This Year, Make a New Year’s Resolution to Smile About!

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

Beware of those Christmas goodies!

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!

We want to know what YOU think of Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

From your very first visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas our doctor 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. 

You can also tell us by posting below the post, on our Facebook page or by giving us a call!

Thank you,
The team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

Access your account—anywhere, any day, any time—at Advanced Dental Care

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!

Patient Question: What’s so bad about nail biting?

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!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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!

Cold and Flu Season is Here- Replace Your Toothbrush!

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.

Dr. Dunn wants to know: What do you enjoy most about Las Colinas in the fall?

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!

A few tips for staying safe this Halloween, from Dr. Dunn

Trick-or-treat! In the spirit of October’s sweet and spooky holiday, Halloween, Dr. Dunn would like to remind all of our patients to be safe while celebrating with friends and family. The American Association of Orthodontists, or AAO, has provided trick-or-treaters with some tips for a ghoulishly good time. Happy Halloween!

A few Halloween safety guidelines:
• Young children should always be accompanied by an adult 
• Carry a flashlight 
• Wear a light-colored or reflective costume 
• Choose face paint over masks for young ghosts and goblins 
• Have an adult inspect all treats before the children dig in

Advanced Dental Care, scaring away your cavities this Halloween!

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.

Artificial sweeteners and your child’s health, from Dr. Dunn

Dr. Dunn knows that there is always a lot of debate in the health community about the health effects of artificial sweeteners, and aspartame is most surely one of the most controversial food additives to ever be approved by the FDA. Here at Advanced Dental Care, we try to provide you with the most up to date information on topics relating to the health of our patients and their loved ones. That is why we want to share with you a few facts that we recently learned in a Huffington Post article.

Did you know that aspartame is now sold under many commercial names, including NutraSweet, Canderel, and AminoSweet? Yes, that’s right. When checking nutrition facts, it is important to keep an eye out for all of these ingredients! This sweetener can be found in diabetic foods, jams, breakfast cereals, chewing gum, soda, and even prescriptions and vitamins.

What’s so harmful about aspartame?
With over 10,000 official complaints, aspartame reactions are more commonly reported than that of all other food additives combined. Of these reports, two-thirds consist primarily of headaches, mood alterations, and hallucinations. Determining your nutritional type and the foods that your body craves is key to satisfying sugar cravings. The recommended fructose level is below 25 grams per day, which includes both natural and artificial sweeteners.

Next time you're in for an appointment with Dr. Dunn, let us know if you have any questions about aspartame or this article. As always, please remember to use a straw if you choose to sip soda, coffee, or other dark colored beverages to take care of that beautiful smile!

Getting social with Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

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!

October is National Dental Hygiene Month

Here in Irving, TX, Dr. Dunn and our team knows that with all of the excitement of fall and Halloween, it is often easy to forget about maintaining good oral hygiene. Did you know that October is National Dental Hygiene Month?

Your sweet tooth may enjoy all of those sweet, sour and sticky candies, but these treats can actually cause damage to your teeth! Did you know sour candies can be acidic to your teeth, and can actually wear down the enamel that protects them? This can cause tooth decay and cavities! After eating candy, it is best to wash your mouth out with water, drink milk or eat a few slices of cheese. These 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)

Besides cavities and tooth decay, many people do not realize that good oral health and hygiene are important to your overall health too! Research is discovering a correlation between periodontal disease and other major health concerns, such as heart disease! Therefore, it is important to maintain a good oral hygiene routine: see Dr. Dunn every six months, brush and floss daily and use an antibacterial mouthwash.

We encourage you to make a commitment to improve your oral health for October, the National Dental Hygiene Month!

Your turn! From Advanced Dental Care

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!

Advanced Dental Care, your CEREC specialist in Las Colinas, TX

CEREC, a technology for restoring damaged teeth, can be completed in a single visit to Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas. This short video explains how CEREC restorations make your teeth stronger and more beautiful — all while keeping your teeth looking natural. Dr. Dunn is your local CEREC dentist for single-visit tooth restorations in Irvine, Las Colinas and surrounding communities.

As always, feel free to give us a call at 972-506-9688 if you have any questions about CEREC, or if you would like to schedule an appointment at our office.

September is National Gum Care Month

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.

My adventures in Africa, from Kim at Advanced Dental Care

Thank you so much to everyone for your support during my trip back to Africa. It was an amazing time and I definitely treasured every moment there. It's always a little hard for me to put into words all of the great experiences and express some of what I saw. Today, I wanted to share a few of the highlights with the staff and patients of Advanced Dental Care.

• Kenya is such a beautiful place! We were able to see much of the countryside and villages, even though we actually stayed in Nairobi. I was able to meet many hospital workers, hospital administrators and doctors.
• I had the opportunity to work with a dentist within the Kenya hospital. I loved it. I pulled my first tooth! I also had the chance to speak with the patients and educate them on proper oral health habits.
• In Uganda, we were able to volunteer at God Cares orphanage and school, which was such a blessing. We had the opportunity to lead their daily chapel and morning bible study, which was a great experience. It was really one of the trips highlights being able to spend time with the kids in class, hearing about their lives, playing games, and listening to them read.

There are just so many stories I wish I could share but just wanted to share a glimpse of my trip with all of our patients at Dr. Dunn’s office. Next time you’re in for an appointment; feel free to ask me about my trip if you have any questions or if you have had similar experiences traveling!

Thank you,

-Kim

Technology helps you relax at Advanced Dental Care

It used to be that people were terrified to see the dentist. And Dr. Dunn understands that some patients are still nervous. But fear not! The days of fear and loathing when driving to an dentist appointment are gone! And it’s all due to technology. That’s right, technology has allowed dentists everywhere to zero in on patient care and comfort.

For example, dental implants actually restore comfort and appearance, yet remain functional for the long run. In addition, they have a 90-95% proven success rate in appropriately chosen cases.

If you have any questions about how Advanced Dental Care uses state-of-the-art technology, give us a call and ask!

What do you love about Dr. Dunn and team?

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

Dr. Dunn presents: "Whose Feet Belong to Who?"

Thanks to all of the patients who recently connected with Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas online! This week, Dr. Dunn and our team would like to introduce an exciting new contest at our office. Since our staff recently celebrated an amazing July with lunch and pedicures, we thought that it would be fun to get all of our patients involved in the fun! Take a guess at whose pampered feet belong to who, for your chance to win a new Braun toothbrush.

How do I enter "Whose Feet Belong to Who?"
The first patient to identify whose feet belong to who, starting at twelve o'clock clockwise, will win a new Braun toothbrush. To enter, email Kelly at kellyb@adclc.com with your guess of the clockwise order of our doctor and staff's pedicured feet! You can visit our About Us web site page for a few ideas! Present in this photo are Judy, Kim, Adela, Kelly B, Teri, and Jennifer, Amy, and Dr Dunn. (Kelly M won the massage raffle and was absent from the photo.) Hint, Dr Dunn passed on the nail polish.

Thanks to our wonderful patients that make our office such a wonderful place to work.

A busy July at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

Congrats to our incredible team at Advanced Dental Care! July was a challenging month due to vacation schedules, family emergencies, and Jen's foreign study trip to China. In June, Kim was gone for a two week medical mission trip to Africa. We will be posting blog entries on Jen and Kim's summer vacations in the upcoming months, so be sure to check back for pictures and stories!

To handle the hectic summer month, each of our staff members pitched in and wore several different hats to keep the practice running at a smooth pace. As a reward for their outstanding efforts, Dr Dunn took everyone for lunch and a Pedicure (including himself, of course). Next week, we will be posting a related contest for all of our patients! Be sure to "like" our Facebook page so that you can receive all of the contest details and updates!

Have a great week,

-Dr. Dunn and our team

Summer reading for the dads, from Dr. Dunn and team

Hey Dads! Are you in search of a great book to read this summer? We’ve got some suggestions! Recently, we came across “A Guy’s Summer Book Guide,” which happens to be a pretty cool resource if you’re shopping around for a great summer read! If you’re still not satisfied, check out this complete list of reading ideas from Barnes & Noble. The list includes bestsellers, new releases, classics, as well as books designed for everyone in the family!

Happy reading! Be sure to share with us your summer picks or your all-time favorites on our Facebook page!

- Dr. Dunn and team

Dr. Jerry Dunn, Irving's CEREC Provider

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!

More happy smiles at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

Dr. Jerry Dunn and staff, serving Irving, Las Colinas and surrounding areas, deliver the highest quality dental care in a personalized environment. We make treatment educational, fun and enjoyable. Just see what our patients have to say!

"Just continue doing what you do, please!" ~ Syed A.

"Judy is great at the front desk." ~ Shirley M.

"My hygenist. She is always so kind and explains things well. Excellent work." ~ Ann A.

"Your overall staff is very compassionate and professional. I have been driving out of my way to your office for years and due to the service, I plan to continue to have Dr Dunn as my dentist." ~ Natalia F.

Dr. Jerry Dunn, helping you avoid heat exhaustion this 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!

Dr. Jerry Dunn presents: Fourth of July fun facts!

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.

"Hey, Dr. Dunn! What can you tell me about sedation dentistry?"

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.

Dr. Dunn wants to know: What should we blog about this summer?

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!

Write a review of Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

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!

Dr. Dunn and team, supporting National Physical Fitness and Sports Month

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.

Who needed CEREC? David Letterman!

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!

Happy (almost) Mother's Day, from Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas!

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!

Could you be a teeth whitening addict?

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we know everybody loves a bright white smile, but dentists all across the United States are becoming more and more concerned that their patients are reporting more mouth problems due to excessive whitening.

In an age—and culture—where looks matter as much as anything in life, more and more folks want to look and feel great. But there can be too much of a good thing when it comes to teeth whitening. At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, there are two primary methods of teeth whitening: in-office teeth whitening and supervised at-home teeth whitening. In-office techniques often make use of a light-activated gel application, require as little as one to two hours and can improve color by up to 8 shades. Less expensive supervised at-home methods produce results via daily sessions over one or more weeks of wearing a customized gel-filled tray appliance, and may result in about a 4 to 6 shade improvement as seen on the dentist's shade scale.

If you suspect you may have a teeth whitening addiction, we encourage you to check out this helpful article from our friends at WebMD.

Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas present: Mr. Bean goes to the dentist

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!

Ask Dr. Dunn: Which toothbrush should I use?

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!

Helping kids overcome fears of the dentist, from Dr. Jerry Dunn

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!

The importance of smiling, from the Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas team

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!

Omega-3s and your dental health, from Dr. Jerry Dunn

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!

Dr. Dunn wants to know: What are you thinking?

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!

Five helpful tips to avoid plaque, from Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

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!

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, a pursuit of excellence

At Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, we make every effort to provide you with the best dental treatment. For Dr. Jerry Dunn and our team that means achieving consistently great results. There are many things that help Dr. Dunn do that. Some of them are:

1. Using the most up to date and proven dental technologies available
2. Spending time and resources on continuing education to stay current and relevant
3. Training our entire team on new dental techniques
4. Educating our patients about the pursuit of excellence

If you or a family member has been thinking about cosmetic dental treatment, please give us a call. The team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas look forward to seeing you.

Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas, supporting National Children’s Dental Health Month

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!

Did you know February is Heart Month?

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.

Dairy and gum disease, from Dr. Jerry Dunn

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 your account—all the time—at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

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!

Dr. Jerry Dunn wants to know: What do you love about Irving?

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!

Ask Dr. Dunn: How do I prevent bad breath?

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!

The five key steps to maintaining good oral health

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!

What puts you at ease at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas?

Dr. Dunn understands not everyone is thrilled to see their dentist. But the doctor and our team at Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas strive to bring you the best and most comforting experience at each visit. We’d like to know: What is it about our office that makes you comfortable or puts you at ease? Is it something about our pleasant environment? Our friendly staff? Dr. Dunn himself?

Let us know by posting here or by giving us a call!