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!

How To Make Brushing Your Teeth A Habit

For most people to establish a habit you have to perceive you will get some benefit from doing it.  Having healthy teeth which look and feel great is something most people would like to strive for.  If your mouth is in dire straits, first you need to remedy the situation.  Maybe you need some fillings.  Maybe you just need your teeth cleaned.  Maybe there are more serious problems that need to be addressed.

One of the advantages in getting your mouth in shape is after you have accomplished the task you will want to maintain it.  Someone who wants to lose weight and makes the effort to do so is not too quick to start overeating to gain back the weight.  If you pay off all your credit card debts you may think twice before making that purchase.

To establish a habit it is best to do it at the same time each day.  Your mind and body gets used to the routine.  A healthy and clean mouth is a happy mouth.  You should be trying to clean your mouth twice per day.  The most important times are when you wake up and before you go to sleep.

Think about it.  When you are sleeping bacteria have a grand time in your mouth.  They are looking for areas that are warm, dark with food present.  If you do not clean your teeth before you go to bed the food remains and the bacteria party leading to decay and dental treatment.

So before you jump into bed go to your bathroom, take out your toothbrush, put on some toothpaste and brush away.  Your mouth will feel cleaner.   Realize your toothbrush only gets the top, front and back of your tooth.  There are areas to clean in between your teeth.  This is where dental floss comes in since by flossing you can get in between your teeth and remove any food or bacteria still present.  I know flossing can be a pain but practice makes perfect and you’ll be surprised how quick you can get it down.  One of the benefits of flossing is that if you can do it for a week you’ll notice the difference when after brushing your teeth you will not feel fully clean until you complete the process by flossing.

No one wants a morning mouth and by brushing and flossing at night you decrease this from happening.  Upon waking any bacterial surge in your mouth from the previous night can be removed by brushing and flossing.

 You lead with your mouth and no one wants to have bad breath, bleeding gums or areas of decay. By regularly brushing and flossing you will keep this part of your body healthy and since your mouth is connected to the rest of you; a healthy oral environment helps to promote a healthy body.

 If you are looking for a dentist on the Upper East Side of Manhattan give us a call.  We are located on 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85thstreets in a five story brownstone on the second floor.  We are convenient to the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines and the MTA Bus system.  So if you reside in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes we’re in your area.  Give us a call at 212 517 9000.   You’ll be glad you did.

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.

Does My Dentist Treat Bad Breath?

Mouthwash is only masks odor temporarily. The odor from your mouth is caused by poor oral hygiene, tongue bacteria, or digestive problems. Treating bad breath with a mouthwash is like drenching yourself with perfume/cologne instead of taking a shower. Mouthwash is a temporary mask and doesn’t solve the underlying issue. Generally, mouthwashes have a significant amount of alcohol which helps with bad breath by drying out the mouth. Some bacteria can grow faster in a dry mouth environment.

 To eliminate bad breath good oral hygiene is needed. To get rid of the hidden bacteria that is forming between your teeth you need to pay attention to flossing and brushing. By flossing between your teeth your putting oxygen to help fight the bacteria.

 By going to the dentist regularly twice a year we do an oral exam, a professional teeth cleaning and address what is causing your bad breath. There is always a solution on what causes bad breath and we are here to help.

Looking for Bad Breath Treatment in the Upper East Side?

Contact us today (212) 517-9000 or info@reitdds.com to schedule your dental appointment.