The Truth About Fluoride From Dr. Dunn

For young or old, fluoride is a great way to prevent tooth decay. Tooth decay is a slow process that leaches the calcium out of the enamel until a hole, or soft spot, is created. Early in the process, fluoride can replace the lost calcium in the tooth’s enamel and make it harder, so the demineralization stops. Of course, once the soft spot develops, the tooth will require a restoration.

If I live in an area with fluoride in the water, do I still need fluoride toothpaste?

Yes. Even though there are some areas of the state where naturally occurring fluoride is above the recommended level, fluoride toothpaste is still needed for decay prevention. The unique fluoride used in drinking water only affects the developing tooth enamel in children. The fluoride actually deposits in the tooth enamel while it is still forming, creating harder and more decay resistant teeth for a life time. However, once the teeth have erupted into the mouth, the fluoride in the drinking water no longer continues to prevent tooth decay. That is why using a fluoride tooth paste or mouth rinse is so important.
For most people, over the counter toothpaste and fluoride rinse are adequate to prevent decay. (Incidentally, fluoride absorbs more readily into the tooth enamel from a rinse than from toothpaste.) For persons with a high decay rate, the elderly, or those who have had a lot of dental work, the over the counter strength may not be enough. For these people, prescription strength toothpaste and rinse are available through your dental office.

Is there anything else I can do to prevent tooth decay?

A very effective home remedy is a paste of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent antimicrobial, and the baking soda not only cleans the teeth gently, but it also neutralizes the acid that causes tooth decay.

Will fluoride stain my teeth?

Fluorosis, or the brown spots that develop on the teeth from too much natural fluoride in the drinking water, is commonly seen in areas of West Texas. Although the teeth tend to be very decay resistant, they often have unsightly discolorations. “Deep Bleaching” is a new technique that will erase the discolorations and leave the teeth beautiful and white! For more information, give us a call at Advanced Dental Care. Dr. Dunn can help with all your cosmetic dentistry needs.

CEREC All Porcelain Crowns In Just One Visit from Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

Thanks to new CEREC technology, today most crowns can be done in one visit to our office. Our space age computer utilizes a digital 3D image taken with a special camera. The picture is fed into an onsite milling machine that precisely shapes and smooths the crown or restoration using diamond coated instruments. Next the crown is polished to a high gloss and ready for permanent placement. All of this without those yucky impressions that are required for other crowns! Dr. Dunn has found the quality and the fit to be comparable to, or even surpass, that of our best lab made crowns. In most cases you can actually leave with your new crown the same day!

Why do we choose CEREC?

* CEREC protects and preserves your own tooth’s structural integrity
* Ceramics are bio-compatible
* Only one appointment
* Perfect appearance
* Perfect comfort
* Perfect quality
* Long lasting and durable
* Unquestionably the most cost effective restoration we have available today

In fact, our hygienist Stacy loved it so much she had Dr. Dunn replace one of her old porcelain/metal crowns with the all porcelain CEREC.
Take a look at her picture above!

Bad Breath Begone! --Advanced Dental Care of Las Colinas

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!

To Chew, or Not to Chew - Dr. Jerry Dunn

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.

Dr. Jerry Dunn's Patient Reviews

Dr. Terry Dunn provides the latest in cosmetic dentistry for Irving, Texas. Just see what his patients are saying about his state-of-the-art practice!For the first time in my life, I don't mind going to the dentist. Dr. Dunn and his staff are some of the best healthcare providers I have.
-Eleanor T.

They are like family. Going for a dental appointment is like seeing friends and family that you have not seen for a few months.
-Jan B.

Dr. Dunn is a dedicated and up-do-date dentist. He takes pride in his practice. You can tell a lot by the people that work with him; he has a great staff who have been with him many years.
-Judi R.

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

Friendly, innovative, always looking for ways to assist the patient - and I got a chocolate shake!
-Jennifer J.

I have been a patient of Dr. Dunn's for over twenty years. He and his staff feel like family--caring, attentive, and helpful. He maintains the highest quality and standards in equipment and treatment - Quite simply - THE BEST!
-Kaye P.

Dr. Dunn's the best! I've been seeing him for 27 years!
-Natalie M.

Gummy Tummy in Irving, Texas

We know the rumors going around – mostly among young people – that once you swallow a piece of chewing gum it will stake a claim and take up residency in your stomach for at least seven years! We really hate to take all the fun out of the mystery, but the truth is that chewing gum, when swallowed, will enter the stomach and move through the digestive system just like any other piece of food and leave the body long before seven years! So, if you ever have accidentally swallowed a piece of gum, there is no need to worry!

This being said, gum does not have any dietary benefits, so while it’s not harmful to swallow, you still want to avoid swallowing it. If you are a gum-chewer, make sure you chew sugarless gum, because gum with sugar can lead to cavities. Sugarless gum still has the same amount of flavor, but with less cavity causing ingredients. You see, when the bacterium in your mouth breaks down sugar, what’s left behind is acid. This acid eats away at the enamel coating of your teeth, causing holes that we call cavities. Cavities can lead to other long term mouth problems if they are not treated in time, so it is best to try and avoid overexposing your teeth to too many harmful substances!

Happy (sugar-free) gum chewing!

Our Patients Are the BEST!

My time at work is always rewarding; I get to see so many patients that have been in my care for over 25 years. I have seen my patients' children grow up, get married and bring their new spouses to my practice. I have worked with several of my staff members for nearly 20 years, and they too have built lifelong relationships with our patients and our patients’ families.

This gives our practice a remarkable continuity of care and relationships. We have never belonged to any PPO or HMO that requires a patient to use our office. The overwhelming majority of our patients have chosen our office based on existing patient referrals and our reputation. Patients love our new office and are proud to send their friends to such a beautiful place. It’s fun to go around town and see so many of our patients sharing a smile with others. My wife always wonders why it takes me so long to get a loaf of bread!

My life has been so blessed by the wonderful people of Irving and the surrounding communities. We have always tried to be involved in the local PTA, a variety of community activities and organizations, and our church. It's great to have my children's teachers, our ministers, fellow health care providers, and other dentists as patients. I was pleased to learn that the community had selected our office as 2008 “Irving Dentist of the Year.” To be able to come to work in a wonderful facility, work with employees that are my friends, and have some of the best patients anywhere, and to have the support of some incredible dental labs is as good as it gets in dentistry!