Can You Go To The Dentist with a Cold Sore?

If you have a cold you could be sore but,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

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!

Healthy Diet Healthy Teeth

You Are What You Eat

Eating correctly is good for your body including your teeth.  Teeth are good if you like eating and healthy teeth can only help your outlook on life when looking in the mirror.  The saying you lead with your smile is true.

To have healthy teeth you need to brush and floss daily and biyearly visits to the dentist is a great way to maintain your dental health and make sure nothing negative is happening.   Eating a healthy diet which helps your muscles and bones will also help you develop healthy gums and healthy teeth.   Foods rich in vitamin B such as breads and cereals, and vitamin C found in fruits and vegetables, and zinc and magnesium, and lean beef, fish and poultry are all good for you.

All foods increase the production of saliva which is important since it maintains the proper pH balance in your mouth which in turn keeps your teeth and gums healthy.  Foods high in fiber also encourage saliva production as does occasionally chewing sugarless gum.

The consumption of foods high In sugar content such as sugar laden sodas and coffee drinks can be detrimental to the health of your teeth.  Foods high in sugar are more likely to form acids which can attack your teeth and result in decay.  Limiting the consumption of sugars to mealtimes lessens the amount of time your healthy teeth are exposed.

Making good diet choices and limiting meal sugar consumption can improve the health of your gums and teeth.

If you would like to reassure yourself about the condition of your teeth and gums give us a call at 212 517 9000 to schedule a checkup appointment.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and taking care of their teeth.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85th streets in Yorkville.  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!

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 Health Tips You Might Not Know

Did You Know…

Here are some interesting tidbits concerning your teeth.

Citrus acid in fruits can lead to the erosion of tooth enamel.   Continually sucking or chewing on the lemon slices which adorn your drinks over time is not a good habit in protecting your teeth. 

Sticky candies which contain large amounts of sugar can lead to a greater chance of dental decay if not assiduously removed.  Yes, everybody likes candy but if you are consuming a lot you must make sure to thoroughly brush and floss your teeth daily.

Your gums support your teeth; so if you support your gums they will support you.   This is easily accomplished if you establish a routine of daily brushing and flossing daily.  The brushing cleans the front, back and top of your teeth while the flossing cleans in between your teeth.   

The ideal times to brush and floss are before you go to sleep and upon waking in the morning.  During the night bacteria can party in your mouth.  It is warm, dark and if you do not clean up after eating there is plenty of food remaining.  So if you brush and floss before you go to sleep you reduce the bacterial count in your mouth.  Even so the party will happen so upon waking you need to brush and floss again to restore your mouth to a cleaner environment.

You should always use a soft toothbrush to clean your teeth even if you think using a hard toothbrush will do a better job.  Hard toothbrushes destroy teeth and can irritate your gums.  You should be brushing for four minutes with a manual toothbrush to get the job done.  With a mechanical toothbrush like Sonic Care you can get the job done within two minutes.

So; here are the particulars

                Hold the brush at 45 degrees against your gums

                Rotate the brush gently in small, circular motions

                Brush the outer surfaces of each tooth on both the upper and lower arches

                Repeat on the inside and chewing surfaces of all teeth and

                FINALLY - Don’t forget to FLOSS – coming into the office we can show you how

Flossing can be confusing and time consuming but with a little practice you’ll be an expert.

As a consistent flossing person you will feel and notice the difference if you fail to floss.

Coming in for a professional cleaning and check up is a sure way to avoid problems and to review your home cleaning techniques.

In addition, some people have grooves or a rough surface on the top of their tongues; if this is you, the use of a tongue scraper will help to clean these areas.   Scrape the tongue from the back towards the front sweeping away the bad breath causing bacteria out of your mouth.  Then using a non-alcoholic mouth rinse such as BreathRx and water will wash away the bacteria you are removing.

We’re here for you right here in the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets close to all public transportation with the 4 5 6 and Q subway lines one block away and  bus lines on 2nd, 3rd, and Lexington Avenues.  Give us a call at 212 517 9000 to schedule your appointment and 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!

How a Dental Night Guard Can Benefit You

The Daily Grind

We are not talking coffee here but instead the grinding of your teeth.  Human’s have a biological way to relieve stress.  It’s grinding your teeth – sometimes it's clenching while at other times it's grinding or maybe even both.  Clenching is when you bring your teeth together real hard.  Grinding is when you move your lower jaw back and forth.  Clenching generally does not show wear on your teeth but the muscles around your mouth are sore.  Grinding will show wear patterns on your teeth and may also exhibit sore mouth muscles.

The problem with these maladies is that they put pressure on your jaw joint named the temporomandibular joint or TMJ which is the only three way joint in your body.   All other joints move in one plane.   While your jaw opens and closes, moves forward and backwards and goes side to side.  This is one joint you do not want to have problems with.

So what to do if you’re clenching or grinding?  First you want to determine what is causing you stress.  Then maybe you can relieve the stress through exercise or meditation.  If the problem exists maybe a custom night guard is the solution for you.

Being a resident of the Big Apple and living in New York City you are under stress.  That's big city living.  Most clenching and grinding occurs at night while you are sleeping.  Most individuals know that they’re grinding.  If I ask a patient if you are grinder, if so, they go oh yes.   For some it’s a mystery but upon waking if you open your mouth and the muscles feel sore, like after carrying a heavy bag you’re grinding.

Another way to see if you’re grinding is are your teeth together when you are just sitting at your desk working? Sometimes it is unconscious until you actually notice by looking for it. 

For some standing in a shower under warm water and massaging your jaw muscles and TMJ joint works, for others taking Tylenol or Motrin gives relief.  However, if the problem persists you might be in need of a night guard.  This is a soft piece of acrylic that you wear at night.  You will still grind and clench but this will prevent damage to your teeth and relieve the stress on your TMJ joint.

Unfortunately, this is a band aid treatment to minimize the results of grinding.  Ultimately the best course is to determine what is causing the stress and rectify the situation.

Here at the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we see many patients that are experiencing this situation.  We are here for you and can implement treatments to help alleviate your situation.  Give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85th Streets directly across from McDonalds in a five story townhouse on the second floor.  Your teeth will thank 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!

How to Keep Your Smile Looking Young and Healthy

Everyone wants to be Healthy and Healthy Teeth Are Part of the Equation

Most of you have teeth.  Teeth are good especially if you like food and food is necessary if you want to stay alive.  There will come a time in life when eating will be your greatest pleasure.  So you want your teeth to last and to last you need to make a little effort to help them survive.

Your teeth want to be cleaned on a daily basis.  Think of each tooth as a little square box.   There is a top front, back and sides.  The bottom or basement is in your jaw so this part may not seem apparent.  Tooth brushing gets the top, front and back.

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.  The oxygen destroys the bacteria helping you to prevent dental decay. 

However, your toothbrush cannot get to the sides of most of your teeth unless you have a missing one.  These areas also need to be cleaned so you need to floss.  You know that thin little string that can get in between your teeth.  Just like the toothbrush the floss pulls air between your teeth and the oxygen within helps to destroy the bacterial colonies always present in your mouth.

Bacteria like warm, dark places with food.  So to keep your mouth and teeth healthy you need to floss and brush in the morning and at night.  Before you go to sleep by cleaning your mouth you decrease the bacteria present and upon waking you remove the buildup that has occurred while you’re asleep. Everyone knows the experience of morning mouth.

What you consume also plays a part in keeping your mouth healthy.  The outside of your teeth are made of enamel, the strongest substance in your body but even this material can become damaged by eating too much sugar or acidic foods such as citrus fruits.  Calcium rich foods such as cheese, milk and nuts protect tooth enamel.

Also, drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Water also serves to wash away foods recently eaten within your mouth.  If you have dry mouth due to aging and/or medications you are on, chewing gums stimulates saliva keeping your mouth moist which is a good thing.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we want you and your teeth to be healthy.  If your teeth are facing some challenges and even if they are not, give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We are here for you even if all you need is a cleaning.    It is always better to be proactive versus reactive.   So call today; your teeth will thank 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!

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!

You Should Check Your Dental Bridge Before You Lose Teeth

London Bridges Falling Down

Here in New York we have the Whitestone, Verrazano Narrows, Brooklyn and on and on bridges.  What happens to those bridges is that over time they fall apart.  Some people also have bridges in their mouths.  Back in the day when someone lost a tooth and needed a replacement a dental bridge was constructed.  This entailed connecting the adjacent teeth to the missing tooth together.  Sort of like when the Beatles sang; All Together Now or maybe not?

The problem with bridges is that the adjacent teeth have to support themselves and the missing teeth.  Over time the supporting teeth can become tired, cracked or decayed.  It is more difficult for a patient to keep a bridge clean vs. cleaning individual teeth.  The patient may not even realize this is happening.  So if you have a bridge it’s a good idea to visit a dentist like us to make sure all is well.

Today, with the advent of implants dental bridges are becoming a thing of the past.  Still viable and sometimes necessary, the advantage of the implant is that the adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth are not involved.

It is also possible to convert a dental bridge into an implant situation if the supporting teeth are in trouble.  Once accomplished keeping the area clean is a whole lot easier.

Need a dentist and you’re located on the Upper East Side of New York City?  Give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  We’re conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are one block away and there is plenty of bus service on Third Avenue.

Even if you all need a cleaning and checkup we are here for you.  We like people and the teeth connected to them.  No one likes going to the dentist but we will make it a much better experience for you.  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!

Do You Have Bad Breath or Dry Mouth?

How Dry I Am

Dry mouth leads to bad breath.  Sometimes we just can’t help it.  If you sleep with your mouth open your mouth will dry out and you’ll lead with your breath.  If you have sinus problems and breathe more through your mouth instead of your nose you’ll dry out your mouth.  Sometimes due to medications you need to take you’ll have a dry mouth.

If so there are rinses, sugar free gum and suckers you can take to bring increased moisture into your mouth.  In addition to bad breath, dry mouth leads to an increased incidence of dental decay. If you have a continuous dry mouth syndrome in your life going to the dentist on a regular basis is a necessity.

We can examine your teeth to make sure no cavities are forming.  Sometimes a fluoride treatment or custom fluoride trays can be made for you to help keep your teeth healthy.

Give us a call at 212 517 9000 today.  We will be happy to meet with you and evaluate your situation.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  We are here if you need us.

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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!

Gum Disease and Pregnancy

Congratulations; you’re pregnant and your life is going to change for the better.   When you’re pregnant you want to maintain optimum health for you and your developing baby.  One area that needs to be addressed is your oral health.  During pregnancy your hormone levels drastically shift.  This shifting can affect the health of your mouth.   During this time you are much more susceptible to gum disease even if you have never had this problem before.

Concentrated oral hygiene on a daily basis is needed to keep your gums and teeth healthy.  Daily brushing and flossing is a must.  Visiting your dentist for professional cleans will be recommended by your obstetrician to maintain your oral health.

Gingival inflammation during pregnancy has a special name:  Pregnancy Gingivitis where your gums become swollen, red and inflamed.    Bacteria formed within your mouth at this time can actually affect your baby by entering and living inside of the placenta.

We recommend additional cleanings during your pregnancy.  Some insurance plans even allow for additional cleanings during this special time in your life.

If you are pregnant extra precautions are taken. We will first contact your obstetrician for their concerns before beginning any treatment.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we are here for you during this special time.  We can easily be reached at 212 517 9000 located at 1498 Third Avenue on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

We’re excited for you as you progress towards that special day.

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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!

So You Want Straight Teeth and Don’t Want To Wait

In an ideal situation if your teeth are out of alignment you undergo orthodontic treatment to straighten them.  Today in addition to traditional metal braces which most patients will not accept due to esthetics there is clear orthodontic tray therapy.  However, some patients will not tolerate wearing trays while others want immediate results.

For those who will not or cannot wait, teeth can be straightened with the application of porcelain veneers.  Traditionally, veneers were used to improve the color and shape of anterior teeth.  Some individuals due to the ingestion of tetracycline by the mother during pregnancy developed darkly stained teeth which will not whiten.  For those people veneers restored the desired color they want.   Some patients have anterior teeth that are not esthetically pleasing due to the shape of their teeth.  With veneers we can alter the shape and color of non esthetic teeth very quickly.

Some patients do not like the look of their smile due to the misalignment of their teeth.  For these individuals cosmetic veneers can reposition their teeth to be more in alignment.   Veneers are small pieces of porcelain that are bonded onto the front of your teeth.  Consider them somewhat like Lee Press on Nails.

There are two ways veneers are done.  In one scenario the teeth are not modified and the veneers are just bonded onto the existing teeth.  These are called no prep veneer.   The problem is the appearance of the teeth being bulky since no room was created for the veneers which is somewhat like having a thimble on your thumb.

If the teeth are prepped then the veneers appear more natural.   A combination of the two treatments may be necessary to produce a pleasing smile in a patient whose teeth are misaligned.  To help a patient decide if this type of treatment will produce the desired result we have a cosmetic wax up done for the patient by the lab before proceeding.   This allows the patient to make an intelligent decision before beginning treatment.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we like making people happy and if you are unhappy with your smile we may be able to help you.  Conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our very own Mickey Dees we are easy to get to.   The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are a block away as are multiple bus lines

If you need a cosmetic consult or just want a dental cleaning give us a 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!

Living with Sensitive Teeth

You may be a sensitive person and be caring to others but you probably do not want sensitive teeth.

Teeth are part of you and they can have character especially if their sensitive. Surrounding your teeth is a layer of enamel. Enamel is very strong and prevents your teeth from becoming sensitive. As you age your enamel thickness decreases. The vast majority of your teeth are made of dentin. Dentin is softer than enamel and is actually millions of little tubules pressed together. When the dentin becomes exposed in your mouth due to wear and/or trauma many people experience sensitivity.

Sometimes when a person undergoes orthodontic treatment to move their teeth into alignment the roots of the teeth become exposed inside your mouth. The roots are also made of dentin and can exhibit sensitivity. If you develop gum disease due to not brushing and flossing the gums can become inflamed or recede from your teeth also exposing the tooth’s roots.

Individuals are different. Some people with exposed dentin feel nothing while others even with a little exposure have trouble eating cold foods. If you consume very acidic foods like sucking on lemon wedges while you drink your ice tea you could be on the way to sensitivity. Chewing on ice cubes can also lead to sensitivity problems over time.

So you’re experiencing sensitivity – what can you do? The easiest solution is to buy a fluoride rinse. The fluoride in the rinse can help in minor cases to relive the sensitivity. You could also purchase toothpaste that helps to relieve sensitivity such as Sensodyne.

If this is not working we can make you custom fluoride trays to wear five minutes a night before retiring. Over a thirty day period this will help to alleviate your sensitivity since you are placing a thick RX grade fluoride gel within the trays and the trays hold the gel adjacent to the teeth.

Other times if your root is exposed or there is exposure on another surface of the tooth a cosmetic white filling can be placed.

Sensitive teeth can lead to reduced enjoyment in your life. If you are experiencing this situation give us a call at 212 517 9000. At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS, located right here in Yorkville we like take caring of people. We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84 th and 85 th streets directly across our very own Upper East Side Mickey Dees in a five story townhouse on the second floor.

Even if you don’t have sensitivity and are just in need of a cleaning and exam we are here for you.

So don’t delay call today. 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!

Steps for Healthy Teeth

Everyone Wants A Healthy Body and that for most include healthy teeth. Like good editing in a movie you do not want to see the cuts or movements. You want your teeth to just be there and available for chewing and eating. If you don’t notice your teeth then things are generally good. But, life happens and your teeth have to endure a lot.

The best things you can do to promote a healthy mouth is to daily brush and floss your teeth. Most will brush but many do not like to floss. Not flossing is good for my business because in general those who do not floss tend to have more cavities and eventual gum disease and if that’s you, I am here for you to get you and your teeth back to health.

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning they like environments without oxygen. When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth and air has 20% oxygen. When you brush if done correctly you clean the top, front and backs of your teeth. However, you cannot get in between the adjacent teeth. For this you need to floss. Yes that annoying little string. When used correctly it brings air in between your teeth which helps to kill the bacteria.

Your mouth is an ideal place for bacteria to grow. There is little air especially if you do not clean your teeth. It is warm around 100 degrees, it is dark when your mouth is closed and of course since you need to eat there is plenty of food around.

So, cleaning your teeth leads to decreased bacterial counts leading to a healthier environment. If you let things go too long gum disease and tooth decay are the outcomes leading to problems.

A healthy diet is also necessary for good health. Bad habits such as cigarette smoking can lead to problems. You lead with your smile and most want to make a first good impression. If you are or are unsure of your mouth situation come on down to the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS where we like teeth and the individuals connected to them.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84 th and 85 th streets in Yorkville. The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are within one block of the practice. Multiple bus lines are found within a block of the practice. So if you are in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes you are out neighbors.

Evening and Saturday appointments available so, call today 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!

You’ve Lost a Tooth, Now What?

Sometimes things just happen.  You bite a cherry pit one too many times.  You think you’re an ice crusher.  Your tooth gets tired and breaks in half and has to be removed.  The adjacent teeth are happy and do not want to get involved. So what to do?

In the past your choices were to just go without the tooth which is still a possibility today.  Most people want to replace the tooth.  You could involve the adjacent teeth with a bridge which is three teeth connected together.  However, with this option the adjacent teeth have to be cut down in order for crowns or caps to be placed.  Then the three teeth are connected making it harder to clean the area.

Another option is to make some plastic teeth that you place In your mouth in the morning and remove at night.  Problem here is they move around and do not feel like real teeth.  They're not wooden like George Washington’s teeth but they are not real either.

Today there is a better option, it's called a dental implant.  Here the adjacent teeth are not involved.  This is not a removable device but like a tooth stays in your jaw.  Just like a regular tooth it is easy to keep clean.  No matter what we do in dentistry we cannot recreate nature but this is a close second.

For an implant a piece of titanium is placed in your jaw resembling the root of your original tooth.  Then a crown is made which resembles what your tooth looked like in your jaw.  It’s not a real tooth but it functions and feels like the one you lost.

Dental insurance companies will generally cover half the cost of the procedure.  It takes a little while to complete and it does cost you some money but in the end most people are happier to have the missing tooth replaced.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the upper east side of Manhattan we place and restore dental implants.  Consider us a one stop shop so all of the procedures are done in house.   

Getting to us is easy.  If living in the area; just walk to 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  The Q, 4 ,5 ,6 subway lines and bus service is within one block of the practice.  We are always happy to meet with you and help solve your dental needs.  So, if you’re missing a tooth or are just in need of a cleaning 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

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