This month, we’re taking a closer look at something we believe deeply: your mouth is more than a smile — it’s a mirror to your overall health. In this issue, we’re highlighting how your oral health connects to the rest of your body, from managing chronic conditions like diabetes to staying hydrated in the summer heat.
We’re also sharing simple tips to protect your teeth while enjoying the season — whether you’re gearing up for back-to-school routines, adding comfort to your next appointment with nitrous, or just soaking up a little more sunshine.
Plus, don’t miss some festive snapshots from our team’s 4th of July celebrations — because healthy smiles are meant to be shared!
Let’s keep those smiles strong, inside and out.
In This Issue:
- Your Mouth Is A Mirror to Your Overall Health
- Back-to-School Dental Checklist
- A Closer Look: Diabetes and the Mouth-Body Connection
- Sip, Smile, Repeat: How Hydration Helps Your Oral Health
- Red, White & Smiles!
- Feel More at Ease in the Chair — For Less!
- Honoring Our Team Members
- Recipe: Grilled Elotes
- Please Leave us a Review!
Your Mouth Is A Mirror To Your Overall Health
Source: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9515542/
When you visit us, you probably expect us to check for cavities, clean your teeth, and maybe offer tips for freshening your breath. But what if we told you your mouth tells a bigger story about your overall health — sometimes before symptoms appear anywhere else in your body?
At Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates, we’ve always believed that dental care isn’t just about teeth — it’s about total well-being. In fact, medical researchers are now confirming what many in dentistry have long known: your mouth is connected to nearly every system in your body.
What the Research Says
A growing body of research supports what we see in daily practice:
- Oral health is multidimensional, affecting not just the physical body but also mental, social, and emotional well-being.
- Oral diseases like gum disease and tooth decay are largely preventable, yet they remain among the most widespread chronic health issues worldwide, affecting over 3 billion people.
- These conditions aren’t just a dental concern — they’ve been linked to heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s, pregnancy complications, respiratory illnesses, and more.
- The mouth is often the first place where systemic conditions manifest, yet it is still routinely overlooked in many medical settings.
According to the FDI World Dental Federation, oral health includes more than disease-free teeth — it’s the ability to chew, speak, smile, taste, and express emotion with confidence and comfort. When your oral health suffers, so does your quality of life.
Why This Matters in the Dental Chair
Each time you come in, we do more than check for cavities and remove plaque — we assess the health of your gums, soft tissues, jaw, and bite. We ask about medications and medical history not just to be thorough, but because your mouth can offer early warning signs of bigger health concerns.
For example:
- Swollen or bleeding gums might signal uncontrolled diabetes or cardiovascular inflammation.
- Chronic dry mouth could result from autoimmune disorders or side effects from medications.
- Oral ulcers or white patches may indicate nutritional deficiencies or even early cancerous changes.
- Tooth loss or advanced decay can signal dietary imbalances, stress, or systemic bone loss.
We’re In This With You
Unfortunately, modern healthcare often treats the mouth as separate from the body — a leftover mindset from outdated medical models. But our team doesn’t see it that way. We know that oral health is an essential part of general health.
Our role isn’t just to polish your smile — it’s to help you stay well, inside and out. That’s why we take your blood pressure, take time to ask questions, listen carefully, and educate you on more than just brushing and flossing.
If you notice anything unusual — sores that don’t heal, bleeding in your gums, persistent bad breath, loose teeth, or discomfort — please let us know. These might be small signs of something much more important.
A Smarter, Healthier Model
Oral health needs to be integrated into the broader medical conversation — not only in research, but in everyday care. As your dental team, we’re proud to be part of that effort, providing care that’s proactive, personal, and truly holistic.
Back-to-School Dental Checklist
We’re not trying to rush the end of summer — there’s still time for popsicles, pool days, and backyard adventures. But as back-to-school prep begins, it’s also a great time to make sure your child’s dental health is on track for the school year ahead.
Our schedule tends to fill quickly in late summer, so we always recommend booking ahead — especially if your child is due for their six-month visit.
Here’s a simple checklist to help keep those school-year smiles healthy and confident:
- Schedule that back-to-school checkup: The American Dental Association recommends that children visit the dentist every six months — not just for cleanings, but for early detection of issues like tooth decay or bite concerns. According to a recent national poll, over one-third of parents say their child has experienced tooth pain, stained teeth, or gum problems in the past two years — and regular dental visits are one of the best ways to prevent these issues.
- Reinforce healthy brushing habits: The basics matter. Yet the same poll found that more than 1 in 3 children don’t brush twice a day, and only 60% brush for the full 2 minutes. Now is a great time to reset routines — brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is still the gold standard.
- Don’t forget flossing: Only about 1 in 4 kids floss regularly, even though flossing helps prevent cavities between teeth and keeps gums healthy.
- A quick rinse with water after snacks or sugary drinks also goes a long way in preventing plaque buildup.
- Replace toothbrushes (or brush heads): Toothbrushes should be replaced every 3–4 months — or sooner if the bristles are worn. A fresh brush helps clean teeth more effectively.
- Pack smile-friendly snacks: Summer snacks sometimes sneak into school lunches. Try to include low-sugar options like cheese sticks, yogurt, fruits, and crunchy veggies — and limit sticky, sugary foods that cling to teeth.
- Sports season? Consider a mouthguard: If your child plays fall sports, make sure they have a properly fitting mouthguard. We can custom-fit one if needed.
- Address any concerns early – If your child has been complaining about sensitive teeth, sore gums, or bad breath, don’t wait. These symptoms may be early signs of oral health issues. In fact, bad breath was one of the most common concerns reported by parents, often tied to skipped brushing or poor hygiene routines.
- Bonus tip: While you’re booking the kids’ visits, consider scheduling your own. Once school starts, your calendar may be less flexible.
We’re always here to help your family keep up good habits — and that starts with prevention, early care, and a team that’s looking out for more than just teeth.
A child with a healthy mouth will more likely become an adult with a healthy mouth!
A Closer Look: Diabetes and the Mouth-Body Connection
Source: https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/health-info/diabetes
We just explored how the mouth can serve as a mirror to your overall health — often revealing signs of systemic issues before other parts of the body do. One condition where this connection is especially strong is diabetes.
If you’re living with diabetes, caring for your mouth is more than a routine — it’s a crucial part of managing your condition.
Why Diabetes Affects the Mouth
Diabetes affects the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar, fight infection, and heal efficiently. These changes have a direct impact on oral health. People with diabetes are more likely to experience:
- Periodontal (gum) disease – Inflammation and infection in the gums that can progress to bone and tooth loss. Gum disease can also raise blood sugar levels, making diabetes harder to control.
- Dry mouth – Diabetes can reduce saliva flow, increasing the risk of tooth decay, mouth sores, and discomfort.
- Tooth decay (cavities) – Reduced saliva, increased mouth acidity, and higher sugar content in saliva can lead to more frequent and severe cavities, especially along the gumline.
- Oral thrush – A fungal infection often triggered by high sugar levels in the saliva or dry mouth, resulting in painful white patches.
- Delayed healing – Wounds or dental procedures may take longer to recover, increasing the risk of infection or complications.
- Taste impairment – Diabetes may alter the ability to taste certain foods or dull the sense of taste altogether, which can affect appetite and nutrition.
These issues don’t always appear overnight, which is why regular monitoring and early detection are so important.
Signs to Watch For
Because diabetes can lower your body’s ability to fight infection, it’s important to stay alert to any changes in your mouth. Contact your dental team if you notice:
- Bleeding or swollen gums
- White patches or red sores
- Persistent dry mouth
- Bad breath that doesn’t go away
- Pain while chewing
- Loose teeth or shifting dentures
These symptoms might seem minor, but they can be early signs of a larger problem — and they’re easier to treat when caught early.
Managing Your Oral Health with Diabetes
The key to protecting your mouth (and your overall health) is prevention and consistency:
- Keep blood glucose levels in target range – Better blood sugar control reduces the risk of gum disease and other complications.
- Brush twice a day and floss daily – These basic habits go a long way toward keeping plaque and inflammation under control.
- Visit us regularly – Let us know about your diabetes diagnosis so we can tailor your care and monitor for early signs of trouble.
- Stay hydrated – Drink water and ask about options for managing dry mouth if needed.
- Avoid tobacco – Smoking significantly increases the risk of severe gum disease and slows healing.
It All Connects
This article builds on what we shared earlier: your mouth doesn’t exist in isolation. It’s part of a larger system — and often gives us clues about what’s happening in the rest of your body.
For people with diabetes, those clues are especially important. We’re here to help interpret them and support you in keeping both your smile and your health in the best shape possible.
Sip, Smile, Repeat: How Hydration Helps Your Oral Health
From beach days to backyard barbecues, summer fun means more time outside—and more reminders to drink water! But hydration isn’t just about keeping cool in the heat. It’s also one of the best things you can do for your smile.
Drinking water and staying hydrated is an important part of everyday life. Even when summer winds down, the benefits of water don’t go out of season. Staying hydrated supports your whole-body health—and it plays a surprisingly big role in keeping your mouth clean, fresh, and cavity-free.
Why Hydration Helps Your Smile
- Fights dry mouth
Dehydration can reduce saliva flow, which makes it harder to chew, swallow, and protect your teeth. Sipping water throughout the day helps prevent dry mouth and keeps things comfortable. - Washes away food particles and bacteria
Water is a natural rinse. Unlike sugary drinks, it helps flush away leftover food, acids, and bacteria that can cause plaque buildup, tooth decay, and gum disease. - Strengthens tooth enamel
Drinking fluoridated water helps protect and remineralize enamel, making your teeth more resistant to decay. It’s a simple, no-effort way to boost your oral hygiene between brushings. - Helps prevent bad breath
A dry mouth is more likely to trap odor-causing bacteria. Water helps rinse your mouth and maintain saliva flow—keeping your breath fresher longer. - Water is calorie-free and good for your gums
Hydration helps maintain healthy gum tissue and supports circulation. And unlike juice or soda, water hydrates without feeding bacteria or leaving behind sugar.
Summer Hydration Tips
- Take water on the go – Reusable bottles make it easy to sip during hikes, sports, or pool time.
- Flavor it naturally – Try citrus slices, cucumber, or berries for a tasty twist without the sugar.
- Pick water over sports drinks – Many are high in sugar and acids that wear down enamel.
- Snack smart – Water-rich foods like watermelon, strawberries, and cucumbers help with hydration too.
- Don’t wait to feel thirsty – Sip consistently throughout the day, especially when active.
Quick reminder: If your mouth feels dry, sticky, or your breath isn’t as fresh as usual—it may be time to reach for water!
Hydration is one of the simplest ways to support your oral health every day. So whether you’re soaking up the last weeks of summer or heading into fall, remember: sip smart, smile bright.
Red, White & Smiles!
Our team had a blast celebrating the 4th of July with all the classic summer fun—fireworks, food, family time, and plenty of sunshine! Here’s some of our favorite moments from the holiday weekend. We love seeing how our crew makes the most of summer both in and out of the office!
Feel More at Ease in the Chair — For Less!
We’re offering a special reduced cost on nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to help make your visit more comfortable. Nitrous is a safe, fast-acting option that helps ease anxiety during dental treatment — especially if you feel nervous about procedures.
It’s usually not covered by insurance, but with our current promotion, it’s more affordable than ever.
Call us to add it to your next appointment!
Recipe of the Month: Grilled Elotes (Mexican Street Corn)
Source: https://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/grilled_mexican_street_corn_elotes/
July is National Grilling Month, and we’re firing things up with this awesome summer recipe—grilled elote! This Mexican street corn is charred to perfection and slathered with a creamy, zesty topping that’s sure to be the star of your next cookout. It’s smoky, savory, and just the right amount of messy. Check out the recipe and get grilling!
Ingredients
- 6 to 8 medium ears sweet corn, husks removed
- 1/2 cup Mexican crema, or sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground chipotle pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lime zest, from 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons lime juice, from 1 lime
- 1/2 cup cotija cheese, crumbled
- Lime wedges, to serve
Instructions
- Heat a gas or charcoal grill to 400°F. Once the grill is hot, clean the grates.
- Whisk together the sauce: Meanwhile, whisk together the crema, mayonnaise, cilantro, garlic, chipotle pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. Taste and season the mixture with salt if needed. Set aside.
- Grill the corn: Place the husked corn directly onto grill grates. Grill the corn for about 3 minutes, undisturbed, or until kernels begin to turn golden brown and look charred. Turn over and repeat. When all sides are browned, remove from the grill onto a plate.
- Top the corn with sauce and cheese: Using a brush or a spoon, coat each ear of corn with the crema mixture. Sprinkle with crumbled cojita cheese. Sprinkle with additional chipotle pepper, if desired. Serve immediately with extra lime wedges.
Notes
- Crema and cotija cheese have a little salt already, so add extra judiciously.
- If you aren’t able to find traditional Mexican crema in your local grocery store, use regular sour cream spiked with some lime juice. You can also substitute crumbled feta for the cotija cheese.