March is a great time to refresh routines and focus on healthy habits—especially when it comes to your smile. In this month’s newsletter, we’re recognizing our amazing dental team and sharing tips to help keep your teeth and gums healthy.
You’ll find helpful information on plaque and why regular cleanings matter, how nutrition affects oral health, and what actually causes bad breath. In our Whole Body Connection Series, we’re also exploring the link between sleep and oral health.
We’re excited to introduce our new cone beam scanner, which gives us a clearer picture of your dental health, and our Opalescence professional whitening system, along with a limited-time offer.
And to finish things off, we’ve included a simple, healthy recipe for a Mixed Herb Spinach Frittata. We hope you enjoy this month’s edition!
In This Issue:
Recognizing Our Dental Team
The first week of March is recognized nationally as Dental Assistants Recognition Week, followed by National Dentist Day on March 6th. Although these dates have already passed, they offer a meaningful reminder to reflect on the people who make dental care possible every day.
Dentistry is often seen as a one-on-one interaction between patient and doctor, but in reality it’s a team effort. Dental assistants play an incredible role in that experience. They prepare rooms, assist during procedures, comfort nervous patients, and keep the flow of the day moving. Their attention to detail and their ability to anticipate what both the doctor and patient need makes a tremendous difference in the overall experience.
We’re fortunate to have a wonderful group of assistants who do this work with skill and kindness: Annette, Danielle, Rodney, Kristy, and Kat. Their dedication and teamwork are a big part of what makes our office feel welcoming and supportive for patients and staff alike.
March 6 also recognizes the dentists who guide patient care. Dr. Niraj Patel and Dr. Ellen Hailemelecot bring not only clinical expertise but also a genuine commitment to helping patients feel comfortable and cared for. Their thoughtful approach to dentistry reflects the values of the practice as a whole.
And while Dr. Harvey Levy is no longer seeing patients, his presence is still very much part of the practice. He remains involved and continues teaching, sharing the experience and passion for dentistry that helped build the foundation of our office.
Recognition weeks and holidays come and go, but the compassion, skill, and teamwork of a dental team are something patients experience every day. Taking a moment to acknowledge that work reminds us how much heart goes into caring for every smile that walks through the door.
Spring Cleaning For Your Smile
Drafted by ChatGPT and edited by our dental team
As the seasons change and many of us begin tidying our homes, it’s also a great time to refresh something just as important—your oral health. A “spring cleaning” for your smile simply means taking a moment to reset your dental habits and make sure your teeth and gums are as healthy as possible for the months ahead.
What is Plaque?
Plaque is a sticky, colorless to pale-yellow biofilm made up of bacteria, food particles, and saliva that collects on teeth and along the gumline. You may have actually felt plaque before without realizing it. If your teeth ever feel a little “fuzzy” or sticky when you run your tongue across them, that soft coating is plaque beginning to build up.
Plaque forms quickly especially when bacteria in the mouth mix with sugars and starches from the food and drinks we consume. As these bacteria break down food particles, they produce acids that can slowly wear away tooth enamel and irritate the gums.
If plaque isn’t removed regularly through brushing and flossing, it can lead to problems such as:
- Tooth decay
- Persistent bad breath
- Gum inflammation (gingivitis)
- Red or swollen gums or bleeding during flossing
One of the biggest challenges with plaque is how quickly it can change. If plaque remains on the teeth, it can harden into tartar (also called calculus). Once tartar forms, it attaches firmly to the tooth surface and cannot be removed by brushing or flossing alone. At that point, it requires professional removal during a dental cleaning.
Regular dental check-ups allow your hygienist to remove hardened tartar and polish away plaque buildup. These visits also allow the dentist to identify early signs of tooth decay or gum disease before they become more serious. Routine cleanings are an important part of maintaining long-term oral health and keeping your mouth healthy and comfortable.
Refreshing Your Dental Routine
After you’ve finished scheduling your next dental visit, don’t forget to check in on your dental routine as well. Here are some ideas to get you started:
- Replace Your Toothbrush – Toothbrushes or electric brush heads should be replaced every three to four months, or sooner if the bristles appear frayed. Worn bristles are less effective at removing plaque. It’s also a good idea to replace your brush after being sick.
- Clean Your Dental Tools – Toothbrush holders are exposed to moisture and bacteria every day. Washing them with hot soapy water or running them through the dishwasher (if safe) helps reduce bacterial buildup.
- Check Your Dental Products – Toothpaste and mouthwash can lose effectiveness over time. Checking expiration dates ensures you are still receiving the benefits of ingredients like fluoride.
- Upgrade Your Hygiene Habits – Brushing twice a day for two minutes and flossing daily remain the most effective way to remove plaque before it can cause problems. Flossing is especially important because it helps scrape away plaque between teeth and along the gumline, where toothbrush bristles cannot reach.
A Fresh Start for Your Smile
Spring is a natural time to start fresh. Taking a few simple steps—refreshing your dental tools, reinforcing daily habits, and scheduling your next dental visit—can go a long way toward protecting your teeth and gums.
If it has been a while since your last appointment, this season is the perfect reminder to schedule your next check-up and give your smile the care it deserves.
How Nutrition Supports Your Oral Health
Nutrition plays a bigger role in oral health than many people realize. The foods and drinks we choose affect not only our overall health, but also the strength of our teeth and the health of our gums. In recognition of National Nutrition Month, it’s a great time to take a closer look at a few nutrition habits that can make a real difference for your smile.
Hidden Sugars and Your Teeth
Most people know that candy and soda contain a lot of sugar, but sugar often shows up in places we don’t expect. Many everyday foods—such as flavored yogurt, granola bars, sports drinks, coffee drinks, and even some sauces—contain hidden sugars.
Bacteria in the mouth feed on these sugars and produce acids that can weaken tooth enamel. Over time, this process increases the risk of cavities and gum irritation.
The goal isn’t necessarily to eliminate all sugar, but to be mindful of how often your teeth are exposed to it. Reading labels, choosing lower-sugar options, and drinking water after sweet foods or drinks can help reduce the amount of time sugar sits on your teeth.
Protein and Tooth Health
Protein plays an important role in keeping your mouth healthy. Foods rich in protein often contain essential nutrients like phosphorus and calcium, which help support strong enamel and healthy bone structure around the teeth.
Protein also tends to be more filling than sugary snacks, which can help reduce frequent snacking throughout the day.
Some tooth-friendly protein options include:
- Eggs
- Lean meats and poultry
- Cheese and yogurt
- Nuts and seeds
- Beans and legumes
- Cheese and other dairy foods can be especially helpful because they also encourage saliva production, which helps rinse away acids and food particles.
Smarter Snack Choices
Frequent snacking exposes teeth to more acids throughout the day, so choosing snacks wisely can help protect your oral health.
Instead of reaching for sugary or sticky foods, consider snacks that are less likely to cling to teeth and that provide nutritional benefits as well.
A few smart swaps include:
- Cheese or yogurt instead of candy or cookies
- Nuts instead of chips or sugary snack bars
- Fresh vegetables with hummus instead of crackers
- Apples or berries instead of fruit snacks or gummies
- Drinking water after a snack can also help rinse away food particles and sugars.
Small Choices, Healthy Smiles
Oral health is influenced by everyday habits, and nutrition is an important part of that picture. Being aware of hidden sugars, incorporating protein-rich foods, and making thoughtful snack choices can all help support healthier teeth and gums.
If you ever have questions about how diet affects your oral health, the team at Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates is always happy to help guide you toward habits that support a healthy smile.
What’s That Smell? Bad Breath!
Source: https://www.dentalhealth.org/bad-breath
Bad breath is very common. In fact, around one in four people have it regularly. It can be unpleasant, but the good news is that it’s often easy to treat.
What causes bad breath?
Bad breath can happen for lots of reasons.
Persistent bad breath is usually caused by smelly gases released by bacteria that coat your teeth, gums and tongue.
Bits of food that get stuck between your teeth or on your tongue can also rot and cause a bad smell.
Other common causes include:
- Not brushing your teeth properly
- Gum disease or tooth decay
- Strong foods like garlic, onions or coffee
- Dry mouth – when your mouth doesn’t make enough saliva
- Smoking
- Some medical problems, like acid reflux or infections in your throat or nose
Keeping your mouth clean is one of the best ways to stop bad breath
How do I know if I have bad breath?
It can be hard to tell if you have bad breath. Sometimes, people notice a strange taste in their mouth – this can be a sign.
There’s a quick test you can try: Lick the inside of your wrist. Please wait a few seconds, then smell it. If it smells bad, your breath probably does too
You can also ask someone you trust to tell you honestly.
How can I stop bad breath?
You can usually get rid of bad breath by keeping your mouth clean.
Here’s what to do:
- Brush your teeth for two minutes, last thing at night and one other time during the day with a fluoride toothpaste
- Brush your tongue or use a tongue scraper
- Clean between your teeth every day with interdental brushes or floss
- Use a mouthwash (ask your dental team for a recommendation)
- Chew sugar-free gum to stop your mouth from getting dry
- Cut down on sugary food and drinks
- Drink water regularly to keep your mouth moist
- Visit your dental team as often as they recommend
Can illness cause bad breath?
Yes. Bad breath can also be caused by:
- Dry mouth
- Sinus problems
- Throat or chest infections
- Diabetes
- Liver or kidney problems
If your dentist can’t find a problem with your mouth, they might ask you to see your doctor.
Can mouthwash help?
Mouthwash can help freshen your breath, but it won’t fix the problem. If you’re using mouthwash all the time, consider discussing this with your dental team.
For more advice or help, speak to your dental team. They can help find what’s causing bad breath and give you tips to stop it.
Little Moments, Big Smiles
Spring is just around the corner and we can’t wait! Take a look at some of our favorite pre-spring moments.
Oral Health and the Whole Body Connection: How Sleep Affects Oral Health
Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087079224000431
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11704870/ Summarized by ChatGPT and checked by our dental team
We usually think of sleep as something that affects energy, mood, and focus. But sleep also has an important connection to oral health. When sleep is poor—or when we simply are not getting enough of it—the effects can show up in the mouth as well as the rest of the body.
Research continues to show a meaningful relationship between sleep and oral health. While that does not mean poor sleep directly causes dental problems in every case, it does suggest that sleep is one more important piece of the overall health puzzle.
The Mouth-Body-Sleep Connection
Sleep is when the body does much of its repair work. It helps regulate inflammation, immune function, hormone levels, and stress responses. When sleep quality suffers, those systems can be affected too.
That matters for oral health because many dental concerns—especially gum inflammation and gum disease—are closely tied to the body’s immune and inflammatory responses. When the body is under strain from poor sleep, it may be less effective at managing inflammation and fighting off infection.
In other words, the mouth does not exist in isolation. It is part of the whole system, and sleep is one of the things that helps keep that system in balance.
What the Research Suggests
Recent reviews of the available research have found a consistent association between poor sleep and poorer oral health. Across multiple studies, shorter sleep duration and lower sleep quality were linked with higher rates of gum inflammation, periodontal disease, and dental decay. Some studies also found associations with symptoms like tooth pain, bad breath, and general oral discomfort.
In children, shorter or irregular sleep has been associated with a greater risk of cavities. In adults, inadequate sleep has often been associated with a higher risk of gingivitis and periodontitis. A recent meta-analysis also found a significant overall link between poorer oral health and poorer sleep quality across diverse populations.
That said, the relationship is complex. Many of these studies are observational, which means they show a relationship, not proof of direct cause and effect. Still, the pattern is strong enough to remind us that sleep belongs in the conversation when we talk about oral health.
Why Poor Sleep Can Affect the Mouth
There are a few likely reasons sleep and oral health seem to be connected.
One is inflammation. Poor sleep can increase inflammatory activity in the body, and inflammation plays a major role in gum disease.
Another is immune function. When sleep is disrupted, the immune system may not work as efficiently, which can make it harder for the body to respond to bacteria and infection in the mouth.
Poor sleep may also contribute to dry mouth by reducing saliva flow. Saliva is one of the mouth’s natural defenses. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and reduce bacterial buildup. When the mouth is dry, the risk of decay and gum irritation can increase.
There are also the everyday habits that tend to unravel when someone is overtired. People who are not sleeping well may be more likely to skip brushing or flossing, snack late at night, rely on sugary or caffeinated drinks, or clench and grind their teeth from stress. It is a bit of a biological gremlin pileup.
Sleep, Stress, and Teeth Grinding
Stress and sleep often travel together, and both can affect oral health. Poor sleep can raise stress levels, and stress can make it harder to sleep well. That cycle can sometimes show up as jaw clenching or teeth grinding, especially at night.
Grinding can wear down enamel, contribute to jaw soreness, trigger headaches, and even lead to cracked or damaged teeth over time. For some patients, a custom night guard may help protect the teeth from that kind of damage.
Oral Problems Can Also Disrupt Sleep
This connection can go both ways. Tooth pain, gum irritation, infections, jaw discomfort, and other oral health issues can make it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep. So while sleep may influence oral health, oral health can also influence sleep quality.
That is one reason it is so important not to ignore symptoms like tooth pain, bleeding gums, dry mouth, or ongoing sensitivity. These issues may affect more than just your smile.
Supporting Better Sleep and Better Oral Health
Good oral health habits still matter: brushing twice a day, flossing daily, staying hydrated, and keeping up with regular dental visits. But healthy sleep habits matter too.
A consistent sleep schedule, a calming bedtime routine, limiting caffeine late in the day, and managing stress can all support better overall health—including oral health.
We believe oral health is part of whole-body health. Sleep may not be the first thing people think about when it comes to their teeth and gums, but it plays a bigger role than many realize.
If you have been dealing with poor sleep, teeth grinding, dry mouth, or changes in your oral health, it may be worth mentioning at your next visit. Sometimes the clues to better health are hiding in plain sight—and occasionally behind your molars.
A Clearer Picture: Our New Cone Beam Scanner
We’ve added a Cone Beam CT (CBCT) scanner to our office—and it gives us a clearer, more complete view of your oral health.
Unlike traditional 2D X-rays, a cone beam scan creates a 3D panoramic image of your teeth, jaw, and surrounding structures. That extra depth helps us plan treatment more accurately and spot things that can’t always be seen on flat images.
What it helps us do
- Plan dental implants with precision
- Evaluate bone levels and density
- Assess TMJ and jaw joints
- Locate impacted teeth, infections, or fractures
- Support more accurate root canal and surgical planning
What the scan is like
- Quick (just seconds)
- Comfortable and non-invasive
- Carefully controlled radiation
- Easy to understand—we can show you exactly what we see
Not every patient needs a cone beam scan, but when it’s recommended, it helps us provide safer, more predictable, and more personalized care. If you have questions about 3D imaging or whether it’s right for you, we’re always happy to talk it through.
Recipe of the Month: Mixed Herb Spinach Frittata
Source: https://www.wellseasonedstudio.com/herby-spinach-frittata/
This Herby Spinach Frittata is one way to use up all those leftover herbs sitting in the fridge! The mixture begins on a stove top, then finishes in less than 5 minutes under a broiler. Serve with goat cheese or crumbled feta if you like. A light, fresh, flavorful breakfast, perfect alongside fresh fruit or baked goods.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped, about half of a 6 oz bag
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh herbs, a mix of whatever you have on hand such as chives, dill, tarragon, basil, scallion, parsley, and/or mint
- 1 tsp Kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 Tbsp neutral oil
- ½ small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- Flaky sea salt
- 2 Tbsp goat cheese or feta cheese
Instructions
- Preheat a broiler to high, making sure the oven rack is in place at the top of the oven.
- Prepare spinach, herbs, onion, and garlic – chopping to your desired size
- Place eggs, ⅓ cup heavy cream, 2 cups chopped spinach, 1 cup chopped herbs, 1 tsp Kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper in a medium bowl, then whisk well.
- Heat 2 Tbsp of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced red onion, then cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add 2 cloves of chopped garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Reduce the temperature to medium-low, then pour the egg mixture on top of the onions. Cook an additional 2 minutes, until the bottom begins to set, then transfer the skillet to the preheated broiler. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the top is set and golden brown.
- Carefully remove the skillet from under the broiler. Sprinkle with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Optional: serve with crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese, if desired. Can be enjoyed immediately or at room temperature.
Notes
- Other Recommended Add-ins: Ham, Bacon, Sundried or Fresh Chopped Tomatoes, Bell Peppers, Shredded Carrots
- Make ahead: Bake 1–2 days ahead, cool completely, then wrap and refrigerate. Add goat cheese or feta just before serving.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave or in the oven at 300°F / 150°C until heated through; add cheese after reheating.
- Freezing: Slice, cool, and freeze airtight for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F / 150°C for 15–18 minutes.