Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

March is when the weather starts to tease us with sunny days and blue skies, but don’t be fooled – April showers are right around the corner. Let’s get outside whenever we can and enjoy those rare moments of warmth and sunshine! And, if we’re practicing sports, don’t forget your mouthguard – different choices are explained in the article below.

This month we’re celebrating Women’s History Month, the American Red Cross, and Eating Disorders Awareness. We’ll also recap our celebration of our Dental Assistants that we shared on Facebook and Instagram during Dental Assistant Week. (Thank you, Oscar, for engaging with the team to make these postings!)

Finally, we’re excited to announce that hygienist Donna has moved back to Maryland and is working with us again!  We’re delighted to have her back!

In This Issue:

• Welcome Back, Donna!
• Women’s History Month: Women in Dentistry
• American Red Cross Month
• Eating Disorders Awareness
• Dental Assistant Week
• Importance of Mouthguards
• Reminder: Pay Your Bill Online
• Recipe of the Month: Sour Cream Cucumber Salad
• YouTube Channel
• Please Leave us a Review!

Welcome Back, Donna!

We’re delighted to announce that dental hygienist Donna is again working full-time with us! This month she moved back to our area to be near her two daughters and four grandsons, after her husband’s job took them South several years ago. We’ve worked with Donna since 2005, when she first joined our practice. Even after she left Maryland she continued to occasionally sub for us while visiting family here. She loves to travel and seek new adventures, and loves relating to her patients and educating them in an informative and practical manner. 

Women’s History Month: Women in Dentistry

Source: https://www.deltadentalia.com/a-healthy-life/just-for-kicks/womens-history-women-in-dentistry/

March is Women’s History Month, so we’re recognizing a handful of very important women in the history of dentistry. These pioneering dentists overcame numerous hurdles to pave the way for other women in dentistry, and we’re proud to offer a glimpse at their stories.

Emeline Roberts Jones – A pioneer for women in the field of dentistry, Emeline Roberts Jones’ interest in the industry started when she married dentist Daniel Jones in 1854 at the age of 18. Daniel, like so many men at the time, didn’t believe that women were suited for dentistry because of their “frail and clumsy fingers,” so Emeline studied dentistry in private. Eventually she reached a point where she began secretly extracting and filling teeth, gaining the experience that she would need to ultimately convince her husband of her skill in the craft.

Within a year of their marriage, Emeline became so capable at dentistry that she convinced Daniel to let her practice with him. By 1859, she was his partner.

Emeline continued to practice dentistry throughout her life, earning a place in the Connecticut Dental Society and as an honorary member of the National Dental Association.

Lucy Beaman Hobbs Taylor – Dr. Taylor changed the dental industry forever when she became the first woman to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree in 1866, but it wasn’t easy for her to make that happen. Orphaned by age 12, Taylor nevertheless persevered as she overcame her circumstances to become a teacher. While boarding with a physician during her teaching days, Taylor became fascinated with medicine and was encouraged to study the craft at Eclectic Medical College in Cincinnati, Ohio.

The school refused to admit women, but she convinced a member of the faculty to tutor her until she applied to the Ohio College of Dentistry, which also refused to admit women. She continued forward and went to work in the office of Dr. Jonathan Taft, dean of the Ohio College of Dental Surgery, where she gained enough experience to open her own dental practice in 1861.

Taylor then moved to Iowa, where she opened a successful practice and even became a member of the Iowa State Dental Society. The organization helped convince the Ohio College of Dental Surgery to admit Taylor, and she was able to graduate as the first woman in the world with a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree after taking just one class, thanks to her experience in the field.

Taylor went on to meet her husband, James Myrtle Taylor, while working in Chicago, Illinois. The couple moved to Lawrence, Kansas, where they established a practice together after she taught James how to be a dentist. She practiced dentistry on and off until her death in 1910.

Ida Gray Nelson Rollins – Ida Gray Nelson Rollins opened doors for women by becoming the first African American female dentist. Born in Tennessee in 1867, a teenaged Rollins moved to Cincinnati to live with her aunt after the death of her mother. While there, Rollins worked at Dr. Taft’s dental office after school, picking up enough skill for Taft to encourage her, in 1887, to attend the University of Michigan’s College of Dental Surgery, where he was the dean. Rollins graduated from the program in 1890, becoming the first African American woman to earn a Doctorate of Dental Surgery.

After graduating, Rollins opened an office first in Cincinnati, where she met and married her first husband James Nelson, and then in Chicago. She gained notoriety in both cities for seeing both black and white patients, and she even inspired a female patient, Olive M. Henderson, to follow in her footsteps. Henderson went on to become Chicago’s second African American female dentist.

Evangeline Jordon – M. Evangeline Jordon identified a gap in the world of dentistry and worked to provide services to children, setting the stage for what we now know as pedodontics. Just like Dr. Taylor, Jordon started out as a teacher, but it was her summers working as a dental assistant that inspired her to change careers. She attended the University of California, graduating in 1898, and soon began shifting her focus to the care of children. 

Jordon lectured on the topic of children’s teeth and even created a kids’ clinic at California’s School of Dentistry. Eventually, she turned all her attention to pediatric dentistry and began writing papers about the practice, and championing specific techniques to address kids’ needs.

In 1921, Jordon worked with 11 other female dentists to form the American Association of Women Dentists. In 1924, she published the first book on pediatric dentistry written in English. Jordon also helped to create the American Society of Dentistry for Children and championed the oral health benefits of a good diet.

These are just four examples of the rich history of influential women in dentistry, but there are certainly many more women dentists who have helped shape the industry into what it is today! 

American Red Cross Month

Source: American Red Cross Welcomes Next Generation of Blood Donors

March is American Red Cross Month, a time we celebrate those who support their community through the mission of the Red Cross, including generous blood and platelet donors. Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood. But unlike other treatments, those lifesaving blood transfusions are only possible thanks to the generosity of volunteer blood and platelet donors. To ensure that the Red Cross can meet the needs of all patients, the organization continues to seek ways to engage more communities around its blood mission.

In the past year, the Red Cross has welcomed newly eligible members of the LGBTQ+ community in response to new FDA guidance, which eliminated eligibility questions based on sexual orientation. In addition, through the Red Cross Sickle Cell Initiative, the number of Black or African American blood donors has increased by half to 4% to help meet the needs of sickle cell warriors.

This month the Red Cross invites those new to blood donation, individuals who haven’t donated in a while, and dedicated blood and platelet donors to contribute. A strong, diverse blood donor base is not only vital to helping to ensure a stable national inventory of blood products, but also critical in helping to reduce complications for patients.

Schedule an appointment to give today by visiting RedCrossBlood.org, using the Blood Donor App or calling 1-800-RED CROSS (1-900-733-2767). 

Eating Disorders Awareness

In the month of March, we nationally acknowledge and bring awareness to Eating Disorders, which affect more than 10 million Americans, according to the National Eating Disorders Association. While anyone can suffer from an eating disorder, such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating, they are most common in teenagers and young adult women. In addition to having a negative impact on an individual’s health and quality of life, eating disorders also affect self-image, relationships with families and friends, and performance in school or at work. If you suffer from an eating disorder, it’s important to talk to your health care provider.

Eating disorders can also affect a person’s oral health. Eating hot or cold food or drink may become uncomfortable. Without proper nutrition, gums and other soft tissue inside the mouth may bleed easily. The glands that produce saliva may swell and individuals may experience chronic dry mouth. Throwing up frequently can affect teeth too. That’s because when strong stomach acid repeatedly flows over teeth, the tooth’s enamel can be lost to the point that the teeth change in color, shape and length. The edges of teeth become thin and break off easily. 

Types of eating disorders:

• Anorexia: Anorexia typically involves an extreme fear of gaining weight or a dread of becoming fat. Even though anorexic individuals may be very thin or even extremely underweight, they see themselves as “fat.” They may attempt to reach or maintain what they think is their perfect body weight by exercising excessively and literally starving themselves to death. 
• Bulimia: Like anorexia, bulimia includes the fear of being overweight. However, it also includes hidden periods of overeating (binge eating) which may occur several times a week or even several times a day. While overeating, individuals may feel completely out of control. After they overeat, the individuals try to “undo” the fact that they ate too much as quickly as possible by forcing themselves to “throw up” or by misusing laxatives or enemas. This is often referred to as “binging and purging.” Bulimia is a more hidden disease in that individuals often maintain a normal or above weight.
• Binge Eating or Compulsive Overeating: This may affect almost as many men as women. In the past, these individuals were sometimes described as “food addicts.” They overeat (binge eat) as noted in bulimia above, but do not regularly try to get rid of the food immediately by throwing up or by misusing laxatives or enemas. Feelings of guilt may make it easier for the person to overeat again, generating a vicious circle.

Prevention

Eating disorders arise from a variety of physical, emotional, and social issues, all of which need to be addressed. Family and friends can help by setting good examples about eating and offering positive comments about healthy eating practices. While eating disorders appear to focus on body image, food and weight, they are often related to many other issues. Referral to health professionals and encouragement to seek treatment is critical as early diagnosis and intervention greatly improve the opportunities for recovery.

If you suffer from an eating disorder, the following practices can reduce oral health problems associated with it: 

• Maintain meticulous oral health care – brush and floss
• Immediately after throwing up, do NOT brush but rinse with baking soda to help neutralize the effects of the stomach acid.
• Consult with your dentist about your specific treatment needs.
• See your dentist regularly.

To learn more, please visit: https://go.nih.gov/dkZX06N and https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/psychiatry/specialty-areas/eating-disorders/faq

Dental Assistant Week

Dental Assistant week was recognized March 4-8. During that week, we took a moment on Facebook and Instagram to recognize unsung heroes who keep our dental office running smoothly behind the scenes – our incredible dental assistants! 

From keeping our equipment running and our dental supplies stocked, to sterilizing instruments and assisting during procedures, these dedicated professionals play a vital role in ensuring that every patient receives the best possible care. Our dental assistants’ hard work, attention to detail, and compassionate nature are crucial to our being able to care for our patients every single day.

To all of our amazing dental assistants: thank you for your tireless dedication and commitment to excellence. You are the backbone of our practice, and we are grateful for everything you do!

Lauri is an Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA). She loves being able to help patients transform their smiles. Lauri enjoys working with special needs patients.

Dental Assistant, Rodney, is a huge part of our office operations. From handyman to lab master, there’s nothing he can’t do! Rodney’s favorite procedures are crowns and bridges.

Dental assistant Kristy has been assisting Dr. Levy in the OR for many years. This is one of her favorite aspects of being a dental assistant. She also enjoys crown & bridge procedures.

Dental Assistant Oscar loves coordinating our Give Kids A Smile event because it helps children in need. His favorite procedures are emergency visits.

Dental Assistant Ana loves to help our patients achieve their dream smiles, especially by working on prosthodontic procedures. Ana will be leaving us in June to attend a dental program in another state, which will enable her to practice dentistry in the US. We will miss her and we wish her all the luck in the world in her future endeavors! 

Thank you also to Annette and Dani, who were too busy to be featured in our social media.

Importance of Mouthguards

Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/mouthguards

Imagine what it would be like if you suddenly lost one or two of your front teeth. Smiling, talking, eating—everything would suddenly be affected. Knowing how to prevent injuries to your mouth and face is especially important if you participate in organized sports or other recreational activities.

Mouthguards, also called mouth protectors, help cushion a blow to the face, minimizing the risk of broken teeth and injuries to your lips, tongue, face or jaw. They typically cover the upper teeth and are a great way to protect the soft tissues of your tongue, lips and cheek lining. “Your top teeth take the brunt of trauma because they stick out more,” says Dr. Thomas Long, a private practice dentist and team dentist for the Carolina Hurricanes professional hockey team. “Your bottom teeth are a little more protected because they are further back.”

When Should You Wear a Mouthguard?

When it comes to protecting your mouth, a mouthguard is an essential piece of athletic gear that should be part of your standard equipment from an early age.

While collision and contact sports, such as boxing, are higher-risk sports for the mouth, any athlete may experience a dental injury in non-contact activities too, such as gymnastics and skating.

Types of Mouthguards

The best mouthguard is one that has been custom made for your mouth by your dentist. However, if you can’t afford a custom-made mouthguard, you should still wear a stock mouthguard or a boil-and-bite mouthguard from the drugstore. Learn more about each option:

• Custom-made: These are made by your dentist for you personally. They are more expensive because they are individually created for fit and comfort.
• Boil and bite: These mouth protectors can be bought at many sporting goods stores and drugstores and may offer a better fit than stock mouth protectors. They are first softened in water (boiled), then inserted and allowed to adapt to the shape of your mouth. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions.  CustMbite MVP and CustMbite Pro are a boil and bite mouthguards that have earned the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
• Stock: These are inexpensive and come pre-formed, ready to wear. Unfortunately, they often don’t fit very well. They can be bulky and can make breathing and talking difficult.

Protecting Your Braces

A properly fitted mouthguard may be especially important for people who wear braces or have fixed bridge work. A blow to the face could damage the brackets or other fixed orthodontic appliances. A mouthguard also provides a barrier between the braces and your cheek or lips, which will help you avoid injuries to your gums and cheeks.

Talk to your dentist or orthodontist about selecting a mouthguard that will provide the right protection. Although some mouthguards only cover the upper teeth, your dentist or orthodontist may suggest that you use a mouthguard on the lower teeth if you have braces on these teeth.

If you have a retainer or other removable appliance, do not wear it during any contact sports.

Mouthguard Care and Replacement

Talk to your dentist about when is the right time to replace your mouthguard, but replace it immediately if it shows signs of wear, is damaged or ill fitting. Teens and children may need to replace their mouthguards more often because their mouths are still growing and changing.

Between games, it’s important to keep your mouthguard clean and dry. Here are some tips for making sure your mouthguard is always ready to go:

• Rinse before and after each use or brush with a toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Regularly clean the mouthguard in cool, soapy water. Then, rinse it thoroughly.
• During your regular dental checkups, bring your mouthguard for an evaluation. Your dentist may also be able to give it a thorough cleaning.
• Store and transport the mouthguard in a sturdy container that has vents so it can dry and keep bacteria from growing.
• Never leave the mouthguard in the sun or in hot water.
• Check fit and for signs of wear and tear to see if it needs replacing.
• Some mouthguards have fallen victim to family pets, who see them as chew toys. Store your mouthguard and case somewhere your pet cannot get to it.

REMINDER: Pay Your Bill Online

When you have a balance due on your account, you no longer have to speak with us over the phone to give us a credit card number, or snail mail us a check! You will have the option to receive a text message, and to securely pay the balance online at your convenience.

If you wish to see this kind of text message from us, please save the number (914) 594-5593 into your phone’s address book. 

The message you receive will be legitimate and may look like this (Android phone screenshot)

Once you click on the link, a different page will open (URL pay.balancecollect.com/m/harveylevydmdandassociates?q=[long unique string]). 

The web form for you to fill out will look like this:

The balance due will prepopulate. You only need to enter the patient name, your credit or debit card information, your address, and it’s done. 

Convenient: no writing a check, no having to put it in a stamped envelope, and no having to call our office!

Recipe of the Month: Sour Cream Cucumber Salad

Source: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sour-cream-cucumbers/

Let’s keep it simple this month with a quick and easy, refreshing cucumber salad!

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup sour cream (or plain greek yogurt)
• 3 tablespoons white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• Pepper to taste
• 4 medium cucumbers, peeled, if desired, and thinly sliced
• 1 small sweet onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings

Directions:  In a large bowl, whisk sour cream, vinegar, sugar and pepper until blended. Add cucumbers and onion; toss to coat. Refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours. Serve with a slotted spoon.

Variant: Instead of seasoning this salad with white vinegar and sugar, use minced garlic and dill for a different flavor profile!