Join us on Memorial Day

Dr. Levine marching in a past Memorial Day parade celebration in Bucks County

While lounging around a pool, tossing hamburgers on the grill, or shopping for sales, it’s easy to forget that Memorial Day really signifies a solemn time to honor those who have died while serving in the military.

On Sunday, May 27th at 9:30 am, Dr. Levine’s Civil War history and preservation group, the 69th PA Irish Volunteers, will again take part in a special Memorial Day service, this time at Philadelphia’s New Cathedral Cemetery, 3900 North Front Street. They’ll take time out of their weekend to dedicate gravestones for five more Civil War heroes. The descendants of the soldiers will be on hand to pay their respect for their ancestors.

As we observe Memorial Day this year, take a moment to be grateful for all those brave men and women who gave their lives while serving in our nation’s wars. To all our patients, friends and their families who have experienced loss, we pay our respects and thank you for protecting our country’s freedom!

Civil War and teeth: Yes, there is a connection!

This special day of recognition originated after the Civil War, a period when, according to one popular urban legend, the term “4-F” first was used. The thought is that recruits who didn’t have four front teeth were declared unfit for duty, since they wouldn’t be able to tear open gunpowder packages with their teeth like everybody else.

Regardless of the veracity of this tale, the military does take teeth health seriously. According to the Department of Defense, the following dental issues or abnormalities may be sufficient to have you declared 4-F:

• Congenital jaw issues that prohibit chewing properly

• Severe “malocclusion” (teeth that don’t position properly when mouth is closed)

• If you are currently wearing braces

• Insufficient natural teeth or serviceable prosthesis for chewing

To all those folks out there drinking sodas and enjoying BBQs – don’t forget to brush!