Genetics and Cavities

Sometimes life can be unfair.  Even if you brush and floss your teeth twice per day every day cavities can still happen.  Don’t be too hard on yourself.  There’s mounting evidence that your genetic makeup may have predisposed you to cavities.  Yes your ancestors are still alive and well and in your neighborhood.

The postulation that your genes are related to your oral health is still a novel concept and more research is needed but commonly cited finding states that genetics may increase your chances of having cavities by 64%.

Of course not brushing and flossing your teeth and eating and drinking foods with high sugar content over time will eventually lead to cavities.  Genes can influence the strength of the enamel of your teeth which is the outer protective coating on your teeth.  For some the enamel is hard and strong but others it is softer and more easily damaged by cavity causing bacteria.

Genes can also affect how your body responds to the bacteria within your saliva which cause cavities.  Not to worry we are cavity finders and fighters.  We are always looking for new people to enter our practice.  We will examine your mouth and tell you what we see.  For many a regular exam will lead to a standard six month dental cleaning and you’ll be good to go.

So if you live in Yorkville and are in need of a dentist, give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  After meeting with us we believe 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!

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!

Let's Get You Out of Tooth Pain

Eastside, Westside all around the town.  You could live anywhere in the Big Apple.  10021, 10075, 10028, 10128, 10023 and get a toothache.  And oh when your tooth aches you want relief.  So what can be done to treat an aching tooth?

If you have been reading my blogs you know a toothache can be caused by decay or trauma.  When you come into the office we will listen to what you have to say.  Most people have a pretty good idea of what is going on.  If they’re in pain they have been looking to determine the cause.

We will then examine the area and take some pictures to confirm the diagnosis.  Next we will advise you of the options to resolve the problem and the advantages, disadvantages, risks and alternatives to treatment.  Finally we will clearly explain the procedure and costs involved so you can make an educated decision.  Finally we will treat the situation or refer you to a specialist if that’s what your situation entails.

Nobody wants a toothache but if you experience one, we will be there to take action.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th street directly across from our own Upper East Side’s McDonalds.   We pride on treating our patients on time with as little discomfort as possible.

No one really likes going to the dentist including me so we understand where you are coming from.

We have been performing dentistry for decades so we have a good idea of what may be happening in your mouth.  If you are in need of a dentist even if only for a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000. 

We will be happy to see and take care of you.

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.

Nobody wants Cavities

Everyone wants to be healthy.  Luckily today concerning your teeth with fluoride in the drinking water the amount of tooth decay is way down, especially if you make the effort to brush and floss your teeth.

How do cavities occur?  Sometimes you can be predisposed to decay due to your genetics but most of the time it is due to eating sugary, sticky foods and not removing the remaining residue by not cleaning your teeth.

The outside of your tooth is made up of enamel which is a very hard substance.  The inner part of your tooth is made up of dentin which is technically millions of little straws pressed close together.  For decay to inhabit your tooth it has to break through the enamel layer.  Think of decay as looking like an upside down or right side up pyramid depending if you are on your upper or lower teeth.

The top point is the entry point into your inner tooth.  Most people have grooves and lines on the surface of their teeth so if food remains there it disintegrates giving off acids which attack the surface of your teeth.

Once the decay forms that little hole into the interior of your tooth it now has an ideal environment to cause mayhem.  For decay to grow it is looking for a dark, warm area without oxygen and a continual source of food.  Inside your mouth it is dark, approximately 100 degrees and once the decay is inside your tooth there is no oxygen.  As you continually eat there is a constant source of food.

Since the decay is within your tooth you are unable to remove or clean it with your toothbrush and it continues to grow.  The only way to remove it is to see your dentist who will excavate it out and replace the missing tooth structure to restore your tooth to health.  You can also get decay between your teeth by not flossing to remove any impacted food remaining there after eating.

Here at Dr Glenn Reit’s dental practice we do not want you to have decay.  If you do we will remove it and restore your tooth to health. So if you are looking for a dentist on the Upper East Side of Manhattan or you are visiting the Yorkville, New York City area give us a call.

We are happy to meet with you and restore your 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.