Fall is on the horizon! The air is getting cooler, the days a little shorter, and pumpkin spice everything is starting to pop up everywhere. As we wrap up summer and look ahead, our team has some important updates and a few fun extras to share with you.

Starting October 1st, we’re lowering our fees—yes, you read that right! You’ll also find an important update for our Delta Dental patients, plus details about our Dental Health Club, a simple alternative to insurance. September is Gum Health Month, so we’re spotlighting ways to protect those all-important gums, along with new research results about heavy cannabis use and oral cancer risks. Our Oral Health & Whole Body Connection series continues too, this time exploring when sinus pain actually starts in your teeth. And with flu season already creeping in, don’t forget your flu shot!

Finally: it’s the final round of Frederick News Post’s Best of the Best! We’d be honored to have your daily vote as Best Dental Practice in Frederick as we continue doing what we love—caring for our community with heart. You can vote daily until Tuesday, September 23. All you need is an email address. https://ogden.revfluent.com/bestof/og/5pjwyevmlx/lq9y4g4m9p

In This Issue:

• We’re lowering our fees effective Oct 1!
• Important insurance update – Attention Delta Dental patients
• Our Dental Health Club – A simple alternative to insurance
• September is Gum Health Month
• Help us win Best of the Best!
• Heavy weed use brings high risk for oral cancers
• Oral health & whole body connection: When sinus pain starts in your teeth
• Flu season is here – don’t forget your shot!
• Our team soaking up the last days of summer
• Recipe: Cha Cha’s white chicken chili
• Please leave us a review!

We’re lowering our fees effective Oct 1!

In a time when it feels like the cost of everything is going up, we want to share some refreshing news: effective October 1, 2025 we’re lowering our fees.

Why? Because we believe that excellent dental care should stay within reach. Our commitment has always been to provide high-quality, compassionate dentistry at a fair cost. By adjusting our fees downward, we hope to ease some of the financial strain many families are feeling and make it easier for you to keep up with the care you need.

We also want to be clear, this isn’t about having charged too much in the past. Our fees have always reflected the quality of care, skill, and time our team dedicates to each patient. But right now, at a moment when many businesses are raising prices, we’re choosing to do the opposite.

We’re grateful for your trust and loyalty, and we look forward to continuing to care for you and your family with the same warmth and excellence—at a price that feels a little lighter.

Important Insurance Update – Attention Delta Dental Patients

Starting January 1, 2026, Dr. Harvey Levy & Associates will no longer be in-network with Delta Dental. But here’s the good news: you can absolutely keep seeing us! We have already mailed letters to our patients who are currently enrolled with Delta Dental, and also want everyone to be aware of the upcoming open enrollment season. 

• Out-of-network benefits: Many Delta Dental plans still provide coverage when you see us, and our team will submit claims on your behalf.
• Financing made easy: We participate with Cherry and Care Credit to help with co-pays and balances so your care stays within reach.
• A fabulous alternative to insurance: Our in-house Dental Health Club is a simple, affordable way to save on your dental care without the hassle of traditional insurance. Learn more in our next article below.

Open enrollment season (Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 15, 2026) is a great time to review your coverage. If you’re shopping plans through the Maryland Health Exchange (marylandhealthconnection.gov), be sure to check that Dr. Harvey Levy is listed as a provider for your chosen plan.

We know insurance changes can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to make this transition smooth and stress-free. No matter what, we’ve got you covered with options, support, and the same trusted care you’ve come to expect from us.

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!

September is Gum Health Month

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

When most people think about oral health, they focus on teeth. However, your gums play just as big a role in keeping your smile healthy! This September, in recognition of Gum Health Month, we’re shining a light on gum disease: what it is, how to spot it, and why early care makes all the difference. Gum disease is often silent until it becomes serious, but with the right knowledge and daily habits, it can be prevented and managed.

Gum disease is an infection of the tissues that surround and support your teeth. It is a major cause of tooth loss in adults. Because gum disease is usually painless, you may not even know you have it. Also referred to as periodontal disease, gum disease is caused by plaque, the sticky film of bacteria that is constantly forming on our teeth.

Here are some warning signs that can signal a problem:

• gums that bleed easily
• red, swollen, tender gums
• gums that have pulled away from the teeth
• persistent bad breath or bad taste
• permanent teeth that are loose or separating
• any change in the way your teeth fit together when you bite
• any change in the fit of partial dentures

Some factors increase the risk of developing gum disease. They are:

• poor oral hygiene
• smoking or chewing tobacco
• genetics
• crooked teeth that are hard to keep clean
• pregnancy
• diabetes
• medications, including steroids, certain types of anti-epilepsy drugs, cancer therapy drugs, some calcium channel blockers and oral contraceptives

See your dentist if you suspect you have gum disease, because the sooner you treat it the better. The early stage of gum disease is called gingivitis. If you have gingivitis, your gums may become red, swollen and bleed easily. At this stage, the disease is still reversible and can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at your dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.

Advanced gum disease is called periodontitis. Chronic periodontitis affects 47.2% of adults over 30 in the United States. It can lead to the loss of tissue and bone that support the teeth and it may become more severe over time. If it does, your teeth will feel loose and start moving around in your mouth. Periodontitis can occur at any age. It usually gets worse slowly, but there can be periods of rapid progression.

Research between systemic diseases and periodontal diseases is ongoing. While a link is not conclusive, some studies indicate that severe gum disease may be associated with several other health conditions such as diabetes or stroke.

It is possible to have gum disease and have no warning signs. That is one reason why regular dental checkups and periodontal charting examinations are very important. Treatment methods depend upon the type of disease and how far the condition has progressed. Good dental care at home is essential to help keep periodontal disease from becoming more serious or recurring. 

Remember: You can protect your teeth from gum disease. Brush your teeth twice a day, clean between your teeth daily (floss!), eat a balanced diet, and schedule regular dental visits for a lifetime of healthy smiles.

Want to learn more? Check out our video series on the Stages of Gum Disease on our Youtube Channel

Help Us Win Best of the Best!

We made it to the FINAL round of Best of the Best! Your votes carried us this far, and now we need your support one more time.

Voting runs through the September 23rd. So please, vote for us daily! https://ogden.revfluent.com/bestof/og/5pjwyevmlx/lq9y4g4m9p

While the contest runs, we’ll be sharing some fun nostalgic flashbacks from our 45+ years of smiles! So check back often and take a trip down memory lane with us.

Thank you for being the heart of our dental family!

Heavy Weed Use Brings High Risk for Oral Cancers

Sources: https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2025-08-01/heavy-weed-use-brings-high-risk-for-oral-cancers summarized by ChatGPT

A new study has found that people who smoke marijuana daily or nearly every day may face a much higher risk of developing oral cancer.

Researchers at UC San Diego School of Medicine report that cannabis smoke contains many of the same harmful compounds found in tobacco smoke, which can damage the delicate tissues that line the mouth. Over time, this kind of cellular damage can lead to cancer.

The study, published in Preventive Medicine Reports (Sept. 2025), analyzed electronic health records from more than 45,000 patients. Of those, nearly 950 were diagnosed with cannabis use disorder (meaning daily or near-daily use).

Key findings included:

• People with cannabis use disorder had a 325% higher risk of developing oral cancer within five years compared to non-users—even after accounting for other risk factors like age and cigarette use.
• Those who used both marijuana and cigarettes faced an even greater risk—624% higher odds of developing oral cancer.

Researchers also suspect that THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, may weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off cancer development.

While more research is needed, this study adds to the growing evidence that heavy marijuana use can contribute to serious oral health risks.

Oral Health & Whole Body Connection: When Sinus Pain Starts in Your Teeth

Source: https://health.usnews.com/wellness/articles/toothache-and-sinus-pain-understanding-the-connection

Over the past several newsletters, we’ve been highlighting how your dental health connects to your overall health, because your mouth is truly the gateway to the rest of your body. We’re now giving that ongoing conversation a name: Oral Health & Whole Body Connection series.

• Your mouth is a mirror to your overall health
• A closer look: diabetes and the mouth-body connection
• Protecting more than your smile: oral health and hearing

This month, we’re exploring the surprising link between sinus infections and dental problems. A condition called maxillary sinusitis of dental origin (MSDO), sometimes called “sinus tooth,” happens when bacteria from a tooth infection or gum disease spreads into the sinus cavity behind your cheekbones.

In fact, research shows that more than 40% of maxillary sinus infections start in the mouth, but because the symptoms mimic typical sinus problems, many cases go undiagnosed. Common warning signs include:

• Pressure or pain in the cheeks or under the eyes (often just on one side)
• One-sided nasal congestion or runny nose
• Bad taste or foul odor in the mouth
• Post-nasal drip or low-grade fever

Since the pain can feel like a sinus infection, patients often see their doctor or ENT first, when the root cause may actually be dental. Left untreated, MSDO can spread and cause serious complications.

The bottom line: consistent brushing, flossing, and dental visits help prevent infections that can spread beyond your mouth. And if you suffer frequent sinus infections—especially one-sided ones—let us know. Sometimes, the key to sinus relief starts with your smile.

Flu Season is Here – Don’t Forget Your Shot!

Fall means cooler weather, pumpkin spice… and flu season. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community by getting your annual flu shot. Vaccination is the best defense against serious illness—and it helps keep everyone healthier through the winter months.

Where to Get Your Flu Shot in Frederick

Looking to stay healthy this fall? Here are some local options for free or low-cost flu vaccines:

• Frederick County Health Department – Free for children (0–18) who are uninsured or underinsured. Call 301-600-1733 for details and appointments.
• Frederick County Pediatrics (FredCoKids) – Hosting drive-up flu clinics this fall. Free or reduced-cost for uninsured/Medicaid patients once state supplies arrive. Call 301-882-7489.
• Community Pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, etc.) – Many pharmacies provide flu shots at little or no cost with most insurance. Ask about low-cost options if uninsured.
• Frederick Health Clinics – Flu vaccines offered at primary care and urgent care locations. Call ahead to check cost and availability.

Tip: Some community pop-up clinics also offer free flu shots during flu season—keep an eye on local announcements.

Team Throwback Time!

As part of our Best of the Best finals celebration, we’ve been having fun digging through old photos and sharing special memories from our team. From office celebrations to adventures outside of work, it’s a reminder that our practice has always been built on laughter, friendship, and care.

Recipe of the Month: Cha Cha’s White Chicken Chili

Source: https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/74694/avocado-tomato-and-mango-salsa/

Cha Cha’s chili with white beans and chicken is delicious but kind of spicy, so watch out!

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeno peppers
• 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chile peppers
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 3 (15 ounce) cans white beans, drained
• 2 (14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken breast
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Instructions

1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook and stir until tender, 5 to 8 minutes.
3. Add jalapeño peppers, chile peppers, garlic, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper; cook and stir for 3 minutes.
4. Stir in beans, chicken broth, and chicken. Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from the heat. Slowly stir in cheese until melted.
6. Serve warm. Enjoy!

Tips

• Substitute mild green chiles for the jalapeños if you’re scared!
• Use more chicken and cheese if desired.