Mouthwash- What’s All the Fuss?

If you’ve ever traveled down the toothpaste aisle at Duane Reade or CVS you’ll encounter multitudes of mouthwash products. Some claim to be germ killing, while others tout their fluoride content, or their teeth whitening abilities and all state they will freshen your breath.

Should dental mouthwash be part of your daily dental hygiene routine?  The most important aspect of keeping your teeth clean and healthy is to brush and floss twice per day upon waking and before going to sleep. 

When you wake up in the morning do you have morning mouth?  What is morning mouth?  It’s that feeling that your mouth is not clean, maybe bad breath, maybe sticky but just not right.  Actually bacteria have been growing in your mouth all night long.  Time to get out your toothpaste and floss and restore your mouth to a more clean environment.   If you think about it, why would there be any other condition present? 

In addition to brushing and flossing in the morning you should be brushing and flossing before you go to bed.  This helps because you are cleaning your mouth before going to sleep making less morning mouth when you wake up.  So if flossing and brushing are essential where does mouthwash come in.

If you follow the directions on the bottle it may slightly help especially if it contains fluoride but brushing and flossing is what you should be doing and of course making biyearly visits to the dentist for professional cleanings and exams.

It is preferable to use mouthwashes that do not contain alcohol since this causes your mouth to dry out.  Many people use mouthwash to control bad breath but if your mouthwash contains alcohol this could worsen the situation.  However mouthwashes without alcohol can aid in freshening your breath.

If you have chronic bad breath then you should come to visit us since this may be due to gum disease or tooth decay.  Mouthwashes may make you feel better when you have a sore throat from a cold but your best defense is still to brush and floss twice per day.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit we want you to be healthy, happy, look and feel your best.  We are located in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code.  If you are in the area on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets we would love to meet with you and make your teeth and mouth healthy and happy.  Call us today at 212 517 9000 to schedule your dental check up appointment

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 every day a happy day but when you have a toothache your day will be challenging

What do you do when your tooth is biting?  For most the best answer is to find and call a dentist.

Fortunately today we have procedures to quickly get you more comfortable.  Sometimes trauma happens and you just have to respond.  Previous dentistry will eventually fail and need to be remedied.  Some fail to brush or floss and develop new areas of decay and finally others have had bad dental experiences earlier in their lives so they avoid the dentist until an emergency happens.

What causes tooth pain?  A trauma to the jaw like falling down or being hit or new dental decay which progresses around or under a previous dental restoration.   When the decay or trauma reaches your tooth’s nerve the only response a tooth can give is pain.

Oil of cloves, ice and a pain Rx can help to temporarily relieve the pain but ultimately dental treatment is necessary to resolve the situation.   When a patient’s tooth is hurting first we need to determine the cause of the pain.  

If it is simple decay we will remove the decay and replace the damaged tooth structure.  If the decay has entered the nerve then a root canal treatment where the nerve is removed from the tooth is needed or the tooth needs to be removed.   If the tooth due to trauma has cracked sometimes we can repair the crack while other times the tooth will need to be removed.  If the gums are swollen then a thorough cleaning and medicinal rinses may be necessary.  In the worst cases we will look to see if a systemic disease is causing the problem.

The intelligent person establishes a relationship with a dentist and is a known patient.  The dentist will already have a relationship with the person and x-rays on file.  Then if an emergency situation occurs the preexisting conditions in their mouth are already known.  In addition a patient having a relationship with an office will less likely experience an emergency unless it is due to trauma.

At our office we want to keep you healthy and help prevent you from ever experiencing dental pain.  Call today to schedule your appointment for a check-up and cleaning.   We look forward to meeting you.

Looking for a Emergency 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.

Do Your Gums Bleed When You Brush Your Teeth?

Bleeding gums can be a sign of periodontal disease or the degradation of the tissue which holds your teeth in your jaws.  When you brush your teeth you should see no bleeding in a healthy mouth.  How do you obtain a healthy mouth?  Some people are lucky. Their genetics lead to a condition where it is hard to develop tooth decay or gum disease.

However, for most of us this is not the case.  For this group going to the dentist for routine cleanings and restoration of diseased teeth is the answer.  When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth.  The air has 20% oxygen and oxygen causes bacteria to break down.  The bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning living without oxygen.  This bacteria desires warm, dark places without air.  Your mouth is a perfect environment for this

It is warm around 98.6 degrees, it is dark inside – no light here and there is limited oxygen around the teeth.   When you brush your teeth you bring air and oxygen into your mouth.  You can brush the top, front and back of your teeth but you cannot get in between your teeth.  Dental floss that thin waxed string has the ability to move between your teeth and bring oxygen into this area.  More importantly there is a cuff around each tooth.  In a healthy situation this cuff is one to three mm in depth.  You can therefore wrap the floss around each tooth and move into this cuff or sulcus to aerate the area and remove any food residing there.

When you eat, food begins to break down in your mouth and produce acids.  If you do not remove these acids on a regular basis it will lead to tooth decay and gum breakdown or gum disease.  You notice the beginning of the breakdown when you brush or floss your teeth and you begin to bleed.  

If your gums are not 100% healthy they are ulcerated so when touched they open up and bleed.  You can ignore this situation since it usually does not hurt but it will progress into a worse situation where you begin to lose bone called periodontitis.

By coming in for regular exams and cleaning we can check your mouth for decay and if found restore your tooth to health.  If your gums are bleeding we can do a thorough cleaning and resolve the issue.  If your gum condition has already progressed to a direr situation we have procedures to resolve that.

Your gums, teeth and breath will thank 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.

Trends in Dentistry

Over the decades dentistry has changed.  When I first started practicing there was more dental decay present in every patient.  The main culprit was the lack of fluoride in the public water system.  It was routine to see patients with cavities in almost every posterior tooth.  At that time the choices were silver or gold.   For most patients gold was too prohibitive in cost so silver was the only option.

Many other patients had severe periodontal disease necessitating the removal of their teeth and the placement of full or partial denture or plastic teeth to restore the missing spaces.  Alternatively fixed bridges or connected crowns or caps could be made to replace missing teeth.

Today things have changed.  Due to the presence of fluoride in the drinking water and better hygiene by the general public the level of decay has decreased.  Also advancements in dentistry have led to the creation of more esthetic alternatives to fix your teeth.  White fillings have replaced silver or metal fillings and implants can restore a missing tooth without damaging the adjacent teeth.

Periodontal procedures can be applied to strengthen the gums holding your teeth into your jaws.  Whitening and cosmetic procedures can enhance your appearance.  The saying you lead with your smile is readily apparent.  If you are not happy with your smile you will probably not smile.  Smiling helps to improve your outlook and positivity.

With many of us now online due to video conferencing people can really get a good look at your teeth.  A pleasing smile is appreciated, one that is not is definitely seen and commented upon even if unconsciously.  If you are concerned about your smile or you just want your teeth cleaned please give us a call to schedule an appointment.  Your teeth will thank 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.

Bleeding Gums Not Good For You

Do you ever notice after brushing your teeth, a red tinge in your sink on spitting out?  If you do and look into the mirror you will see bleeding from your gums.  This is the beginning of gum disease.  Your gums are inflamed and the act of brushing or flossing causes them to bleed.  Since your gums probably do not hurt this condition will worsen and eventually bite you.

Your gums support your teeth.  Strong gums lead to healthy teeth and a healthy mouth which contributes to a healthy body.  How can gum deterioration or gum disease happen?

When you eat most of the time food remains in your mouth.  If you do not remove the food it starts to break down releasing bacteria into your mouth.  Bacteria like warm dark places with a food supply.  Your mouth is at 98.6 degrees, is dark and as you continue to eat there is always a source of food.  As the bacteria increase they produce acids which attack your gums.

All teeth have a cuff or pocket around them.  The bacteria like to reside in these pockets.  In the first phase of gum disease the pockets become ulcerated and when you brush or floss the action of the floss or toothbrush causes your gums to bleed.

Failure to floss or brush on a continual basis allows the bacteria to continue to increase and if left long enough can lead to actual destruction of the bone that supports your teeth.  In the final phase this can lead to tooth loss.

Coming in to see us on a regular basis will prevent this scenario from occurring.

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.

Pain is Pain

No one wants to experience any pain and tooth pain can be quite challenging.  When you feel pain your body is telling you something is happening.  When it comes to teeth the pain can range from mild to severe.  One thing is sure when your teeth are aching you need to see a dentist.  Mouth pain rarely subsides and progressively becomes more bothersome.

The mouth is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.  Bacteria like warm, dark places without air and a source of food.  Meaning you mouth is a perfect environment for bacteria to thrive.  Maintaining regular oral hygiene and trips to the dentist is a good way to prevent the bacteria from taking over.

What causes tooth pain?  It could be from stress in which you grind or clench your teeth.  It could come from a cold as in when your sinuses fill with liquid and put downward pressure on your upper teeth.  Most of the time pain is due to trauma or decay.  A sharp bite on a cherry pit, of piece of bone can crack your tooth.  A cavity can develop from inadequate oral hygiene and if left untreated can lead to dental pain.  If left alone long enough the bacteria can enter your tooth’s nerve giving you the classic tooth ache. 

Your gums hold your teeth into your head.  It is important to maintain healthy gums to prevent pain and increase the longevity of your teeth.  This can be easily accomplished by daily brushing and flossing of your teeth.

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

If you are or even if you are not experiencing any dental pain we are here to help you maintain a healthy mouth.  Call today 212 517 9000 we are always happy to meet with you and help you achieve dental health.

Flossing for Healthy Gums and Teeth

Do you floss your teeth?

You should.

You probably brush your teeth but brushing only cleans the top, front and back of your teeth.

The only way to clean in between your teeth is with dental floss since your toothbrush will not fit between your teeth.  Also dental floss cleans the area between your teeth and the adjacent gum tissues.

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning living without oxygen.  When you brush and floss your teeth you bring air into your mouth which contains oxygen.  The oxygen helps to prevent the multiplication of the bacteria.  Bacteria thrive in areas without oxygen, that are warm and without light.  Bacteria need a source of food to survive.  This is exactly the situation present in your mouth.

No one wants tooth decay.  If that’s you brushing twice per day and flossing is the best way to prevent dental decay and gum disease.  If you are in need of a check up or cleaning give us a call today.

Looking for a Dental Cleaning 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.

Meet Jade by Surgically Clean Air

Say Hello to Jade, our in office air purification system. She works hard to clean the air for your benefit. She and her sisters work 24/7 and never sleep. We care about our patients and are committed to having you experience a clean, safe and comfortable environment during your visit.

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

Contact us today (212) 517-9000 to schedule your next dental appointment.

What Are Cavities

Sometimes even with the best intentions cavities still occur. You can brush and floss till the cows come home and yet a cavity still occurs.  Cavities or tooth decay happens when bacteria get into the inside of your teeth.  One way to cosmetically restore your tooth to health is with a white filling consisting of a plastic glass mixture of material which replaces lost tooth structure caused by the decay.  We can also use this material for cosmetic improvements of your smile such as fixing chips or gaps in your teeth.

Need Cavity Treatment in the Upper East Side?

Call us today (212) 517-9000 to schedule your next dental appointment where we can help you to achieve a healthier and brighter smile.

Go For The Gold

With the Olympics coming to Beijing, China in February 2022 the goal is to go for gold. In dentistry you can also go for gold. With a gold filling or if you’re brave a gold crown. Obviously, the gold crown would need to be on one of your back teeth unless you’re going for the bling.

Most individuals today will not accept gold due to its color. In fact, most people prefer not to have yellow teeth to begin with and will undergo bleaching or cosmetic dentistry to lighten the shade of their teeth. In California, you can never be too-blond, too-tan and have too-white teeth.

In fact, today the demand for gold dentistry is predominantly by dentists. That should tell you something. Just like you, dentists do not like going to the dentist. They make like performing dentistry but not having dentistry. When it comes to dentistry women are a lot stronger than men. Something about lying on your back with a stranger working a couple of inches from your brain can cause men to panic.

Back to gold. The reason dentists choose gold is that it lasts the longest. Gold has the same expansion and contraction as enamel. Meaning, gold is the closest to what the outside of your tooth is made of. Gold is very biocompatible with your mouth.
It is easy to clean and its edges can be very closely adapted to your tooth structure. In fact, most dental restorations are wide open. Meaning the armies of bacteria inyour mouth are marching in mass into the interior of your tooth. Since cementing mediums contain huge amounts of fluoride this helps to keep your teeth protected.

The great draw back to gold is that it is yellow and you can see it and in today’s esthetic conscious society Moi is perfect in every way. Sort of like: Only your hair dresser knows for sure. Here at the practice, we still do gold crowns and gold fillings. If the need arises this alternative will always be presented and then promptly rejected.

The cool thing about gold is when you melt it. It looks like mercury except it is gold in color. You can actually see your reflection in it and before it becomes liquid it has a reddish golden sheen. Just magnificent and it makes you realize why it has been in use since antiquity. However, at 1948 degrees Fahrenheit you certainly don’t want to touch it for then you’ll definitely be singing, but not in a good way.

But even today it continues to remain the gold standard in finance and in dentistry.

Looking for a Crown Treatment in the Upper East Side?

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

Strengthening Your Immune System Needed Now More Than Ever

Do you know that your body is always under assault?  Your immune system continually works to allow your survival. During the year there are times when a world war is going on within your body. Your body is under attack, you feel awful but your body’s defenses are mobilizing to combat the ongoing storm.

The bugs enter, the attack begins, and after a time the calvary arrives to bring you victory.  Science and medicine have progressed to provide drugs to help your body persevere from the onslaught but ultimately it is your body’s own defenses which allow you to prevail.

Fear and negative emotions are not good for your immune system.  You need to banish them or at least reduce them from you daily interactions.  All negativity is caused by denial of the present and is inner resistance to what is; Preventing you from getting what you want.  Worry is fear projecting yourself into an imaginary future where things could go wrong.  Fear is false evidence that appears real.  To complain is non acceptance of what is.  You can overcome your complaining by either leaving the situation changing it or accepting it.  There are no other alternatives.

So, what can you do?  You are dealt a hand provided by your ancestors.  Your genetic makeup is a definite factor and you have what you have but it is always better to be proactive than reactive.  There is no short- term fix but what you do in the long term is what really matters.

This is what I am doing but remember to consult your physician before beginning any new regime.

I am taking vitamins every day and have been taking them for decades.  The type of vitamins I take has varied over the years based on my readings of the Berkeley Health and Andrew Weil’s Newsletters but currently each day I take: a baby aspirin, 500mg Vit C, 250mg Vit E, 400 IU Vit D3, a One A Day Multivitamin, 1500mg of Glucosamine Sulfate and one Lovaza omega 3 fish oil capsule.

Twice a week I am doing an hour of aerobic exercise in my apartment.  Fortunately, our living room has enough space to allows a workout on wood parquet floor tiles alleviating impact on my body. I also walk about 2 miles per day.  The important take away is you need to get your resting heart rate up to 70% of maximum capacity for 20 minutes 3 times per week strengthening your heart muscles and your heart leading to a healthier life.  Maintaining your flexibility is important for your overall health and balance.

I am hopeful that at some point our building’s swimming pool will reopen and I feel confident enough to use it.  Swimming provides a great body workout with minimum impact to your joints. I do need to watch my caloric intake since I have been regularly eating a little too much comfort food.

Finally, I believe in meditation something I have been doing daily for almost 25 years.  This began in California from a friend telling me to read the book; The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle which describes the basis of the meditation I do.  When reading it you will not totally believe what he is saying until you actually experience it but, it is real and can be obtained with continual practice and desire.

In essence meditation is the ability to turn OFF your conscious mind. Can you quietly sit still, find the off switch to your mind and then fully experience the inner energy we all possess?  Its real advantage is to slow down the aging process by slowing down your body’s inner clock in comparison to time progression in the outside world. You age slower and look younger than your real chronological age.  It increases the inner vibrational frequency of your body’s cells making you more porous, allowing outside threats to pass through you faster.  You get sick less often and of shorter duration.  The sooner you start the better, but anytime is better than not starting at all. 

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Are Your Teeth Foundations Strong?

For those of us who cared the end of Game of Thrones was a disappointment. However our crowns continue to serve and when you smile we want you to have healthy and happy teeth.

You may not be aware but just like a beautiful building you would not see it without a strong foundation. The same is true with your teeth. Teeth are maintained in your jaw due to healthy bone and surrounding gum tissue.

You could have a full set of teeth without any filings or decay and lose them to a poor foundation. Periodontal disease or gum disease which attack the foundations of your teeth is preventable and also amendable to treatment. The good news is that you control the extent of gum disease in your mouth.

The easiest way to prevent gum disease is through daily brushing and flossing. Ideally you should floss and brush twice per day. Once in the morning upon waking and a second time at night before retiring.

You want to decrease the amount of bacteria in your mouth especially before going to sleep where bacteria thrive in an environment that is warm, dark and without air. Failure to brush and floss at night leaves excess food in your mouth. Upon waking you need to brush and floss to remove any overnight buildup. Also morning mouth can be disturbing to your friends.

Realize all the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning without oxygen. When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth which contains 20% oxygen. Your teeth are squares or cubes and when you brush you clean the top, back and front but do not get in between. However when you floss you bring air inbetween your teeth reducing the levels of bacteria.

All teeth have a cuff surrounding them which in health is 3mm in depth. When you eat, food accumulates in these pockets and if not removed breaks down releasing acids. In the first phase of gum disease called gingivitis the ligaments holding the teeth in your mouth are attacked. Once the pocket gets greater than 5 mm in depth you are no longer able to reach the base of the pocket through flossing since the floss would have to cut your gums to reach the bottom of the pocket.

If food continues to accumulate in the second phase of gum disease called periodontitis the pockets
will increase in depth. This leads to bone loss and eventual tooth mobility and tooth loss. Periodontal surgery is then necessary to save your teeth which is expensive and slightly painful.

The good news is daily flossing and brushing with bi-yearly dental exams and cleanings will prevent this situation from occurring. So let the floss be with you for continued dental health.

Looking for Dental Exam in the Upper East Side?

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

The Latest In Dental Implant Treatment- Performed by a Board-Certified Periodontist

Missing teeth can affect your self- confidence and your ability to enjoy your favorite foods. In the past, replacing these teeth was costly and time-intensive, and the results were less than perfect. But with the advent of advanced dental implants, you can now receive replacements that look and function like your original teeth. Our implants are placed by a board- certified periodontist, which is a dentist with advanced training in placing implants and performing gum surgeries.

All of our implant procedures begin with a consultation that explains your treatment options. Generally, implant surgeries will consist of replacing one tooth, but we can place multiple implants for patients missing more than one tooth. Though we favor titanium implants for their strength, we have non-metal options as well. If there is enough bone to the hold implant, it can be placed in about 30 minutes. When there is not sufficient bone to support an implant, additional procedures are required.

Once an implant has been placed, your jaw will need time to naturally grow bone to encompass the implant. After a period of time, we will make a crown in the shape of your original tooth and attach it to the secured implant, restoring natural appearance and function. Dental implants allow you to replace teeth without needing to perform surgery on adjacent teeth. Most patients experience no pain or downtime after dental implant surgery.

With our board-certified periodontist and expert team, you can be sure you’re getting the best dental implants available. We strive to make you feel comfortable during every step of the process and ensure you receive the results you desire. And as with all our operative procedures, you can expect a personal call from Dr. Reit, making sure you’re feeling great about your implant and experience.

Call our office today to find out if dental implants are right for you. If you haven’t considered replacing missing teeth in a while, you’ll be surprised at the new options available to you.

Looking for Dental Implant Treatment in the Upper East Side?

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

Your Healthy Mouth Helps Contributes Towards A Healthy Body

Do you realize that your mouth and teeth are connected to the rest of you? Your mouth, is a direct access point into your inner body. Healthy teeth and gums are important in maintaining a healthy mouth.
A healthy body is now more than important than ever.

If your gums are bleeding the bacteria in your mouth have a direct highway into your body and can cause havoc. You may not be travelling but harmful bacteria are always on the move and love warm, dark places with little oxygen and plenty of food.

Dental problems never go away they just get bigger. Prevention is always preferable to restoration especially since going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list of things to do.

Due to the pandemic most of us have gotten bigger which is not necessarily a bad thing over the short term. Meaning more food is entering your body, often of the comfort or not necessarily healthy variety.

So, if you have not been in for your cleaning and check up now would be a very good time.

Your mouth and body will thank you and getting out and about is always a beneficial.

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

The Daily Grind

An observation I have noticed in my patients is the fracturing of teeth and restorations.

I believe this is occurring due to stress we have all been under for the past year from the pandemic.

One way our bodies are programed to relieve stress is by clenching and grinding our teeth during sleep.   It is not known why this occurs but stress reduction occurs by grinding and clenching.  Exercise, meditation and a healthy lifestyle can help to reduce your inner stress.  Stress usually is caused by work, relationships, money meaning life.

You will know if you are continually clenching or grinding your teeth.  If so, we have a solution. Upon waking in the morning do your jaws feel stiff? Do the muscles on the side of your head feel sore? Do you experience stiffness when moving your jaw around? If so then you are clenching or grinding in your sleep.  If you find yourself grinding or clenching during the day like while you are at your desk this tells us you are not getting enough relief at night and your stress has spilled over into your conscious life.

Over the years we have made hundreds of night guards for our patients.  A nightguard is a soft piece of material which is custom made to fit the entire upper or lower arch of your teeth.  Danger Will Robinson do not buy a do it yourself nightguard at the pharmacy.  Your jaw joint is a three-way joint.  The only three way joint in your body.  You can move your jaw forward, back and side to side in addition to opening and closing.

All other joints in your body such as your elbow or knee just move in one plane.  Try it and you will see what I am talking about.  It is better to go with NO nightguard than a do it yourself one.  The nightguard we make has to fit your teeth perfectly and be correctly vertically positioned to work with your jaw joints on either side of your head.

Stress usually occurs in waves meaning you will be stressed for several days and then the condition will improve.  Most of our patients wear their nightguard’s intermittently when they are experiencing pain.  If you wake up in the morning and your feel stiffness then for the next couple of nights you should wear the nightguard we have made for you.  

Upon waking the next morning, you will feel better.  The nightguard in addition to relieving the stress in your jaws will help to prevent the excessive wear grinding does to your teeth.  This is important because as you grind your teeth down the vertical dimension which is the height between your upper and lower jaws decreases.  This in turn changes the angulation of your jaw joints which can lead to discomfort and problems.  Think of it as your car’s tires being out of alignment or if your feet are not straight your heels of your shoes wearing unevenly.

Another problem is clenching and grinding in addition to wearing your teeth down can also destroy dental restorations previously placed in your teeth.  Meaning these restorations will need to be redone and/or enlarged costing you time and money.  If you feel you are experiencing any of these problems call us today to schedule your appointment.  Don’t let your stress effect your teeth!

Looking for a Night Guard in the Upper East Side?

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

When You’re Too Tired to Brush Your Teeth

Life can be challenging from work, family and living causing strain on our bodies. Brushing your teeth should become a twice a day ritual but sometimes life gets in the way especially at night when we become too tired to brush and floss. What’s the harm if I skip a day? Then one night becomes another and so on and so on. Now the routine is broken and missing multiple brushing sessions your teeth have a higher chance of developing decay leading to cavities and even more serious dental problems.

 Here are some simple tricks that might help you establish a routine on brushing your teeth.

#1- What did I eat today?

Did I have some food/drinks with sugar or crunchy items like chips, popcorn or shredded meat. All these food items can stick to your teeth or be lodged between them. Brushing and flossing will prevent this. Thinking of what you ate today will motivate you to brush your teeth.

#2- Time your Brushing 

You should be brushing for two minutes which is 30 seconds per section. Your mouth is divided into four sections; upper left, upper right, lower left and lower right.  Most electrical toothbrushes on the market now have built in timers. You can also get a handheld timer or use your phone to time yourself. Ask yourself; Can, I brush my teeth for two minutes?  Knowing how long to brush will make it easier to accomplish this task.

Is it bad if you forget to brush your teeth? The longer the plaque remains on your teeth without brushing the more likely it can become tarter leading to inflammation, bleeding gums and other more serious dental issues. 

We are a dental office located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and at Glenn Reit D.D.S. we know consistent brushing will lessen buildup, prevent decay and lessen possible gum disease.  Unfortunately even regular dental hygiene cannot prevent all dental issues.  Dental decay needs to be remedied with fillings, chipped teeth with bonding and misaligned teeth with braces.

Looking for a Dental Cleaning in the Upper East Side?

 Give us a call today at (212) 517-9000 or email us at info@reitdds.com to schedule your next dental appointment. Remember it’s all about good habits. When habits are broken sometimes it’s hard to get back on track. If this happens to you remember tomorrow is a new beginning to get back on track. 

A Healthy Smile Contributes to Healthy Living

You may ask; How can I start living a healthy lifestyle? Well, it all starts with your habits. By drinking more water, getting enough sleep, exercising on a regular basis, eating more fruits and vegetable and avoiding negativity will lead you to a healthy lifestyle. Everyone has their own definition of what is healthy living. Oral health should be part of your healthy lifestyle.

What can you do for your oral health that contributes to healthy living? The most important habits you should be doing is brushing and flossing your teeth twice a day; every day and going to the dentist for routine exam and cleaning every six months. By doing these habits your oral hygiene will improve. We recommend a soft bristle toothbrush to protect your gums. You want to brush your teeth in small, circular motions for 2-3 minutes to make sure you get all the surfaces of your teeth. 

Flossing is very important. You can find floss in any New York City drugstore. You might need to experiment until you find the one that works best for you. Flossing gets in between the teeth and pushes oxygen between your teeth and gums. Bacteria loves dark warm places without air so by flossing we are pushing oxygen between your teeth.

We are a dental office located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and at Glenn Reit D.D.S. we want to help you get your oral health to be the best it can be. We know how a healthy smile can contribute to healthy lifestyle. We offer dental services of white fillings, dental crowns, dental implants, inlays as well as cosmetic procedures such as porcelain veneers and whitening.

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

Give us a call today at (212) 517-9000 or email us at info@reitdds.com to schedule your dental appointment. Your smile will thank you!