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!