Sweater weather is here, pumpkin spice is back, and it’s officially the season of smiles and stuffing! Before we dive headfirst into holiday mode, we’ve rounded up a few things to keep your teeth—and your benefits—happy.
October is National Dental Hygiene Month, which means it’s the perfect time to give your toothbrush and floss a little extra love. (We see you, “I floss when I remember” folks—this is your sign!) In this newsletter we continue to explore how your oral health is connected to the rest of your body by focusing on the eyes. Finally our Thanksgiving recipe will make your taste buds and your dentist smile!
In This Issue:
- Floss like a boss for Dental Hygiene Month
- Repeating the Good News: Our fees went down
- It’s Open Enrollment Season — Let’s Talk Dental Coverage!
- Dental Health Club
- Use It or Lose It – Don’t let your dental benefits go to waste
- Oral health & whole body connection: How your dental care affects your vision
- Honoring Our Team Members
- Recipe: Homemade Green Bean Casserole
- Please leave us a review!
Floss like a boss for Dental Hygiene Month
Source: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/flossing
October isn’t just pumpkin spice season, it’s National Dental Hygiene Month! This month, we’re shining a light on one of the most underrated heroes of your daily routine: flossing.
Brushing twice a day for two full minutes is a fantastic start, but even the best toothbrush can’t sneak into those tight spaces between your teeth. That’s where flossing steps in – it’s the secret weapon that helps keep cavities, gum disease, and bad breath at bay.
Why Flossing Matters
Plaque, that sticky film on your teeth, is full of bacteria that feeds on leftover food (especially anything sugary). As the bacteria eat, they release acids that attack your enamel and irritate your gums. If plaque isn’t removed, it hardens into tartar, which your toothbrush can’t budge and only your hygienist can remove.
Daily flossing breaks up plaque before it hardens, helping you stay one step ahead of decay and gum disease. Think of floss as your smile’s personal security system – it keeps the bad stuff from sneaking in.
Tools of the Trade
We get it! Sometimes you just need to get that stubborn popcorn kernel out. But before you reach for a fork, a fingernail, or (yes, people have done it) a strand of hair, stop! Using anything other than proper floss or interdental tools can hurt your gums and cause infection.
Instead, choose a safe, effective tool that fits your style:
- Classic floss: the tried-and-true option for most people.
- Floss picks or tiny brushes: handy for travel or braces.
- Water flossers: perfect if you’ve got sensitive gums or dental work.
Look for products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It’s your guarantee that they’ve been tested and approved for safety and effectiveness.
When Should You Floss?
The best time to floss is—ready for it?—whenever you’ll actually do it. Morning, night, or during your favorite show, consistency is what counts. Once a day is all it takes to keep plaque under control.
Kids Can Floss Like Bosses, Too
As soon as your child has two teeth that touch, it’s time to start flossing. Parents can help at first, but by age 10 or 11, most kids can handle it on their own. The earlier flossing becomes part of the routine, the easier it sticks!
How to Floss Like a Boss
Break off about 18 inches of floss, wrapping most of it around one of your middle fingers. Wind the remaining floss around the same finger of the opposite hand. This finger will take up the floss as you move along.
Hold the floss tightly between your thumbs and forefingers.
Guide the floss between your teeth using a gentle, rubbing motion. Never snap the floss into the gums.
When the floss reaches the gum line, curve it into a C shape against one tooth. Gently slide it into the space between the gum and the tooth.
Hold the floss tightly against the tooth, slightly away from the gums. Gently rub the side of the tooth with an up-and-down motion, following the shape of the tooth. Repeat this method on the rest of your teeth, top and bottom. Don’t forget the back side of your last teeth (at the very back of your mouth.)
You’ll be surprised how much fresher your mouth feels when you make flossing a daily habit.
The Bottom Line
Flossing doesn’t take long—but it pays off big. It’s one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect your smile and your overall health.
Repeating the Good News: Our fees went down!
In a time when it feels like the cost of everything is going up, we’re happy to share a little good news you can actually smile about: as of October 1, 2025, we lowered our fees!
Why? Because we believe excellent dental care should stay within reach. Our goal has always been to provide high-quality, compassionate dentistry at a fair cost—and right now, that means giving a little back.
This isn’t about having charged too much before. Our fees have always reflected the time, skill, and care our team puts into every appointment. But while many businesses are raising prices, we’re choosing to do the opposite. Especially as we contemplate out-of-network payments for our patients who carry Delta Dental starting on 1/1/2026, this decrease in our fees will make the transition more palatable. (Please see “It’s open enrollment season” article below, and call our friendly front desk coordinators if you have any concerns.)
We hope this makes it just a little easier to stay on top of your oral health and keep those smiles healthy year-round. Thank you for your continued trust and loyalty—we’re proud to care for you and your family with the same warmth and excellence, now at a price that feels a little lighter.
It’s Open Enrollment Season — Let’s Talk Dental Coverage!
Open Enrollment is here! From November 1, 2025 through January 15, 2026, it’s your chance to review your health and dental insurance coverage and make any needed changes for the new year.
This year, there’s one important update to keep in mind: Starting January 1, 2026, Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates will no longer be in-network with Delta Dental.
The good news? You can absolutely keep seeing us! Here’s how:
- Out-of-network benefits: Many Delta Dental plans still cover visits to our office, and we’ll continue to file claims on your behalf.
- Flexible payment options: We work with Cherry and CareCredit to help make dental care affordable and accessible.
- Our Dental Health Club: An easy, cost-saving alternative to traditional insurance—perfect for patients looking for simplicity and value.
As you review your coverage during open enrollment—especially if you’re using the Maryland Health Exchange (marylandhealthconnection.gov)—be sure to check that Dr. Harvey Levy is listed as a provider under your chosen plan.
Insurance can be tricky, but don’t stress—we’re happy to help you review your options and find the best fit for your dental care needs. Your smile deserves the best start to 2026!
Our Dental Health Club – A Simple Alternative to Insurance
Dental insurance can sometimes make getting care feel complicated, with waiting periods, exclusions, restrictions on covered treatments, and annual limits. Our Dental Health Club is designed to take away those barriers and let you focus on your health.
For one annual fee, you’ll receive routine dental care and 15% off all dental services in our office – with no waiting periods, no maximums, and no pre-approvals needed. Benefits start right away, so you don’t have to wait if you need care now.
We offer three plans tailored to different needs:
- Adult Plan – $399/year
- Child Plan – $299/year
- Perio Plan – $729/year (for patients with periodontal disease)
We also understand that paying all at once isn’t always easy, so we offer options to spread the membership fee across visits.
The Dental Health Club is not insurance: it’s a discount plan that helps make your dental care more affordable and predictable. Whether you’re due for a routine cleaning, need restorative work, or just want peace of mind knowing you’re covered, the Dental Health Club puts your dental care back in your hands.
To sign up or learn more, call us at 301-663-8300 or email info@drhlevyassoc.com. Our friendly Front Desk Coordinators are ready to help you get started!
Use It or Lose It – Don’t let your dental benefits go to waste!
It’s that time of year again—when calendars fill up, holidays sneak in, and dental benefits quietly expire on December 31. Most insurance plans don’t roll over unused benefits, which means if you don’t use them… you lose them.
If you’ve been putting off that crown, filling, or other dental treatment, now’s the time to schedule! Getting it done before year’s end ensures you make the most of the benefits you’ve already paid for.
And here’s another tip: if you haven’t had your second cleaning for the year, give us a call! We’ll check your insurance frequency limits and help you get in before your benefits reset.
Don’t let your dental insurance keep the money you’ve earned—put it toward keeping your smile healthy and bright. Call us today to grab one of the remaining year-end appointments before they’re gone!
Oral Health & Whole Body Connection: The Link Between Oral Health and Vision
Source: https://www.carequest.org/system/files/CareQuest_Institute_More-than-Meets-the-Eye-Oral-Health-Eye-Health-and-Overall-Health.pdf (compiled by ChatGPT)
As part of our Oral Health & Whole Body Connection series, we’re exploring another surprising link—this time between your mouth and your eyes.
When you think about how your mouth affects your body, your eyes might not be at the top of your mind—but research shows they’re more connected than you’d expect. Studies have found that people with poor oral health are more likely to develop eye conditions like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, both of which can lead to vision loss.
So, how are your teeth and eyes linked? It all comes down to inflammation and circulation. The same bacteria that cause gum disease can enter your bloodstream and affect other parts of your body—including the delicate blood vessels in your eyes. In fact, people with periodontal (gum) disease have a higher risk of developing glaucoma, and those with uncontrolled blood sugar—often tied to gum inflammation—are more prone to diabetic eye disease.
Vision and oral health share many of the same risk factors, like aging, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, and they both play a big role in overall wellness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that more than 12 million Americans over age 40 live with some type of visual impairment—many of which are preventable through early detection and healthy lifestyle habits.
Keeping your mouth healthy helps protect more than just your smile. Good daily brushing and flossing, regular dental cleanings, and staying on top of any gum inflammation can help support healthy circulation and reduce systemic inflammation that impacts your eyes.
Visual impairments affect a person’s ability to maintain good oral hygiene. As a result, when providing education on proper oral hygiene practices, clinicians instruct patients to use their other senses such as touch.
We believe that oral health is truly whole-body health. Taking care of your teeth and gums is one of the simplest ways to help protect your eyes, your heart, and your overall well-being.
Because sometimes, there really is more than meets the eye. Your smile doesn’t just light up your face—it supports your vision and your general health.
Honoring Our Team Members
To learn more about our team members, visit Our Team page on our website.
MVP – Kristen
This month’s MVP award goes to Kristen! This award was voted on by the entire team, and it’s no surprise she came out on top.
As a dental hygienist, Kristen gives her all to every patient she sees. She’s known for her dedication, her thorough care, and the way she makes sure patients truly understand their treatment and oral health. Kristen always puts her patients first — she works hard, stays on schedule, and somehow still finds time to lend a hand wherever she’s needed.
Whether she’s helping out in the sterile room, keeping instruments organized, or jumping in to support her teammates, Kristen’s energy and work ethic shine through.
Thank you for all the heart, hustle, and humor you bring to our practice every day!
Recipe of the Month: Green Bean Casserole
Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/94570/absolutely-delicious-green-bean-casserole-from-scratch/
No cans here! Fresh mushrooms, onion, and herbs with frozen green beans, sour cream, and Cheddar cheese make this a delightfully tasty twist on the traditional casserole
Ingredients
- 2 (12 ounce) packages frozen French cut green beans
- 8 ounces crimini mushrooms, quartered
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch ground black pepper
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
- 1 (2.8 ounce) can French-fried onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Place green beans in a saucepan and fill with about 1/2 inch water; bring to a boil. Cover and steam until the beans are tender but still bright green, about 5 minutes. Drain.
- Combine drained beans in a bowl with mushrooms; toss to combine.
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and parsley; cook and stir until onion is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Whisk in flour until blended, then mix in lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring constantly, so that no lumps form.
- Add sour cream and stir until combined. Warm over medium heat until sauce begins to bubble. Dump in green beans and mushrooms, stirring to coat.
- Remove from the heat and toss briefly with 1/2 of the Cheddar cheese and 1/2 of the French-fried onions. Spoon into a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish; top with the remaining Cheddar and onions.
- Bake in the preheated oven until Cheddar is melted, about 15 minutes.