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!

Dr. Dunn Presents Toothbrush Trivia!

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

Are There Teeth Grinders in Your House? - Dr. Jerry Dunn, DDS

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.

Pampering Our Patients, One Smile at a Time! - Dr. Jerry Dunn

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.

Meet Our Dedicated Team!

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.