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!

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!

Proactive Vs Reactive

When you pay for something you usually want to feel better off after the expense.  Going on a vacation, to a show or out for dinner is generally pleasurable.  Going to the dentist is not on many people’s desirable list.  When your mouth feels and looks good that is the time to see the dentist.  You’re not having any problems and a quick exam and cleaning confirms your diagnosis.  Your treatment is quick and painless.  In addition if you have dental insurance you’re fully covered for the treatment.  Even if you have to pay on your own the cost is within reason.

What’s the alternative?  You don’t like going to the dentist and only go when you have a problem.  Today if this is your situation we can still treat you, with you remaining comfortable but now there is more dental treatment involved.  If you have put off going to the dentist since your last experience was not great you will probably be apprehensive leading to increased stress.  Now you have a dental issue and even with dental insurance you will have a copayment.  If no insurance there are costs involved.

So going to the dentist when there are no problems is the way to go.  Even if something is found it will be in the beginning phase requiring less treatment.  So it’s better to be proactive than reactive. 

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we are here for you.  We like meeting new people and interacting with them.  If you are in need of an exam and cleaning or you feel there may be something more 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!

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!

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!

Gum Health and Diet

Riot Riot; What is in your Diet?

The adage you are what you eat is TRUE.

Eat it today wear it tomorrow is also accurate.

To maintain health you should limit the amount of carbohydrates and sugar you consume.  Yes, you do need carbohydrates and in reality all foods eaten are converted into sugars your body needs to function.

But too much bread, pasta, potatoes, cakes, cookies, candies and sodas will multiply your daily calorie consumption and lead to increased levels of body fat.

As for your teeth sugary foods are broken down into acids which can and will attack the enamel of your teeth.  Cavities or decay in teeth are formed by these acids breaking through the enamel layer which surrounds your teeth.  Once through this layer the major part of your tooth is made of dentin which is a lot more susceptible to decay.  In addition once inside your tooth you are no longer able to keep the area clean, so the decay grows and leads to problems.

You should be brushing your teeth twice per day, once in the morning upon waking and again in the evening before retiring.   This will help to reduce the bacterial count in your mouth.  Since your teeth are cube shaped you also need to floss at these times.   The floss gets in between your teeth and removes any food build up present.

Your teeth want to be cleaned professionally; a healthy smile will be appreciated by you and those you interact with.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like people and we like helping people to maintain their dental health.

Conveniently located in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets – we are easy to get to.  The 4, 5, 6 and Q subway lines are one block from our door.  We are located in a five story brownstone on the second floor directly across from our very own Upper East Side McDonald’s.

If you think you have a problem or just want a dental cleaning 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!

Why You Should Not Avoid Going to the Dentist

Not going to the dentist can bite you.

Your brain due to experience will try to protect you from experiencing pain.  One of the unfortunate consequences of life is that when you are little you have very little say in what happens to you.  One of these circumstances is when going to the dentist you had a painful experience. This will haunt you for a very long time. 

As stated before if you experienced pain from earlier dental procedures your brain will tell you to stay away from the dentist.  This can boomerang.  As time goes by, not going to the dentist can allow a minor problem to become a big problem.  Now you’re in pain and your expectation is you’re going to have more pain.

Today dentistry has progressed where even the dreaded root canal can generally be treated painlessly. The time to come in for a dental checkup is when you are feeling fine.  Then any mysteries can be exposed before they can bite you.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS I realized going to the dentist is vastly different than being the dentist.  It’s a lot different being the patient under treatment.  So, I take it very seriously to ensure you have a pain free experience while in the office.

We will diagnose any situation you may have, give you alternatives to resolve the situation and give you local anesthetics to prevent you from feeling any pain during treatment.  I have taken the time to learn how to give painless dental injections which most patients appreciate.

So if you are in need of dental treatment or just a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be happy to meet with you.

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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!

Healthy Teeth During Pregnancy

Are You Pregnant?

Congratulations; you’re having a baby.  Now you have to consider your health and your baby’s.  The ideal situation is to come into the dentist for a checkup before you become pregnant.   In this way any dental treatments can be done now.   During your pregnancy if a dental emergency happens we can still treat you but it is much better if you only need a dental cleaning at that time.

In fact your MD doctor will recommend dental cleanings during your pregnancy since most women will experience gingival bleeding and inflammation during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

While you are pregnant the taking of dental x-rays needs to be kept to the absolute minimum so knowing your dental condition before pregnancy and fixing any problems will generally take care of this issue.  Eating a healthy diet is good for you and your developing baby.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting people and taking care of your dental needs.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets right here in Yorktown.   So if you think you have something going on or it’s just been a while since your last cleaning give us a call at 212 571 9000 to schedule.  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!

Dental Concerns for Women

Throughout life women are challenged by changes in their hormones which can affect their dental health.  Starting from puberty to menstruation to pregnancy and finally menopause hormonal changes are a factor to be concerned about.

During puberty due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to gingivitis. Menstruation can lead to gingival inflammation at the beginning of a woman’s period. Oral Contraceptives can lead to inflamed gums and discoloration of the soft tissue in the mouth. Pregnancy can make teeth more susceptible to accumulation of bacterial plaque within the mouth. Menopause can lead to inflamed gums, burning sensation, dry mouth and altered taste. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more fragile, less dense, leading to more fractures.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint system or TMJ affects more women than men. This dysfunction of the jaw joint leads to headaches, jaw popping, jaw locking and teeth grinding.

Saliva production generally is reduced during pregnancy.  Saliva is important to lubricate the mouth and keep the bacterial count lower thereby reducing the chance of tooth decay.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we are aware of the special conditions women face during their lives in relation to tooth health.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.   We are always looking forward to meeting new people.   If you are in need of dental services please 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!

Big Mistakes People Make When Brushing Their Teeth

Routines

A routine is something you do religiously.  Routines become habits.  Some habits are healthy while others like cigarette smoking can be detrimental.  A good routine is to brush your teeth twice a day; once in the morning upon waking followed by another round at night before going to sleep.

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning they like places without oxygen.   The bacteria also like warm, dark places with food available.  Guess what, this is exactly the condition in your mouth.  Ever experience morning mouth?  That’s the condition where upon waking you have a funky taste and smell inside your mouth.  It seems your bacterial colonies are growing which eventually if not removed lead to cavities and gum disease.

So your mission if you decide to accept it is to remove these colonies before they can do any harm.   If you do not your gums and teeth will disavow any responsibility for the damage you've caused.  So, what’s to do?

Upon waking get out your trusty toothbrush preferably with soft bristles and get in there and start cleaning.  Electric toothbrushes are fine if that’s your preference. The goal is to scrub the top, front and backs of all your teeth.  While brushing you are bringing air into your mouth which contains twenty percent oxygen which will help to annihilate the forming bacterial colonies.  In addition you are removing any build of food you have eaten.

Unfortunately,   brushing cannot get in between your teeth.  Here you need dental floss, that fine string which can get in between the teeth.  Once again you are bringing oxygen between your teeth and cleaning the surfaces and slightly below the gum line creating a clean and healthy environment.

Twice a year you should also be coming in to see us, so we can make sure you are succeeding in your cleaning mission.  If not, we will help you get back on track or begin a dental cleaning routine.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS, located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we are here for you.  Conveniently located for the: 10028, 10075, or 10021 zip codes.   We’re at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our very own Mickey Dee’s.

If you need a check up, cleaning or something more substantial give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be there for you.  We like people and we like teeth.  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!

What is BioFilm?

Did you know what BioFilm is and did you realize you probably have it?

Biofilm is a coating of bacteria that likes wet places just like what is happening in your mouth.

If you’ve ever picked up a rock in a stream or river you might have noticed a slimy film on the surface.

This is a form of biofilm which is similar to the film that builds up on your teeth.  If you do not remove this biofilm it can lead to gum disease and cavities.

This accumulation of bacteria begins to form within several hours after brushing your teeth.

Over time it appears as a hard substance that is either brown or yellow in color.  You’ve probably seen it on the backs of your lower anterior teeth.   It can cause dental decay by just sitting there for prolonged periods of time.  It is full of bacteria and acidic in nature leading to breakdown of the enamel layer covering your tooth.  Once through the enamel the bacteria enter the inner dentin of your tooth forming a cavity.

In addition, if the plaque buildup remains for extended periods on the outside of your teeth the acidity leads to gingival irritation and eventually gum disease.  Here your gums will become red and inflamed. Removing biofilm by regularly brushing and flossing is the key to the prevention of cavities and gum disease. 

 At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we can examine your mouth and see if biofilm is accumulating.  If so we will comfortably remove it and check to see if any cavities or gum disease is present and if so give you alternatives to treat it.

We are conveniently located in the Upper East Side in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue which is between 84th and 85th streets.  We like meeting people and we love taking care of you and your teeth.   Whether you are in need of a checkup, cleaning or something more substantial 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!

To Scale or Not

When one hears the word scale what comes to mind is scaling a mountain but in dentistry it’s cleaning a surface generally the surface of a tooth. When you eat food residue remains in your mouth.  When food is broken down it releases sugars. Bacteria need sugar to survive and especially like warm dark places without oxygen.

Guess what?  That’s exactly the situation in your mouth.  It’s dark, warm with limited oxygen.   Therefore to maintain your dental health you need to floss and brush daily.

Think of your teeth as cubes or squares.  When you brush your teeth you are cleaning the top, front and back of the tooth.  However, you are not cleaning in between your teeth.  This is where dental floss that little string comes in.  The floss can get in between your teeth to clean out whatever you have packed in.

If you’re not flossing and brushing you’re leaving food which will eventually lead to cavities and gum disease.  That’s where we come in.  We will be able to help you restore your mouth to a healthy condition painlessly and quickly.

If things are good a simple cleaning which includes scaling where we remove any hard deposits on your teeth followed by a cleaning with toothpaste.  You and your mouth will feel a whole lot better.

 If things are not so good meaning that your gums are inflamed and bleeding a more advanced cleaning will be needed.  In this situation we will get the area anesthetized and then be able to clean the inflamed areas more thoroughly with you remaining in comfort.   Once accomplished, your gums will begin to heal up and your mouth will feel a whole lot fresher.

For most individuals gum disease does not hurt and this allows it to progressively get worse without the patient realizing it.  If left untreated; it will eventually come back to bite you.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we like people and we also like teeth.  So if you have or even if you don’t have any teeth come on by – we’d like to meet you and resolve any oral problems you may have.

We’re right across from our very own Mickey Dees on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  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!

Make Cleaning Your Teeth a Dental Habit

When you do things often enough at the same time each day it turns into a routine.

Some routines are monotonous while others can be exhilarating.  When you exercise routinely you experience an endorphin rush after your workout.  This makes you feel good.  Feeling good helps you to maintain your routine.  Taking a shower or bath each day makes you feel clean which for most; is an enjoyable sensation.

To achieve it you need to develop a routine to clean your mouth.  Ideally it should be twice daily in the morning and in the evening.  When you wake up each morning you might have the sensation which I call morning mouth.  The bacteria within your mouth has been having a party, party.  They have grown and are producing noxious substances which can irritate and smell.

To reduce the party you should brush and floss before you go to bed causing the bacterial count in your mouth to be less upon waking.  So the goal is to brush in the morning and follow up in the evening.  

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic, meaning without oxygen.  The air contains 20 percent oxygen.  So when you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth and the oxygen within destroys the bacteria.  You can only brush the top, front and backs of your teeth.  To prevent cavities between your teeth you need to floss.  The floss brings air in between your teeth which kills the bacteria hiding there.

Everyone wants a healthy mouth.  You have the tools to make it so.  By brushing and flossing twice per day every day you will make cleaning your teeth a routine which ultimately leads to a habit which in this case will maintain your tooth health. You should also come in to see us for a professional cleaning twice per year.  We can tell you how you’re doing and make sure there is nothing growing inside your mouth.

At our dental practice we like teeth and we like the people connected to teeth.  If you are fortunate to have Aetna, Cigna, Guardian or MetLife Dental PPO insurance and you have not used your benefits, your cleaning, exam and x-rays are covered at 100% with no additional cost to you.

We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.   Our phone number is 212 517 9000 with the 4, 5,6 and Q subway lines one block away.  In addition there are plenty of bus lines close to us.

So, if people are backing away from you or you’re aware of something odoriferous emanating from your mouth, give us a call.  You and your mouth will 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

Some Surprising Tooth-Friendly Foods

We all need to eat but some foods are good for your teeth. 

THE BAD

Citrus is acidic and if eaten continuously can erode the surface or enamel of your teeth.

Sugar if not removed by brushing and flossing after eating can lead to cavities.

Nuts or other hard foods can lead to tooth damage by fracturing your teeth.

THE GOOD

Raisins are good for your teeth.  They contain iron and fiber.  They provide high energy and low fat.

Overall raisins can improve digestion and lower your blood pressure.

However, some disapprove of raisins due to their natural sweetness and tendency to stick to your teeth; some suggest they may actually help to fight cavities due to plant antioxidants.

Dairy products contain calcium and vitamin D.  These two essential nutrients work together to promote healthy bones and teeth.  But there is an added bonus when you eat hard cheese at the end of a meal.

The cheese neutralizes the acids in your mouth thereby maintaining your mouth’s pH levels preventing cavities.

Leafy green vegetables activate your saliva and reduce cancer risk.  They are high in fiber, promote digestion and help maintain cholesterol levels.

 Strawberries whiten teeth naturally.  Berries of all kinds are good for you.  Specifically they are shown to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and cancer.  Dark berries like blue berries contain antioxidants which are good for you but unfortunately can cause teeth to stain.  Strawberries do not darken teeth since they contain a substance called malic acid which acts as a natural tooth whitener.

Carrots help clean your teeth when eaten.  In addition to being a low calorie food carrots are a superior source of Vitamin A and the antioxidant beta carotene.  They are reported to improve vision and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.  In addition raw carrots when eaten help to scrub away plaque or the filmy bacterial layer that grows on your teeth and gums.  Chomp down on a medium size carrot or a handful of minis and your teeth will thank you.

THE UGLY

If you do not regularly clean and floss your teeth your odoriferous mouth and inflamed gums are only beneficial if Halloween is upon us.

We like people and we like to meet you and resolve any tooth issues you may have.  We are conveniently located in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets at 1498 Third Avenue.

We are directly across from our own Upper East Side Mickey Dee’s in a five story brownstone.  Bus lines and the 4,5,6, and Q subway lines are one block away.  We participate with the major dental insurance carriers such as Aetna, Cigna, Delta, Guardian, MetLife and United Health Care.

For most of our patients an exam, x-rays and cleaning is covered at 100% with no out of pocket expense to you unless you have already used your benefits.  We can always do a courtesy check before your appointment.  So give us a call TODAY at 212 517 9000. You and your teeth will 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

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

Think of a picture.  There’s the picture and then there’s the frame.  This situation is somewhat like what’s in your mouth.  There’s your teeth and then there’s the gums that surround them.  The gums along with the bone of your jaws support your teeth.

Healthy gums lead to healthy teeth to a healthy mouth.  When you eat food which contains sugar it starts to break down in your mouth.  Your job is to remove the remaining food to prevent these breakdown materials converting into acids which then can attack your teeth and gums.

You remove the remaining food substances by brushing your teeth.  When brushing you clean the top, front and back of the tooth.  However, you cannot get in between your teeth.  To accomplish this you need to floss.  The floss fits between your teeth and removes any food remaining there.

When food remains in your mouth for extended periods of time the acids produced attack the outer layer or enamel of the tooth.  The enamel is very hard so it takes a real effort for the bacteria to get inside your tooth which leads to a cavity.

Your gums are not as strong.  So by failing to floss the food accumulates within the pocket or cuff which surrounds your tooth.  In a healthy situation the pocket is approximately 3 millimeters in depth.  At this level you can get the floss to the base of the pocket and keep the area clean.

If you are not cleaning the acids attack the ligaments that hold your teeth in your jaws and cause them to become deeper.  Once they become deeper even if you floss you are unable to get the floss to the base of the pocket.  If the condition is not corrected in the next phase of gum disease the bone supporting the teeth starts to deteriorate leading to tooth loss.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we want you to keep your teeth and to have a healthy mouth.  No matter what state your teeth or gums are in, we can assist you in having and maintaining a healthy situation.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  

If you are in need of a cleaning or just a dental check up give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We look forward to meeting you and helping you preserve your oral health.

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

Why Do My Gums Bleed If I Haven’t Flossed in a While?

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning they thrive in areas without oxygen.  Around each of your teeth is a cuff that should be approximately one to three millimeters in depth.  In a healthy mouth with healthy gums by brushing and flossing you’re able to keep these areas clean.

Your toothbrush can clean the top, back and fronts of your teeth.   However, the brush cannot get in between your teeth.  This is where dental floss comes in.  The dental floss can get in between your teeth to clean these areas.

When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth and the air has twenty percent oxygen.  The oxygen helps to kill the anaerobic bacteria which cause gum disease and tooth decay.  If you do not floss over time the pocket around your tooth becomes deeper.  Once the pocket is more than 4 millimeters deep even if you floss you are unable to reach the base of the pocket.

Food which can remain in the pocket after eating breaks down and releases acids.  Bacteria like dark, warm areas without oxygen and a source of food exactly the environment in your mouth.  The acids irritate your gums and make them more porous or fragile.  The net result is once touched by your tooth brush or floss your gums can begin to bleed. 

In the first phase of gum disease called gingivitis your gums become swollen and bleed upon flossing.  If this is not remedied in the next phase called periodontitis in addition to gum inflammation you begin to lose the bone holding your teeth in your jaws.  Left untreated the final outcome is tooth loss.

So what to do?  If you have not been to the dentist, come on in.  We’ll take a look and see what’s going on.  Next you need to clean your teeth daily once in the morning and then again in the evening.  Think about it.  When you go to sleep if you have not cleaned your teeth and gums it is a bacterial paradise.  So, before you go to sleep brush and floss and this will decrease the levels of bacteria present.  Also, nobody wants morning mouth.

Then upon waking brush and floss again to remove the bacteria that has built up during the night.  Your mouth will feel better and so will you.  So there it is.  Brush and floss in the morning and again at night and come twice per year to see your dentist and you’re on your way to dental health.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we like teeth and the people attached to them.  If you need a dental exam and cleaning you’ve come to the right place.  Conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we know teeth and have been treating them for decades.

Times change but teeth don’t.  If you take care of them they will take care of you.                                       

So call today 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

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.