Plaque Attack

No we’re not talking about an outer space invasion from Mars but an invasion of bacteria within you.   There is good bacteria and bad bacteria and this is a bad one.  Anaerobic bacteria now reside within your oral cavity.  They like to reproduce and they like to do it in your mouth.  Why because that’s what they do and your mouth is an ideal environment for them to procreate?

Inside your mouth it is warm around one hundred degrees.  It is also dark since there is no internal lighting there and most important there is a continual source of food.  If you’re living you’re eating.  A warm, dark place with abundant food supplies is just what’s needed to get this show on the road.

When you do not adequately clean your teeth a thick sticky residue called plaque accumulates.   Consider the plaque a city of bacteria that’s growing.  Maybe you want to do some demolition work to remove these little buggers.  It’s easy if you’re flossing and brushing twice per day.   You’re ruining their day but making yours.

Clean teeth are healthy teeth and with your regime of daily cleaning along with a healthy diet and regular professional cleaning will keep you out of trouble. 

If you are lazy about cleaning your teeth the plaque will build up and produce acids which damages the enamel or outside layer of your teeth leading to tooth decay.  Like an iceberg most of the plaque is hidden and invades into the area under your gums leading to irritation and eventual gum disease.  This is problematic since the gums hold your teeth into your jaws.

A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth and gums and if not kept up to snuff due to plaque build-up give us a call today at 212 517 9000 for at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and resolving their dental issues.

So call today – You and Your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Make A Plan For Your Oral Health

Failing to Plan is planning to Fail

Do You Have A Goal for Your Oral Health in New York City?

When you are enthusiastic you perform better.   Do you have a plan?  Often success or failure comes down to whether you have developed a plan and then take action to implement and follow it.  Sporadic health is not effective.  You do or you don’t.  It’s the daily effort that leads to your success.

When you smile do you feel good?  Does your smile mean keeping your lips sealed?  You know it when you see it.  If you’re unhappy with your smile, the good news today is that there are options to make it better.  Do you see missing teeth, are the shapes of your teeth not right, is there staining, are there smells emanating from your mouth?  If so we should see you.

Here at Dr Glenn Reit DDS we are enthusiastic about customized patient focused care.  We create personalized treatment plans for every single patient since all patients are unique.  Age, lifestyle and current oral health are unique for each person.  Are you ready to become the new you?

Give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we will perform an extensive examination and explain your options and answer all your questions and concerns.   We will develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your oral health.

We are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets one block from the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines and the Third Avenue Bus.  So if you are looking for ways to improve your health and appearance call today.  You and your teeth will be glad you did. 

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Tooth Loss Can Cost More than Just Money

Most people when meeting someone automatically make an unconscious assessment on the person they are interacting with.  Generally they are looking at your face and a large component of your countenance is represented by your teeth.

If your teeth are dirty, yellow, out of alignment or missing you project a definite image.  Maybe one that is not too positive.  Studies have shown that people who are missing, especially anterior teeth are more challenged when interviewing for a position especially if the job you are applying for requires interaction with the public.  Missing teeth can also affect your ability to speak clearly or pronounce words correctly.

Poor looking or unhealthy teeth in addition to gum disease which also affects your general health can nosedive your confidence.  When you look better you generally feel better and if you feel good you come across with more positivity.  Studies have found that teeth and smiles are the second most important attraction feature.  Unfortunately many people with visible tooth loss resist smiling due to lack of confidence.

So, if you think it’s time to visit a dentist we are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and help them to resolve their dental issues.  Even if you only want your teeth cleaned give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Even When You’re In A Rush You Still Have Time to Brush

Teeth are good especially if you like to eat and smile.  You lead with your smile and right or wrong people make subconscious judgments about you based on your smile.  Unless you enjoy a liquid diet, teeth are necessary to chew your food before swallowing. 

It’s all a matter of routines.  We all have routines and once ingrained we follow them routinely.  Tooth cleaning is a good routine to develop.  When you eat food remains on your teeth.  As the food breaks down acids are released.  The acids attack the surfaces of your teeth.  Your teeth are covered with a strong surface called enamel. 

As you progress through life the enamel is worn down.  Under the enamel is a layer called dentin which makes up the majority of the bulk of your tooth.  However, dentin is not as strong as enamel and once exposed wears down quickly and is more prone to decay. 

When you clean your teeth you remove this acidic layer in your mouth and prevent the destruction of your enamel layer of the tooth.  Realizing your teeth are basically cubes when you brush them you are only able to clean the top, front and back surfaces.

To clean in between you need that little string called dental floss.  Now you are able to get in between the adjacent teeth and keep the acid layer from accumulating there.  Failure to clean leads to decay and potential gum disease.  Your gums hold your teeth into your head so they need to be healthy. 

Twice per year you should come in for a professional cleaning and for us to check if you are doing a good job.  Prevention is always better than intervention meaning preventing more advanced dental treatment.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville we are here for you.  We always like meeting new people and helping them to achieve dental health.

So if you are in need of a cleaning or something more give us a call at 212 517 9000. You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Hormones and how they can affect your teeth

Hormone fluctuations that women experience throughout their lives can and do have an effect on their oral health. Increased production of estrogen and progesterone leads to increased blood circulation within the gums causing them to swell, have discomfort and discoloration.

It has been found that during puberty there is an increase in developing gingivitis where the gums are inflamed.  The increase in the hormones alters the bacterial environment in the mouth leading to the gums being more sensitive and irritated by food and a more rapid accumulation of plaque on the teeth.

But, not to worry, these maladies can be quickly corrected by coming for a dental cleaning on a regular basis.

During the menstrual cycle due to hormonal changes your gums can become more sensitive and lose the ability to fight off plaque sometimes called menstruation gingivitis and can occur a day or two before the start of your period but clears up shortly after your period begins. 

Individuals using hormonal birth control methods do experience some level of gum inflammation.  Measurable changes have been observed in the saliva of women taking oral contraceptives including a decrease in concentrations of proteins, certain acids, hydrogen and electrolytes and changes in salivary flow. 

If you are using birth control, especially methods with higher levels of hormones you need to stay on top of your home care routine.

During pregnancy your hormonal levels are in constant flux and increase your susceptibility to bacterial plaque which can cause your gums to swell and bleed and experience a condition known as pregnancy gingivitis.  We recommend expecting mothers to get an additional cleaning during their pregnancy to help decrease the buildup of plaque and bacteria that happens during this time.

During menopause there are again changes in a woman's life and in their mouth.  Possible changes include altered taste, increased sensitivity, dry mouth and bone loss.  Since saliva helps to neutralize acids in your mouth and remove harmful bacteria if you now experience less saliva leading to a dry oral health environment this can lead to an increased chance of tooth decay.

The good news damage from hormone related gingivitis can be managed and reversed if you are diligent in coming in to see us for regular dental health checkups and cleanings followed up by good home care involving brushing and flossing.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Whatever You Call Your Teeth...Just Keep Them Healthy!

Chompers, Pearly Whites, Dents, Gnashers, Grill all lead to one item; your teeth.  Some are big, some are small, they can be straight or crooked and in shades of white, grey, yellow and brown but you need them to eat and for a pleasing disposition.

Teeth are good and if you take care of them they will take care of you.  Say What?  I’m saying you need to be good to your teeth if you want them to be good to you.  Being good is keeping them clean and healthy.  It’s a dental hygiene routine where twice per day you get in there and clean them using your toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.

When you eat food remains in your mouth and food has bacteria which thrive in warm, dark places.  Hey, that’s your mouth.  Think of teeth as squares.  You can clean or brush the top, front and back of the square but not in between.  That’s why there’s dental floss that little string that can get in between your teeth to remove any bacterial residue accumulating in there.

You should brush and floss your teeth upon waking in the morning and at night before you go to bed.  Keeping your mouth in a healthy condition will benefit you and those you come in contact with.  No one likes to be accosted by someone with bad breath or a scary mouth disposition.

If you have been letting your mouth go for a while and are in need of a consultation or treatment we like meeting people and we like restoring their mouths to health.   After an initial dental exam we can inform you of any situations or problems you might have and give you multiple solutions to bring your mouth back to health.

We are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85thstreets.  We are easy to get to by walking, taking the bus or subways which are within one block of the practice.   So give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Eating Healthy for Your Smile

Today pre diabetes is becoming rampant in the population.  You do not have full blown diabetes where you need Insulin to survive but your sugar level in the bloodstream is dangerously high.  Why is this?  Well, it’s because most of us eat way too much sugar.  There is sugar in everything but some of our eating choices cause us to ingest way too much.

A good thing is that when you go to the supermarket, food labels now tell you how many grams of sugar are in the product you are buying.  Even healthy foods such as yogurt can contain added sugar.  The worst culprits are sodas.  Looking at the label it’s like pouring a sugar bowl down your throat.  Over time these increased levels of sugar intake cause havoc in your body in addition to enlarging your waist thereby putting increased pressure on your joints and your heart.

As far as your teeth are concerned increased sugar intake can lead to dental cavities and gum disease.  So if you want to watch the amount of sugar you are ingesting and to help your teeth remain healthy here are six things you should make as habits.

When you get up in the morning and before going to bed you need to brush your teeth.  Brushing gets the top, front and back of your teeth but don’t forget in between your teeth.  These surfaces also need to be cleaned.  Here is where dental floss comes in.  This thin tiny waxed strand can move into the spaces between your teeth and keep these areas clean.

If you are a gum chewer make sure to avoid gums that contain sugar.  There are plenty of sugarless gums now available.  A dry mouth is conducive to dental decay so if your mouth is continually dry chewing gum helps to produce saliva thereby keeping your mouth wet.

Be careful in consuming sticky foods like caramel and taffy.  These substances have a tendency to stick to your teeth and generally contain large amounts of sugar.  Even dried fruit which seems to be healthy can be loaded with sugar and readily stick to your teeth.

You want to consume nutritious foods such as raw fruits and vegetables which help to support your immune system.

Do you like cheese – good for you.  Cheese contains calcium that breaks down acids in your mouth which can attack your teeth.  Cheese is tasty and enlivens your meals, but don’t go overboard since cheese is high in fat.

Moderate your intake of acidic foods.  No sucking on lemons here when having an ice tea or too many carbonated drinks.  Direct and constant exposure to these substances will wear down the enamel or outer protective coating of your teeth.

If you are concerned about the condition of your teeth and have not seen a dentist in a while we are here for you.  A quick exam and cleaning will confirm that your mouth is in tip top shape. 

At the dental office of Dr Glenn Reit we like meeting people of the neighborhood and taking care of their dental concerns.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.   If you ride the bus or take the subway the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines are one block away.

So call today, you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Frozen Summer Treats... Are Your Teeth Screaming?

I scream, you scream, we all scream for ice cream so the saying goes.  But for some the thought of something cold or frozen going into their mouths is a cringe worthy experience.  When others are slurping you’re avoiding them.

Sensitivity to cold in your mouth is generally due to dental decay, gum diseases or abnormal wearing of your dentition.  Your teeth have a tough outer coating called enamel which protects the inside of your teeth.  The enamel helps to prevent decay and sensitivity to hot and cold substances.  If the enamel is compromised due to a cavity or hole in your tooth the inside of your tooth reacts by becoming more sensitive to temperature changes in your mouth.

If you have gum disease where your gums which support your teeth become inflamed, the roots which hold your teeth into your jaws can become exposed inside your mouth.  The teeth roots are supposed to be encased in bone and are not made of enamel but of dentine.  When exposed to your oral cavity the dentin is often sensitive to hot and cold and especially extreme cold as in summer treats.

If you are under stress and are clenching or grinding your teeth the enamel gets thinner and your tooth roots can become exposed.  Now you don’t want to stop enjoying summer treats but if the pain is too great you will probably have to.

Not to worry, if this is you we have ways to alleviate your sensitivity.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85th Streets we see people who have sensitivity and we have treatments to get it under control.

So give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your sensitive teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

To Straighten or Not to Straighten?

That is the question.  You lead with your smile and sometimes if your teeth are out of alignment you might not be smiling that much.  In addition to your appearance, teeth out of alignment can lead to dental problems.  You may ask; how is that?  Crooked teeth allow more food to imbed between them and it may be harder for you to keep them clean.  Why is that important?  Well if you leave food in between your teeth as the food breaks down it releases acids which attack the outside of your teeth and gums.  The acid can lead to tooth decay and irritate your gums leading to gum infections.

So, by bringing your teeth into alignment it will be easier for you to keep your teeth clean.  Another consequence of misaligned teeth is that when they come together they are in the wrong orientation which over time can lead to the teeth fracturing.  Think of the gears of an engine.  If they are not in sync the gears will break.

Finally, a pleasing smile helps in interacting with people.  Unfortunately, people are generally judging other people and before you even open your mouth to speak you smile is conveying a subliminal message.  If you do not like the way your teeth look you might not even be smiling.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located right here on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we have the ability to straighten your teeth using clear aligners.  These are plastic trays which are worn sequentially which gradually move your teeth into a more pleasing and aligned position.  There is no drilling and no dental injections to perform this treatment and others will not even realize you are going through the treatment.

If this is something you are interested in or you are just in need of a cleaning or check up give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we are always happy to meet and greet new people.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.

So call us today and soon you’ll be smiling away.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

My Gums are Bleeding; What Will I Do?

If your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth this is a warning sign that all is not right in your mouth.  Many patients today have no or very little dental decay due to the incorporation of fluoride into the general drinking water.

So having no cavities is a good thing but what about the structures that support your teeth.  Like a building your teeth need a strong foundation to survive.  Here in New York City all buildings have a stable foundation if correctly constructed due to the fact Manhattan Island is supported by solid bedrock.

The foundation for your teeth is the bone in your upper and lower jaws.  In addition to the bone your gums surround your teeth and offer protection and health if maintained.   How do you maintain your gum health?  That’s easy.  All you need to do in addition to brushing twice a day is to include flossing in your daily teeth cleaning regime.

We all know what dental floss is.  It’s that little fine string sold everywhere that you use to clean between your teeth.  Why don’t many people use it?  Well, you have to learn how to do it and it takes a little effort in the beginning.

Think of your teeth as cubes or squares.  There’s a top, front, back, bottom and sides.  Your toothbrush gets the top, front and back but cannot get in between your teeth.  Obviously, you can’t clean the bottom of your tooth unless you are holding it in your hand but with no daily effort to keep your teeth clean over time this might become your eventuality.

So think about it.  If you don’t clean in between your teeth those areas are never clean.  So when you eat food as most of us do and you leave remnants of the food in between your teeth from not cleaning there, the food starts to break down.  As it does it releases acids into your mouth which attack your teeth and your gums.

How do you know if your gums are under attack?  If when brushing or flossing you see blood appearing throughout your mouth then you know you gums are under attack.  If left long enough; this bleeding can become a generalized inflammation leading to tooth sensitivity, decay and eventual tooth loss.

In addition, the bacteria in your mouth when you have bleeding gums now have a pathway into the rest of your body which can cause havoc.

So if you’re bleeding come in for a cleaning and we will teach you how to brush and floss and evaluate your condition.  Being proactive is always better than being reactive.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Teeth

Maybe you lift weights to build strength but are you also doing things to strengthen your teeth?

There are ways to strengthen your teeth.  Just like you want to have strong bones, having strong teeth are also advantageous. Having a healthy diet, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups is a good start.

Tooth Enamel is the hard surface of your tooth which needs to be strong and healthy to prevent dental decay from penetrating into the interior of the tooth leading to dental problems.  Enamel can weaken due to genetics, illnesses and/or poor oral hygiene habits.  Brushing too strongly with a stiff toothbrush can wear down the enamel surface.  Unlike your bone your tooth does not have regenerative cells so once it is worn down it will not build back up.

Fermentable carbohydrates which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth.  When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel.  This demineralization process literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. Clearly meaning that highly processed foods and sweet treats will cause demineralization of the enamel over time.

Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is vital if you want to strengthen your teeth.  Be careful not to brush too hard and always brush at a forty-five degrees angle with a soft bristled toothbrush using short and decisive strokes.  Brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget your tongue as bacteria love to linger in places your toothbrush misses.

The saliva that you produce after you brush your teeth can also help prevent demineralization as it contains proteins and minerals that will safeguard the enamel on your teeth.  Saliva is constantly washing off the germs on your teeth and helps to maintain the pH thereby reducing acid production. Our early ancestors since they had a quite different diet showed very little signs of weakened enamel.

Most city water is now fluoridated which helps to keep your enamel strong.  A healthy diet includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products.

If you would like to learn how to strengthen your teeth give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we care about you and your teeth.  Give us a call  today; you will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Smile Boosters

Do You Need A Boost

Who Ya Going to Call; Smile Booster’s?

Sometimes when looking in the mirror you might see something you’re not too thrilled about.  It could be the space between your lips as in your teeth.  Maybe you need a little upgrade.  Here are 4 Smile Boosters that can improve your smile.

1.       Teeth Whitening is quick, easy, affordable and non-invasive.   External tooth whitening occurs when teeth whitening agents bleach the teeth directly. 

2.       Dental Implants are another common procedure that many New Yorkers now seek to replace missing teeth.  A dental implant is secured into one of your jaws and then a natural-looking crown is attached to the implant.  In addition to improving your appearance it restores tooth function and maintains your bone support.

3.       Dental Bonding can be done using various materials such as porcelain and composite resins.  These materials can now precisely replicate natural tooth structure and natural appearance.

4.       Periodontal Plastic Surgery is a terrific solution for gum recession and cosmetic irregularities.

You can remove a gummy smile or remedy an uneven gum line.

If you are interested in boosting your smile give us a call today at 212 517 9000.

You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Synergy Between Dental Health and General Health

Do You Have Synergy?

Dental health and general health are connected. Eating a well balanced diet does lead to benefits with your overall physical health.  A balanced diet is getting the right types and amounts of food and drinks to supply nutritional energy for maintaining your body cells, tissues and organs supporting normal growth and development.

Certain physical maladies can have linkage to dental health such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis through inflammation of an individual’s gums or known as periodontal disease.

Without proper dental care bacteria collect on your teeth and under your gum line making you susceptible to infection in the form of gum disease.  As your immune system fights the infection your gums inflame and without treatment this inflammation continues intensifying.

Diabetes, which is growing substantially in the general population due to the high consumption of sugar in almost everything we eat increases your chances of developing periodontal disease.  On the other hand; people who have periodontal disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.

If you have heart disease periodontal disease and stroke form a relationship by aggravating the condition.  Researchers have found that people with gum disease were twice as likely to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke.

By eliminating gum disease you will improve your overall health.  While eliminating your periodontal disease isn’t likely to cure your diabetes or heart condition it will alleviate one of the mitigating factors leading to these diseases.

Daily flossing and brushing is one of the best ways you can take to improve your health in combination with eating a healthy diet, exercising and not smoking.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS, if you have periodontal disease we will be able to diagnose it and formulate a treatment plan to move you back to a more healthy oral environment.  Sometimes it’s only a thorough cleaning, or a more advanced root planning to prevent graduating into full periodontal surgery.

Call us today at 212 517 9000 to schedule an appointment

You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Brushing the Night Electric- Electric Toothbrushes

What about electric?  Well Frankenstein likes electric.  Today there are all types of electric toothbrushes.

For some they love them, for others they don’t like the sensation.  Some of them have timers which is a good thing because it keeps you brushing.  The most important is to use a soft bristle brush whether it’s electric or manual.  Here at our practice every one is given a Crest Oral B toothbrush after their cleaning. If you’re an electric you can use it when you vacation but if you’re a manual you’re all set.

If you are older and developing arthritis then an electric toothbrush can be a godsend.  Then comes the problem with so many offerings: what to choose?  I’ll talk about three of the main brands.

Sonicare

Seems to feel like how you feel after getting your teeth cleaned at the dental office.   This system uses sonic vibrations similar to the Cavitron used in the dental office to clean your teeth and also has a timer.

There is a brush head subscription service for convenience.  So if your teeth need a little extra TLC then this brush is for you.

Oral B

They are another excellent option using an oscillating motion to move the brush in tiny circles rather than sonic vibrations.  They claim the brush will remove more tooth build up than their manual brushes.  The toothbrush heads are rounder than a manual brush allowing them to get into harder to reach places.  This is an excellent alternative if you have a smaller mouth or don’t like the vibrations.

Quip

A new addition you may have seen here in the Big Apple.  The brushes are compact and battery operated so great for travel if you are of the electric mindset.  They come with a timer, which is always a plus.

They have a subscription service that sends you a brush head, toothpaste and batteries at an affordable price.  They are somewhat less powerful than the above two and the brushes are a little bit firmer making it harder to get into the nooks and crannies.

Since there are so many variations out there and the prices are all over the place we only recommend these products but do not sell them inside the office.

Need a dentist. We are here for you and we love to meet new people, especially ones with dental challenges.  No one likes going to the dentist, even me, so we make the extra effort to make you feel comfortable.

We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from McDonald's here in Yorkville in a five story brownstone on the second floor.  So if you need a cleaning or something else give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Into The Thick of It – Toothpaste

Cruising down the dental aisle at Duane Reade or CVS is a kaleidoscopic tour.  So many choices and so little time to choose, somebody help me.  Glenn Reit DDS, here to give you an inside look at the differences in toothpastes.

Why do most toothpastes feel gritty?  That’s because the abrasive nature of toothpaste is to help with removing dental plaque and food from the surface of your teeth.  Vigorous tooth brushing is unnecessary when the toothpaste is designed to remove bits of food and polish the surface of your teeth at the same time.

Why is toothpaste minty fresh and nice?  Minty flavorings are used to encourage continued use of the paste and to freshen breath.  However toothpaste is not designed to cure bad breath.  To prevent bad breath you need to prevent periodontal disease and brush bacteria on the back of your tongue.  Removing the source is more vital than trying to cover it up with minty flavorings.

Why is fluoride placed into toothpaste?   Fluoride present in small amounts in plants, animals and some natural water sources is championed for its ability for preventing tooth decay and controlling gingivitis.  Fluoride incorporated into the drinking water supply has vastly decreased the amount of tooth decay present in the general population.

If I am brushing, do I need to floss?  YES YES YES.  Think of your teeth as cubes or squares.  Your toothbrush can only get onto the top, front and back of your teeth.  To get in between your teeth you need that little piece of string known as dental floss.  This is the only way to get between your adjacent teeth to clean there.  Most decay starts in between your teeth due to lack of flossing.

What about mouthwash?  The use of mouthwash cannot replace the regular brushing and flossing.  Mouthwash just adds another effective layer of defense against bacterial growth in your mouth.

If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in awhile realize your teeth want to be cleaned.  Being proactive is always better than being reactive.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in Yorkville we like meeting people and taking care of their dental needs.

If you are in the area or not and need an exam or cleaning or possibly something more give us a call at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

What is a Dental Exam?

When is an exam an exam?

When you go to the dentist you will be examined.  What types of exams are provided at a dental office?  Your exam will be based on your situation.  If you are a new patient and have no urgent problem you will receive a first time comprehensive examination.  Here we will take x rays of your teeth and supporting structures to get a baseline on where you’re at.  We will examine your teeth, gums and oral cavity.  We will palpate and examine your masticator muscles and your jaw joint.  We will then be able to give you an evaluation of where you are presently at and what types of treatment would be amenable to your state.

In a periodic evaluation you are already a patient of the practice and are on a recall care schedule.  Generally this means you are coming in twice per year to have a dental cleaning and check the condition of your teeth, gums and oral cavity.  We generally take recall x-rays once every two years.

An emergency evaluation is done on a new patient in pain or an existing patient experiencing a dental trauma.  Here we evaluate the particular situation which is bothering you and take any needed x-rays.

Evaluations are the first step before treatment.  For larger cases a game plan is created to address your needs. In all situations multiple alternatives are given and costs involved are fully discussed before the commencement of any treatments allowing you to make an informed decision on your dental care.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located in Yorkville we are always looking to meet more new patients.  If you are in need of a dentist give us a call at 212 517 9000 today.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

To Mouthwash Or Not?

They come in all colors and flavors in small and large bottles.  To use or not to use; that is the question.  There’s the original yellow Listerine which we have all used when we have a sore throat.  It even tastes like medicine.  Is that a good thing? 

All these products claim to do something including fresher breath, fewer cavities and whiter teeth.  For most people with healthy teeth and gums it’s just a personal preference.  What are the benefits of using these products?

Cosmetic Benefits include freshening your breath for an important meeting or whitening your smile for a date.  The products temporarily control odors by masking them with a pleasant aftertaste but they don’t last long.

Therapeutic Benefits are used to control gingivitis, dry mouth and/or mouth sores

The problem with daily use of these rinses is many are alcohol based.  In that case you are continually ingesting alcohol into your oral cavity which is not in your best interests since alcohol dries out your mouth.  There are many alcohol free mouthwashes on the market which are the ones you want to use if you are using a mouthwash daily.

Most important to remember is that mouthwashes do not replace brushing or flossing.  It is only an adjuvant to these daily necessary routines.  When you have a sore throat due to a cold the old Listerine does help you to swallow easier.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we are here for you.  If you need a check up, cleaning or something more involved give us a call at 212 517 9000.  Conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we are a stone throw away if you live in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are all a block away and there is plenty of bus service.  Call today you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Is Sticky Candy Bad for Your Teeth?

Attack of The Gummi Bear!

Everyone likes sweet things but some sweet things have hidden dangers.  Sticky candy such as Gummi Bears, Taffy, Tootsie Rolls and Milk Duds make it difficult to open and close your mouth.  This also can happen when chewing a hard sourdough baguette.

Unlike all other joints, think knee or elbows your jaw joint or TMJ moves in three planes.  You can open, close, move side to side, forward and backwards.   Since you probably like to talk and eat you do not want to damage this joint.

If you are having pain when opening or closing, or have a clicking or popping sound give us a call so we can evaluate your condition.  There are simple changes you can make to relieve these problems if caught early.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and helping them to resolve their dental challenges.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Ave between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville.  You can reach us at 212 517 9000.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Are All Carbs Created Equal? - How Eating Well Supports Healthy Teeth and Gums

Carbs, Carbs, Everywhere in New York City

When thinking carbohydrates your thinking bread.  New York City is the bread capital of the world.

We like our pizza, we like our bagels, we like our baguettes and don’t forget croissants.  Of course there’s the liquid carbs as in Beer Here.  Go to Yankee Stadium or Citi Field and your beer is part of the game.  The problem with carbs is that too many carbs means you’re eventually going to get bigger like Clemenza in the first Godfather movie.

As most know; sugar is found in candy, cookies, juices and sodas which can harm your teeth.  But there is also sugar present in all the carbohydrates you eat that can cause cavities.  A handful of pretzels or a piece of rye bread can have the same effect on your teeth as a fudge brownie.

All carbohydrates break down into simple sugars which are converted into plaque which can then cause cavities and gum disease.  Carbohydrates are naturally sticky and adhere firmly to your teeth.  Eating carbs with meals is healthier than eating them as snacks because more saliva is generated at mealtime.  Saliva helps prevent food particles from sticking to your teeth.

If you must drink sodas drink them through a straw limiting their contact on your teeth and preserving your enamel.

If you are in need of a check up or just a dental cleaning please call us at 212 517 9000 to schedule an appointment at the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets right here in Yorkville.  We like meeting new patients and helping them to maintain their dental health.  

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!

Can You Go To The Dentist with a Cold Sore?

If you have a cold you could be sore but,

If you have a cold sore your mouth may be unhappy.

What is a cold sore?  It is generally a small blister on the border of your lip.  A canker sore is generally found on the soft tissues of your mouth.  Cold sores are an outbreak of the Herpes Simplex virus which is residing in 85% of the population.  This virus is in the same family as the virus that causes chickenpox.  The virus is generally acquired at a young age and once you contract it, it never leaves your body.  Even though you may have the virus only a third of people will experience an active episode.

Cold sores are triggered by stress, illness, fatigue, fever, ultraviolet light, menstrual cycles or a compromised immune system.  They cause a tingling or burning sensation at the edge of your lip.

The stages are in order of occurrence a tingling in the area, followed by a blister, turning into an ulcer then scabbing and finally healing.

If you notice a cold sore forming your doctor can write an Rx for an antiviral cream to place on the area.

Sooner vs. later is always better to reduce your symptoms and reduce the chance of it spreading.  If you have an active cold sore try to avoid kissing or sharing drinks to prevent its spread.

Unless you are experiencing a dental emergency it is better to delay any non emergency dental treatment until the cold sore subsides usually within eight to ten days.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we are always happy to meet with new people.  If you live in the Upper East Side of Manhattan and even if you don’t we are easy to get to.  We are one block away from the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85thStreets.  Our phone number is 212 517 9000.  So call today, you and your teeth will be glad 

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

At the practice of Glenn Reit DDS; we provide quality care in a relaxed, comfortable, clean and safe environment. Please contact us today at 212 517 9000 for this or any other of your dental needs. We look forward to seeing and taking care of you!