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!

Feel Young with a Youthful Smile

Tick Tock Tick Tock Goes the Clock.
Time waits for no one and as time goes.
We all are aging and changing.

 Sometimes if you are not happy with the personal changes which are happening there are alternatives to rejuvenate an earlier or younger appearance.  Your teeth are constantly being attacked.  Chewing takes a toll.  Foods can be abrasive and corrosive.  The shapes and color of your teeth are a changing.

There are dental materials available today to revitalize your teeth.  We can make them whiter, brighter and restore their shape to as they were.  If your teeth have started to migrate to areas you’d rather they didn’t we can bring them back to a more pleasing appearance.

Tooth whitening, cosmetic bonding and Invisalign are some of the treatments that are now available. 

If you are interested in learning more about what we can do to turn back time; give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we like meeting people and we like keeping you and your teeth healthy.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets directly across from our very own McDonald’s restaurant in a five story brownstone on the second floor.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are one block away and of course there is plenty of bus service available.

So if you’re in the 10021, 10075, 10028 or neighborhoods further away come on by; we’re always happy to meet new people, listen to you and give you alternatives to enhance your health and appearance.

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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!

Do Veneers Make Your Teeth Look Bigger?

What’s Up Doc?

You may like Bugs Bunny but you probably do not want to look like Bugs Bunny.  However some people actually do as they want big anterior teeth.  Maybe a big pair of upper chomper’s isn’t the look you’re going for but that’s up to you.

Sometimes your front teeth do not look the way you would like them to.  Nature can be cruel, but as dentists we can out maneuver nature.  Your teeth may be discolored or have distorted shapes leading to a non pleasing appearance.  What can you do?   Ideally orthodontics where your teeth are moved into a more pleasing and functional appearance can be done but many patients will not accept the time to accomplish the procedure.

As an alternative porcelain veneers can be done.  These are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your anterior teeth to correct the unacceptable color or shape of these teeth.  For veneers to look natural we need to reduce some of your teeth in most cases.  If no reduction is done the finished veneers can look too big and bulky.

There are multiple alternatives to correcting your teeth to give a more pleasing look.  Since you lead with your smile and many of us are now on zoom conference calls your teeth are apparent.  If you would like an evaluation of your smile and the alternatives available give us a call today at 212 517 9000.

We are located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  Easily accessible by subway and bus or just walking, we are here 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!

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!

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!

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!

Be Wise About Your Wisdom Teeth

You may be wise like an owl when buying potato chips but are you wise about your wisdom teeth?

Many believe their teeth may have intelligence as in your wisdom teeth but they are really just third molars. Evolutionarily your third molars exist as a replacement for your anterior teeth being worn down. Back in the day the food humans ate was not processed as in rocks, stones, sand and dirt was included in your diet. A person’s teeth wore down more quickly and by the age of nineteen there was the room and need for additional teeth. The arrival of your third molars helped to relieve the situation and provided you with additional aid in mastication of food.

Today many individuals do not have the room for third molars to erupt and need to see an oral surgeon for their removal. If the wisdom tooth is fully encased in your jaw bone generally there is no problem. But, if they are partially exposed in your mouth or are growing diagonally or sideways they need to be removed.

Several decades ago wisdom teeth were retained by dentists as an additional tooth to be used if the individual lost some posterior teeth. The tooth was used as an anchor for a fixed bridge or as an abutment for a removable partial.

Today, with the advent of implants the retention of third molars is no longer necessary. Most individual should have their third molars removed when they are 15 years old meaning the determination of their removal is left up to your parents.

Patients who have undergone orthodontics to straighten their teeth as a child should have had their wisdom teeth removed prior to undergoing orthodontic treatment or definitely right after the completion of the orthodontics.

The advantage of removal at a young age is that the teeth have not yet developed their legs or roots so they are basically marbles and easier to remove. Also the bone of the jaw is more pliable and the patient generally heals much quicker.

The problem of retaining the wisdom teeth into adulthood is at a later age if they need to be removed the patient may have medical complications such as being on a blood thinners. It then becomes trickier to remove the tooth. Also once the person is into adulthood the teeth now have legs or roots and are much larger. Sometimes over time the teeth ankylose or cement to your jaw meaning they have to be cut out.

The good news is after removal of wisdom teeth patients do not report any lose of wisdom.

If you are having problems with your wisdom teeth or you are just in a need of a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be happy to meet and greet. At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we care about your teeth but more importantly we care about you.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84 th and 85 th streets in Yorkville. We are on the second floor of a five story brownstone directly across from our very own Mickey Dees. The Q, 4,5, and 6 subway lines are one block away and the third avenue bus stop is also a block from the practice.

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 want to be Crowned?

Prince Charles did and did.  He now has a crown and is King.  In dentistry we can also crown you.  However, you would rather avoid being crowned for it means your tooth is in trouble.  Sometimes a crown may be too aggressive and instead you need a veneer.  Does the King of England need a veneer, he might look a little better.

So to crown or to veneer that is the question.  Generally when you get a cavity or decay in a tooth due to lack of brushing or flossing the first step is to place a filling.  Think of this as a pothole in the road.  If the pothole is not fixed as cars continually drive over this hole becomes larger.

 In your mouth a hole if not repaired will also get bigger and if left long enough could become painful.

So initially a filling is placed.  If you get another cavity in the same tooth or if the filling breaks then it’s time for your tooth to be crowned.

Think of a crown as a girdle to hold your tooth together.  Today the crowns are made of esthetic materials that will match you adjacent teeth.  Your tooth is now whole and you’re ready for action.  Sometimes on anterior teeth a hole is bigger than a filling but not big enough for a crown.  In this case we can place a veneer to replace the missing or decayed portion of your tooth. 

Veneers can also be used esthetically to enhance the beauty of your smile even if there is no hole in your tooth.  Remember you lead with your smile and a beautiful smile enhances most people’s self esteem.  If you think you need to be crowned or veneered or just in need of a cleaning give us a call.  We’ll be glad to see you.  Even though we repair teeth we are more concerned with the person connected to the tooth.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville between 84th and 85th streets in a five story brownstone on the second floor directly across from our own Upper East Side McDonalds.

Easy to get to by; bus, subway or just walking around the block.  So call today 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad  you did.

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Make Cleaning Your Teeth a Dental Habit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Some Surprising Tooth-Friendly Foods

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

THE BAD

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

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

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

THE GOOD

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

Overall raisins can improve digestion and lower your blood pressure.

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE UGLY

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

How Much Do You Know About Gum Disease?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

My Gums Are Bleeding Should I Stop Flossing?

No , No, No!  The reason your gums are bleeding is because you have not been flossing.  Think of your teeth as cubes in your mouth.  When you brush your teeth you can get the top, front and back.  However, unless you are missing an adjacent tooth you are unable to get in between your teeth with your toothbrush.

Consider that all the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning they like areas without oxygen.  When you breathe in the air it has twenty percent oxygen and helps to kill the bacteria in your mouth.

When you brush your teeth you are bringing air into your mouth.  But you are not bringing air in between your teeth.  This is where floss comes in.  When you floss your teeth you bring air in between your teeth which helps to reduce the bacterial levels there.

 When you eat, the food remaining in your mouth begins to break down releasing acids.  The acids like to corrode your teeth with the bacteria they contain.  These bacteria also like warm, dark places with food to eat.  Sounds like the environment in your mouth.

 In a healthy situation there is a little cuff around each tooth.  The cuff should be one to three millimeters in depth.  When you fail to remove the food there the acids produced attack your gums and the depth of the cuff increases.  Once the depth gets greater than four millimeters even if you floss you are unable to get to the base of the cuff or pocket and it continues to increase in depth leading to gum disease and after a period of time left untreated, will lead to tooth loss.

 When you begin to floss since your gums are probably inflamed the floss will cause bleeding.  Your gums are ulcerated and the floss ruptures the ulcers leading to bleeding.  Even if you begin a flossing program it can take a week or two before the gums toughen up and become healthy.

 The first step is to visit a dentist for an exam and cleaning.  If your gums are diagnosed healthy we will teach you how to floss to maintain your healthy condition.  If your gums are unhealthy we will diagnose and offer treatments on how to return them to a healthy state where through brushing and flossing your mouth will remain healthy.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like people and want you to have a healthy mouth.  You lead with your mouth and if it is healthy this can only increase your feelings of self esteem.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville.  That’s directly across from our very own Mickey Dees, between 84th and 85th streets on the second floor of a five story brownstone.

So if it’s been a while and your teeth may need a cleaning and we’ll give you some flossing encouragement.  Call us TODAY at 212 517 9000 to schedule a checkup appointment.  Your teeth will thank you and happy teeth are healthy teeth, so call NOW.

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 Implants Make You Age Gracefully

Sometimes a tooth just has to go.  Maybe it got tired, maybe it fell apart or maybe it became infected.  Back in the day when a tooth was removed you either had a new space or you would replace it with false teeth that you placed in your mouth upon waking.

Later you could connect the missing tooth to its neighbors.  However this was generally not appreciated by the teeth concerned.    Even if they were cavity free they had to be ground down in order to support their missing buddy.

Today we can place a tooth that is almost an identical match to the tooth removed.  The process is called dental implanting where we implant a small piece of titanium into your jaw which resembles and functions like you original tooth’s root.  After we place a crown on the implant which resembles your former tooth and you’re good to go.

You now have replaced your missing tooth and not disturbed any of the remaining resident teeth in your mouth.  We like people and we like patients and performing needed dentistry on them.  If you are in need of a dentist even if just for a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000.

We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets at 1498 Third Avenue.  Give us a call and come on down.  We look forward to meeting 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

Do You Have Any Cavities In Your Mouth?

Being a New Yorker and probably driving around you have encountered numerous potholes in our streets.  Your car falls in, your tires and shocks take a beating and you proceed on.  Sometimes a pothole can become a sink hole by that’s a whole nother matter.

Your teeth can get their own potholes.  We call them cavities.  An opening appears on the surface of your tooth and once there food can get in.  As the food breaks down it releases acids that eat your teeth.  Actually bacteria colonies form which like warm, dark places without oxygen – sort of akin to your mouth.

Like a pothole if not fixed they will just get bigger until one day a car just falls in and disappears.  In your tooth’s case if the hole gets too big you get a surprise as in a toothache and nobody wants a toothache.

The key is to catch them holes when they are small and here’s where you need the skill of a dentist.

I’m a dentist and on a mission to search for dental potholes and repair them before they bite, YOU.

At my dental practice we like people and we like to fix teeth.  What a deal!  So if you have not been to the dentist for awhile something which many people like to avoid – give us a call?  Your teeth and subsequently you will be glad you did.

We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in the 10028 zip code.   The Q, 4, 5, and 6 subway lines have stations one block away and there is plenty of bus service available.

So let’s get rid of those potholes and if you’re pothole free you and your teeth might like a cleaning

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

Can I Ignore a Cracked Tooth?

If you see a crack you must react. There is a difference between a craze line and a crack.  Everyone has craze lines on their teeth.  If you hold a light up to your teeth you will see fine lines on the surface of the teeth.  This is caused over time due to temperature differentials when you eat.   You bite into an ice cream cone and the ice cream is below 32 degrees.  You then immediately drink some coffee which could be at 90 degrees.  The immediate difference in temperature causes these lines to occur.

A crack however is much deeper and more apparent.  If you bite down on something and your tooth starts to hurt you may have a crack.  If you’re a grinder or clench meaning you bite down hard on your teeth or move your jaw back and forth while holding your teeth together a crack can only become worse.  Clenching and grinding is due to stress and if you can’t remove the stress we can help with a night guard.   

It’s like when your car’s windshield is hit with a rock sometimes it causes a chip while at other times the chip expands into a crack which progresses.  This is the condition with your teeth.   Sometimes a chip turns into a crack and can spread.  In a minor case it is seen and repaired quickly.  Left alone it can expand into the nerve requiring root canal therapy.  In the worst case it can fracture your tooth in half requiring the removal of the entire tooth. 

So if you see a crack go on the attack and give us a call at 212 517 9000 so we can treat your situation.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we are seeing more patients with cracked teeth.  Most of us in the Big Apple are under increased stress due to Covid, the recession or just the pace of life here in the city.

 We like people and we like repairing teeth to health.  Give us a call.  We will be happy to meet with you.  We’ll give you alternatives to resolve your situation and tell you the costs involved so you can make an educated decision.  If you only need a cleaning we still would love to meet you.

We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  The  4,5,6 and Q subway lines are within one block of the practice in addition to the 1st, 2nd,3rd and Lexington Avenue bus lines. So don’t delay call today.  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

Help I’ve Lost My Kingdom...I lost my crown!

My crown has come off.  What will I do?   I am still the master of my universe but inside my mouth I don’t have a clue.  Yes some dentists say crowns are permanent but even your dental insurance carrier will pay for the same procedure every five years, so much for permanence.  Your crown should last for more than five years but crowns do come off.

 If you crown comes off the first thing to do is NOT to place it back in your mouth.  You need to call a dentist – maybe me and bring the crown and yourself to the office.  Hopefully when your crown came off it did not break the tooth which is supporting it.  

 In most cases we can clean the crown and the tooth and then reattach it back to how it was.  The reason you do not want to place it yourself in your mouth with temporary cement from the drug store is if you do not place it exactly correctly you may not be able to close your mouth.  Also sometimes the crown comes off due to decay and needs to be remade.

 The most important consequence of placing it back into your mouth on your own is that you might swallow it.  If it goes into your stomach it will probably pass through but you will have to look then next time you see a man about a horse.  If it drops into your windpipe you’ll be at the emergency room.

 At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like people and the teeth connected to them.  Yes, only a dentist can love a tooth and we love teeth.  If your crown has decided to take a vacation give us a call.

We will look at your situation and give you alternatives and the costs involved allowing you to make an educated decision on what to do.

 Conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in a five story brownstone on the second floor directly across from our very own Upper East Side Mickey Dees – that’s where you’ll find us.

Don’t delay call today at 212 517 9000.  You’ll be glad you did and once again you'll be the king or queen of your domain with your crown intact.

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