the sun, we want to hear about it! Leave a comment on our blog and tell us about your summer!

Happy Travels,

-From Dr. Dunn

Bad breath can be a real downer, especially when you are out on a date with that girl or boy you’ve had a crush on all semester! However, bad breath can be prevented!

Bad breath, or as your doctor may call it “halitosis,” is caused by odor-producing bacteria that grows in your mouth. This bacteria gathers on bits of food in your mouth and between your teeth and release sulfur compounds making your breath smell. Some foods, like garlic and onions, may contribute more to bad breath because of oils the food the food releases, and smoking is also a major cause of bad breath.

There are several myths around bad breath. Here are some common myths and the truth behind it all:

Myth #1: Mouthwash will make my breath smell better

Mouthwash will make your breath smell better, but it is only a temporary fix. If you use mouthwash, just know that you will still need to brush and floss when you get the chance as mouthwash alone will not kill all of the bacteria producing germs in your mouth. When choosing a mouthwash, pick an antiseptic with plaque-reducing compounds. Also make sure any dental products you choose comes with the American Dental Association’s (ADA) seal of approval! When in doubt, ask us at Advanced Dental Care first!

Myth #2: I brush my teeth; I will never have bad breath

Brushing your teeth will save you from having bad breath, but the truth is most people only brush their teeth for about 30-45 seconds! You need to brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, twice a day to give your teeth a thorough cleansing. It’s also important to brush your tongue, which is where a majority of odor causing bacteria like to hang out. Lastly, flossing to remove food and plaque between the teeth will also help reduce your chances of having bad breath!

Myth #3: If I don’t smell it, then my breath is fresh

This is a false assumption in every sense of the word! The truth is that the breath you breathe out is not the same breath coming out when you talk to someone. When you breathe you are not using your throat as you do when you are talking; and when you talk more breath moves over the back of your mouth where bacteria is causing bad breath.

#1 TRUTH: Brush your teeth twice a day (for at least 2 minutes), floss at least once and visit Dr. Dunn every six months…this way your breath will always be fresh! Not letting your nerves get the best of you on your date? That’s up to you!!!

One word nobody wants to hear when they visit us at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas is "Cavity"! That’s right, the dreaded cavity; but what exactly is a cavity and how do they happen? A cavity is a hole that develops in a tooth when the tooth begins to decay. It’s important to get a cavity filled as soon as it’s detected so that it does not grow bigger.

So, what causes a cavity? A cavity is caused by plaque, a sticky substance that forms on the tooth as a result of germ and bacteria build-up. Plaque is acidic and as it clings to your teeth the acids eat away the outside of the tooth (also called the enamel) and a hole is formed.

Yes, cavities can be repaired by Dr. Dunn, but here are a few simple steps you can take to prevent cavities:

• Brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste at least twice daily
• Gently brush your gums to keep them healthy (when choosing a toothbrush it is recommended to use soft bristles)
• Floss your teeth at least once a day to remove plaque and food that may be caught between the teeth where your toothbrush can’t reach
• Limit the amount of soda and sugary treats you eat/drink
• Be sure to visit Dr. Dunn every six months for a teeth cleaning and check-up

We at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas want you to know that as more families turn to bottled water and away from the tap, they may be missing out on one important ingredient that most brands of bottled water fail to include: fluoride!

As of 2005, bottled water is second only to soft drinks as the most popular drink in the United States, beating out milk, juice, and – more significantly – tap water. Between 2001 and 2006, the amount of bottled water sold in the U.S. rose an average of 10% per year. And many dental health specialists point to bottled water’s increased popularity as the culprit behind rising rates of cavities.

Because fluoride helps strengthen teeth, it is an important component of maintaining good oral health. The benefits of fluoride were noticed in the early part of the twentieth century, when researchers found communities with low levels of tooth decay. It turned out that these towns had measurable levels (around 1 part per million) of fluoride in their drinking water.

Beginning in the 1940s, communities have fluoridated their water supplies, and dentists have seen a significant decline in cavities ever since. The American Dental Association endorses both community water fluoridation and the use of fluoride-containing products as a safe means of preventing tooth decay. Between tap water and toothpaste, most of us get sufficient amounts of fluoride.

But if your family avoids fluoridated tap water in favor of ever-more-popular bottled water, you could be missing out on the levels of fluoride necessary to make a difference in your oral health.

If bottled water is your water of choice, check the label to make sure that your brand contains fluoride. As of a 2006 decision, the FDA allows bottled water containing .6 to 1.0 milligrams per liter of fluoride to carry a label stating that fluoridated water may reduce the risk of dental cavities or tooth decay. The ADA has backed this decision.

Of course, simply drinking fluoridated water is not a magic ticket to perfect teeth. To keep your choppers in tip-top shape, it’s important to brush and floss daily and avoid sugary sweets, in addition to maintaining your fluoride intake and visiting us at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas regularly.

Vending machines are a quick way to satisfy hunger. You put in $1.50 and you get back a candy bar, bag of chips or even a soda…but that’s not all! Vending machines not only dispense sweet treats and caffeine bursts, but they also dispense cavities!

Every time you chow down on that chocolate bar the bacteria in your mouth have a party feasting on the sugar. The sugar quickly turns into acid; that’s right, ACID!!! The acid sits on your teeth and eats away at the tooth’s natural enamel (the stuff that protects your tooth from decay). When this enamel is eaten away by the acid on your tooth, you get a cavity! Brushing your teeth after eating a sugary treat can help prevent cavities; but before you indulge remind yourself: “can’t brush? Hold the sugar!”

When choosing a snack, we at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas recommend these nutritional options that will not only satisfy your hunger and that “sweet tooth”, but won’t cause acid build up resulting in cavities:

• Fresh Fruits (berries, oranges, melon, pears, etc)
• Raw Vegetables (broccoli, celery, carrots, etc)
• Bread
• Pretzels (low salt)
• Milk (low or non-fat)
• Cheese (low or non-fat)
• Nuts and seeds (pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, etc)
• Sliced meat

If you have been told you have periodontal disease (also known as gum disease or periodontitis), you're not alone. An estimated 80 percent of American adults currently have some form of the disease! Periodontal diseases range from simple gum inflammation to serious disease that results in major damage to the soft tissue and bone that support the teeth. In the worst cases, teeth are lost.

Gum disease is a threat to your oral health. Research is also pointing to health effects of periodontal diseases that go well beyond your mouth. So we at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas want to let you know some interesting facts and ways to treat the disease.

What is Periodontal Disease?

"Perio" means around, and "dontal" refers to teeth. Periodontal disease is an infection of the structures around the teeth, including the gums and the bones that hold the teeth. The earliest stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis – an infection of the gums. In more severe forms of the disease, all of the tissues are involved, including the bone. Bacteria that live and reproduce on the teeth and gums cause periodontal disease.

Symptoms of Periodontal Disease

Symptoms may include the following:
--redness or bleeding of gums while brushing teeth or using dental floss
--halitosis, or bad breath
--gum recession, resulting in apparent lengthening of teeth
--"pockets" between the teeth and gums indicating that the bone which holds the teeth in the mouth is dissolving
--loose teeth
Gum inflammation and bone destruction are largely painless. Hence, people may wrongly assume that painless bleeding after teeth cleaning is insignificant, although this may be a symptom of progressing periodontitis. If your hands bled when you washed them, you would be concerned. Yet, many people think it's normal if their gums bleed when they brush or floss.

Periodontal Disease Affects Your Health

Periodontal disease is a putrid, festering infection of the mouth. Bacteria and inflammatory particles can enter the bloodstream through ulcerated and bleeding gums and travel to the heart and other organs. In recent years, gum disease has been linked to a number of health problems. Researchers are studying possible connections between gum disease and:
--Heart disease: Gum disease may increase the risk of heart disease. Gum disease also is believed to worsen existing heart disease.
--Stroke: Gum disease may increase the risk of the type of stroke caused by blocked arteries
--Diabetes: People with diabetes and periodontal disease may be more likely to have trouble controlling their blood sugar than diabetics with healthy gums.
--Premature births: A woman who has gum diseases during pregnancy may be more likely deliver her baby too early and the infant may be more likely to be of low birth weight.

Combating Periodontal Disease

--See your dentist! See your dentist every six months for a checkup! Regular professional cleanings and checkups make you feel good, look good, and could be a lifesaver!
--Brush and floss daily. Take your time and do it right!
--Use an anti-bacterial mouthwash. Daily use of an anti-bacterial mouthwash helps to disinfect the teeth and gums, and reduces the number of bacteria.
--Straighten your teeth. Crowded teeth are nearly impossible to keep clean. Orthodontic treatment can greatly reduce inflammation and periodontal disease.

--Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

Whether you’re 5 or 50, your health depends on your awareness of what’s good for you. But in a world filled with fad diets, blaring advertisements, and unintelligible ingredient lists, we at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas know it can be difficult to determine exactly what is good for you – and what’s not.

For straightforward guidance on how to live a long, healthy life, we recommend Brush Your Teeth! And Other Simple Ways to Stay Young and Healthy by Dr. David Ostreicher. The book sums up good health in six fundamental principles: hygiene, diet, attitude, exercise, sleep and personal safety.

Drawing on nearly three decades of experience as an orthodontist and professor of health and nutrition, Dr. Ostreicher definitively answers age-old debates, like the best way to prevent colds and flu (your mom was right: wash your hands). He provides straight talk on a variety of diet choices including salt, fats, carbs and organic food, and he documents the importance of regular sleep, stress reduction and positive thinking to your overall health. His suggestions throughout are simple, clear, and inexpensive.

Dr. Ostreicher advocates a back-to-basics, common-sense approach to staying young and healthy. We at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas couldn’t agree more, and we’d like to repeat the title of his book as our favorite piece of advice: don’t forget to Brush Your Teeth!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas we see lots of patients concerned about their bad breath. So we want to educate you about what you can do to really keep your chompers clean and breath minty fresh!

Naturally, good oral hygiene is the first set. With proper brushing and regular dental checkups you can keep bad breath (halitosis) in check.

Certain foods, medications, smoking, sinus issues, or even gum disease cause most bad breath. If the stink lingers for longer than 24 hours, you should see us at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. It might be something more serious, like dehydration, zinc deficiency, diabetes, liver failure, kidney failure, or even certain kinds of cancers!

In the meantime, here are some home remedies to keep you smiling bright from Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas.

--Spice Up Your Life
Snack on some cloves, fennel, or anise after each particularly odorous snack.
--Don’t forget the tongue
Lots of people brush their teeth regularly, but leave the tongue alone. One of the main causes of bad breath is food and plaque residue on the surface of your tongue. So give it a nice gentle brush-over too!
--Watch your drinking habits
The worst options are coffee, wine, whiskey, and beer.
--Frequent brushing
Carry a toothbrush with you so brushing after each meal is convenient and refreshing! Trust us, you’ll love the way it makes you feel. If you can’t brush, still swish around a couple sips of water to remove any lingering food.
--Make your own Gargle
Gargling with a home mixture of sage, calendula, and myrrh gum extracts four times a day should ward off that bad breath potential.
--Parsley’s there for a reason
Finish your parsley after you finish your dinner and you’ll find a refreshing breath enhancer. Hate the texture? Throw a couple sprigs in a blender to sip after each meal.
--Sugarless Gum
Always a good idea to carry some mints or sugarless gum for that quick spruce up before you meet the boss.
--Don’t cut that cheese
The stronger the cheese, the stinkier your breath can become. Think about blue cheese and Roquefort? They really get the party started in your mouth and it’s hard to make them leave!

It’s no secret that sweet, sugary candies and drinks have an adverse effect of the health of your smile, but what about sour or tart candies? We at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas thought you might want to know what kind of an effect does eating or drinking something sour have on my smile?

Recent research from the Minnesota Dental Association suggests that the amount of acid in sour candies is enough to eat away at tooth enamel and cause cavities. Here are a few souring facts about sour candies, and some helpful tips on how to protect your teeth from Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas(even if you cannot give up sour candies all together).

Facts

-Sour candies can be very acidic, and may actually burn the gums and cheeks, while weakening and wearing down the enamel on your teeth. (Check the acid levels in some of your favorite candies)

-It can take almost 20 minutes for the acid in sour candies to become neutral. Holding the acid in your mouth by sucking on sour hard candies or chewing sour gummies can keep the acid active for more than 20 minutes.

-The acid in sour candies can cause cavities and severe tooth decay.

Protect your teeth

-Limit the amount of sour candies that you eat on a daily basis, and if you do indulge, remember not to suck or chew on sour candies for long periods of time.

-After eating sour candies, rinse your mouth out with water, drink milk, or eat a couple slices of cheese. This will help neutralize the acid in your mouth (wait at least one hour before brushing your teeth with toothpaste, as this can actually increase the effects of acid on your teeth)

-If tooth erosion has already begun, ask your dentist about ways you can help reduce sensitivity and continue to protect your teeth.

Hope this helps! From Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas.

Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas wants to know, where does all that soda pop go?

On average, the typical person consumes over 50 gallons of soda pop per year! The amount of acid and sugar found in a can of soda can cause serious tooth decay and lead to cavities, gum disease, and even tooth loss!

We at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas know that you don’t want to lose your teeth, so take the soda pop quiz, presented by the Minnesota Dental Association, and learn more about how to keep your smile healthy.

It’s a fun interactive quiz, so enjoy! From Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas.

Few dental practices can boast the kind of patient representation we have here at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, including Basketball Star Betty G.. We are so proud of Betty who, at 85 yrs. young, has become a "smokin’ hot" basketball player! Betty recently competed in the "Texas Senior Games" and won the Free Throw Contest by sinking an outstanding 7 out of 24 shots! She also led her “80 and older” team, the "Granny Globetrotters," to a decisive victory over their younger “65 and up” competitors the "Timberwolves", during a three minute exhibition performance at the Dallas Mavericks game!

So Congratulations Betty, from Dr. Dunn and staff!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we are planning an extraordinary Wine and Cheese Event on Friday evening, May 29th, at 6:30 PM. With the help of the cosmetic smile artists at Summit Dental lab, we are prepared to do “10” instant smile makeovers, at no charge to you, so you will see the possibilities of how beautiful your smile can be! Just think… you can actually try on a brand new smile!

Your new smile will be a temporary and easily removable overlay you can wear home right away and show off to your family and friends. If you have ever dreamed of having a whiter, perfect or more youthful smile, this is a great opportunity to see first hand the difference a new smile can make for you.

Due to the magnitude of this offer, we have limited the reservations to the first "10" that respond, and we still have room for two more candidates.

Just call Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas to make your reservation, and we will set aside 10 minutes in the next few weeks for you to stop by at your convenience and allow us to take the necessary impressions. Bring your spouse or bring a friend, the artists at Summit Dental lab will craft and prepare a beautiful new “slip on smile” that will be ready for its unveiling while you enjoy wine, hors d'oeuvres and conversation with friends.

Don’t miss this exclusive offer to try on a brand new smile. Make your reservation today at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we are pleased to announce that one of our favorite patients, Jim Hrncir owner of Las Colinas Pharmacy, made his third return visit to the Dr. Phil Show on Tuesday April 21. Jim is a nationally recognized expert in the field of Bio-Identical hormones, and has made guest appearances on the Dr. Phil Show for this and his best known anti-aging skin care products.

Together with Dr. Phil, Jim will be tackling the topic of male/female Bio-Identical hormone therapy vs. traditional pharmaceutical hormone replacement. What’s the difference and what are the benefits? This is an important medical issue that many of our patients struggle with.

Most recently, Jim has provided consultation and guidance regarding this very topic in Robin McGraw’s new book “What’s Age Got To Do With IT”. Her book, released in January of this year, is a great health and beauty resource for those of us who really want to fight the aging process! If you would like to learn more about Jim Hrncir and The Las Colinas Pharmacy, visit their web site.

One question we hear all the time at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas is “When should I start brushing my baby’s teeth?”

You should begin regular cleanings even before your baby has teeth. After each breast feeding – or bottle-feeding – use a clean, damp washcloth to gently rub your baby’s gum tissue. You can wrap the material around one finger to make it easier to remove any food bits from your baby’s mouth.

When your baby’s first tooth comes in switch to a baby toothbrush. Look for special baby toothbrushes in your drugstore – they have just a few bristles and are very soft. There are even brushes shaped like finger puppets that fit over the tip of your pointer finger! All you need at this point is water – no toothpaste yet.

After a few more teeth appear, you can start using toothpaste, but you only need a tiny bit, and make sure it doesn’t contain fluoride for the first three years. From the beginning, have your little one practice spitting the toothpaste out after brushing. That way, he or she will already have the good habit of spitting when you switch to fluoride toothpaste, which should never be swallowed.

If you have any questions about caring for your baby’s teeth, please contact Dr. Dunn.

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we know that losing your first tooth, or any baby tooth for that matter, can be exciting! Your baby tooth may be gone, but in no time you will have a bigger, “grown-up” tooth in its place. So what do you do with the lost tooth? That’s simple…place it under your pillow at night and when you are fast asleep the tooth fairy will come and whisk your tooth away leaving behind a special gift just for you! Here’s a simple craft project I found a little while back that will help make the tooth fairy’s job a little easier and give your tooth a special place to stay until it is taken away. Please click on the link for instructions and pictures!

Tooth Fairy “Tooth” Box
(remember to ask your parents for help when using hot glue and scissors)

What you will need
--I large empty match box
--Enough felt to wrap the box and inside sliding tray
--Ribbon
--Glue (tacky glue or a hot glue gun)
--Markers
--White, pink and blue (or your favorite color) felt for decorating the matchbox
--Scissors

Step 1: Pull the inner tray out of the box and line the inside with glue and felt as shown. Wrap the outside of the box with felt and glue it in place.

Step 2: Glue ribbon to the outside of the box in a hanging loop shape. Fold another piece of ribbon in half and glue it to the bottom of the inner tray to create a handle for sliding it in and out.

Step 3: Draw a tooth shape on paper, cut it out, and trace it onto the white felt twice. Cut out the teeth and face details.

Step 4: Decorate the teeth with the eyes and cheeks and draw on a mouth. Glue one tooth to the outside of the box.

Step 5: Create a tooth pocket by applying glue to the sides and bottom of the remaining tooth as shown, leaving an opening at the top. Glue the pocket to the inside tray. Once the glue dries, the box is Tooth Fairy-ready. Have your child put the tooth inside the inner pocket and hang it outside their door before your child goes to bed!

When was the last time you furtively breathed into your hand to do a quick check for bad breath? Do you ever wonder if what you're smelling is your breath or your hand? Next time, try this: Lick the back of your wrist, wait a minute for your saliva to dry, then take a whiff. This trick takes into account two important facts: the bacteria on your tongue is a common cause of bad breath, and the back of your wrist is usually cleaner than the inside of your hand!

Keep in mind that there are two types of bad breath: Transient bad breath and chronic bad breath. Most of us suffer from transient bad breath at some point or another – common causes are smoking, eating smelly foods like onions or garlic, and failing to brush and floss regularly. "Morning breath" is a familiar example of transient bad breath.

Fortunately, avoiding transient bad breath is simple. Follow these guidelines and you can stop chugging those breath mints with a mouthwash chaser:

* Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste – and don't forget to brush your tongue. Let that bacteria know who's boss!
* Floss twice a day to remove hidden food particles and bacteria between your teeth.
* When you're brushing and flossing, take a minute to scrape your tongue, even the way-back, hard-to-reach part. You can find a tongue scraper at your local drugstore.
* Denture wearers: Remove your dentures before bed and cleanse them thoroughly before replacing them in the morning.
* Avoid habitual indulgence in candy, gum, lollipops, and other sources of sugar, which can cause tooth decay.
* Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Staying hydrated helps keep a healthy amount of saliva in your mouth.
* Visit your dentist. Regular visits help you maintain good oral health and prevent situations that can cause bad breath.
* Quit smoking! Bad breath is the least of the long list of health hazards associated with this habit.

If you find yourself habitually checking for (and finding) bad breath, you may have more than just a transient problem. Chronic halitosis (another word for bad breath) affects some 40 million Americans, and sometimes signifies the existence of a medical disorder.

There are several potential reasons behind the occurrence of chronic halitosis. One is the onset of periodontal (gum) disease, which occurs when a film of bacteria called plaque forms on the teeth, causing infection and subsequent weakening of the gums. Another possible source of halitosis is xerostomia, or "dry mouth": when the flow of saliva through your mouth decreases, bacteria that would normally be flushed out stays put. A third potential cause of chronic bad breath is a condition called ketosis, which is found in people with high-protein, low-carb diets – sorry, Atkins lovers! Finally, there is a broad range of serious health problems that carry bad breath as a side effect; a few examples are respiratory tract infection, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, and liver and kidney disorders.

If you've followed the guidelines listed above and you continue to suffer from halitosis, discuss the problem with your dentist. If he or she determines that your oral health is not the issue, the next step is visiting your family doctor or a specialist who can identify the cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Of course, most cases of bad breath are – not surprisingly – tied to your oral health, and your dentist can develop a treatment plan to address the problem and have you breathing with confidence once again. Call us at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas if you have any concerns about your teeth!

Slim sticks, chewy squares, coated pellets, classic gumballs, foot-long ribbons, shredded, or stuck in the middle of a lollipop – whatever kind of gum you chew, your teeth will thank you for considering one important factor: whether or not it contains sugar.

Sugar is bad for your teeth

We at Dr. Jerry Dunn's office recommend that you avoid gum that contains sugar for the same reason you'd avoid any candy: sugary treats lead to cavities! When the bacteria in your mouth metabolize (or break down) sugar, what's left behind is acid, which eats away at the enamel coating of the teeth, producing holes that we call cavities.

Sugarless gum can improve your oral hygiene

On the other hand, chewing sugarless gum can have a positive effect on your teeth and gums. With no sugar to cause problems, the act of gum-chewing triggers your mouth to produce more saliva than usual. Saliva acts as a cleanser, washing away food particles and neutralizing the acid that can lead to cavities.

Because of this effect, if you have just eaten a meal and don't have access to a toothbrush, chewing sugarless gum can help clean out your mouth. But bear in mind that no matter how much gum you chew, it's never a substitute for regular brushing and flossing.

Should I chew gum that contains xylitol?

In recent years, xylitol, a sweetener found in some brands of sugarless gum, has gained popularity. Various studies have shown that xylitol may play a direct role in reducing cavities. Let us know if you have any questions about xylitol or other sweeteners.

Be on the lookout for jaw pain

If you are a regular gum-chewer, be aware of the potential for TMJ (temporomandibular joint) problems. Frequent and long-term chewing, especially, can cause muscle fatigue or pain. Should you notice any aching, popping, or other discomfort in or around your jaw, take a break from the gum-chewing, and give us a call.

A brief history of chewing gum

The ancient Greeks chewed a substance called mastiche to freshen their breath. The chewy material was made of resin from the bark of the mastic tree, which is native to Greece and Turkey.

In the tropical rainforest of what is now Central America, members of the pre-Columbian Mayan civilization had their own version of chewing gum, called chicle, which was derived from the sap of the sapodilla tree (known by locals as the chicozapote tree).

North America also produced gum-friendly trees: it is said that Native American tribes in modern-day New England introduced their gum-chewing habit to early colonists. The ubiquitous spruce provided a chewy resin that the natives found thirst-quenching.

In the late 1800's, an American inventor named Thomas Adams endeavored to make various rubber products (including toys, galoshes, and bicycle tires) out of chicle he had imported from Mexico. He failed in each attempt, and found himself with a seemingly useless supply of chicle. One day he was inspired with the idea to use the chicle as a base for chewing gum. By the end of the century, Adams, Sons, and Co. was the most profitable chewing gum company in the country, and went on to create one of America's best-loved gums – you guessed it: Chiclets!

As you might imagine, there's not enough chicle in the world to keep up with today's high demand for chewing gum. Most gums today are made of synthetic latex combined with sweeteners, softeners, flavorings, and colorings. But no matter the substance, nothing compares with frequent brushing and regular dental check-ups. Contact us today to schedule your next appointment.

People have been brushing their teeth for thousands of years! In fact, the first “toothbrush” was created around 3000BC! Ancient civilizations used a thin twig with a frayed edge to rub against their teeth for cleaning.

The first toothbrush with bristles – similar to today’s toothbrushes – was invented in 1498 in China. Brushes were made out of bone or bamboo with bristles made from the hairs on the back of a hog’s neck.

It wasn’t until 1938 that the first nylon bristle toothbrush was introduced and people quickly became aware of practicing good oral hygiene.

Here are some other interesting facts about your toothbrush (and toothpaste):

• Most people are said to use blue toothbrushes over any other color
• The first toothpaste was used in 500 BC in China and India
• On average, children smile about 400 times per day
• Your toothbrush should be replaced every two months
• The first known toothpaste was used in 1780, Crest was introduced in the US in 1955 and Colgate in 1873

Grind, grind, grind, grind. If you live with a teeth grinder, especially a night grinder, you may be familiar with this unpleasant sound. Other symptoms of teeth grinding (technically called “bruxism”) include:

• Sensitivity in the teeth
• Tightness or pain in the jaw
• Dull headaches, earaches, or facial pain
• Chipped, worn down, or loose teeth

People frequently grind their teeth in response to stress, so taking measures to reduce or eliminate stress can help solve the problem. Here are some things you can try to stop grinding:

• Cut back on caffeine and alcohol
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Relax right before bedtime with a warm bath or shower
• Help your jaw learn to relax by quitting any chewing habits (pens, pencils, gum)
• When clenching or grinding happens during the day, place your tongue between your teeth to serve as a reminder to avoid the habit

If grinding goes untreated, it can lead to chipped teeth, worn enamel, chronic pain, or even TMJ, a painful jaw disorder. If the teeth-grinder in your house can’t stop, make an appointment to see us by calling 972-506-9688. Dr. Dunn can help determine the cause of the problem and possibly even prescribe a custom mouthpiece to help break the habit.

Whether you come to us for a regular check-up, to have your wisdom teeth pulled, or anything in between, comfort is something you expect during your dental visit. At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas we make your comfort one of our top priorities. We want you to feel better than “at-home!”

We pamper our patients with free milkshakes and fresh baked cookies after each appointment. Our practice also offers aromatherapy treatments, paraffin wax hand treatments, and heated neck pillows to soothe and relax you while you’re being taken care of. We’ve thought of everything in order to make your time spent with us feel more like a day at the spa than a trip to the dentist!

We would love to hear about your experience at your last office visit. Were you comfortable and relaxed? Did you enjoy your appointment and feel rejuvenated when you left? Please let us know how you feel before, during, and after your appointments at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

Here is what a few of our great patients had to say about their visits to our office:

"Loved the milkshake! It was just what I needed for lunch. Keep up the good work."
- Karen A.

"Everyone was just super!! It made going to the office much easier than I could ever dream or imagine. I can't stand the pain of going to the dentist and I do believe you Dr. Dunn and your awesome staff are going to keep me coming and making this a part of my life to keep me in good health. Thanks for all that you do.

P.S. I love the vanilla milkshakes!!"
- Jackie A.

"Everyone went out of their way to make me feel comfortable. I am so glad to be your newest patient, and have recommended you to my wife.

P.S. The milkshake was terrific!"
- David T.

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas we have a talented and dedicated staff that is known for their gentle touch and friendly treatment. Our staff averages 10 years with us. We think that says a lot about our dental practice, because we love coming to work here!

Amy: Financial Coordinator

Amy joined our practice in the spring of 2005 as our Financial and Treatment Plan Coordinator. She has worked in dentistry since 1996 and has a wealth of dental knowledge. She really enjoys working for Dr. Dunn as well as with the girls in the office.

On a personal note, Amy lives in Frisco. She has two wonderful children and Shihtzu named Jusy. They say “she is the best dog ever”. N’Keal plays on several select basketball and football teams and runs track. Amy’s little diva Natia loves cheerleading, dancing, and her favorite sport is basketball. They all love Beyonce…even Jusy.

When Amy is not busy running the kids around, she enjoys watching sports, dancing and wine tasting.

Judy: Appointment Coordinator

Judy is the first one to greet you when you come to our office. She has worked for Dr. Dunn for 17 years and feels blessed to have found a job that she really enjoys… she says it has everything to do with the doctor that she works for, the people she works with, and the great patients!

Growing up in Southern California, Judy was within driving distance of the ocean, the mountains and the desert. She really misses that. She has lived in Irving for over 20 years. She has three children that she is very proud of, a sweet yellow lab named Porsche, and two adopted kitties. Her daughter Alison is in graduate school in Portland, Oregon. Her son Terry is an art director for an advertising agency in Dallas, and her youngest, Lindsey, is a team member at Southwest Airlines. Judy says she feels like such a lucky mom!

She loves cooking, wine tasting, and trying new restaurants. Her newest hobby is yoga. She says it hurts...is that good???

Kelly B: Financial Manager

Kelly has been working for Dr. Dunn’s Irving dental office since 2000, and a part of Mrs. Dunn’s interior design business since 1993.

Kelly and her husband, Brad, have a daughter, Bayley, who was born in 2005. They are VERY proud to be parents after almost 13 years of marriage. Their other child is a Springer Spaniel named Toby, or “Bop” as he has been renamed by Bayley. Kelly enjoys family time whenever possible. Kelly also enjoys scrap booking, interior design, and reading whenever she has free time.

Stacy: Dental Hygienist

Stacy has worked for Dr. Dunn for 15 years, and is one of our three hygienists on staff. Stacy loves working here, and even drives 70 miles round trip everyday to do so. Her patients are extremely loyal to her because of her great skill and soothing personality. Some of Stacy’s patients have continued to see her for her entire career at Dr. Dunn’s practice.

Stacy is married and has two wonderful children. She recently fulfilled a lifelong dream of owning her own horse. She enjoys riding, watching her kids' sporting events and gardening.

Teri: Dental Hygienist

Teri joined our team June 2004 and has been practicing hygiene for 25 years. We estimate that she has cleaned about 750,000 teeth. Does that beat Dr Boothe’s Lasik record?

She has 3 wonderful kids that keep her VERY busy. Plus, she recently started a support group called “Cry for Help” in Keller for drug education.

Since she has been working for us, we have a deficit in our chocolate supply, so please send sweets.

Adela: Dental Assistant

Adela grew up on King Ranch where her mother was a personal assistant to Mrs. Armstrong, the ranch’s owner. She has been a dental assistant since 1976, and has been an integral part of Dr. Dunn’s team since 1985. Adela does it all.

She has three children and five grandchildren. Her hobbies include flower arranging, decorating and collecting antiques. She has even considered starting a home-based business with her flower arranging. Adela is a joy to work with, as well as being the best at her job.

Kelly M: Dental Assistant

Kelly has worked for Dr. Dunn since 1998. She moved to Irving when she married her husband Allan in 1992. He is on the Irving City Council and very active in the community. They have three beautiful children, a daughter, Brooke, and two boys, Cole and Carson.

Kelly loves boating, skiing, fishing, and just being outdoors. Her children keep her very busy, but if she has free time she enjoys gardening, movies, reading, and traveling.

Kelly feels very fortunate to work at a place that provides the best patient care and have fun while doing it.