Strengthening Your Immune System Needed Now More Than Ever

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Why Your Cleaning Is More Important Than Ever

Did you know that a healthy mouth leads to a healthy body? Many of us have been letting ourselves go during the pandemic. We are getting less exercise and eating more. Some of the more is comfort food which tastes good but is not too good for us. We can provide dental cleaning services it is essential for you to come in and get your teeth cleaned.

Most of our patients have dental insurance and your dental insurance covers 100% for your dental cleaning. Inflamed gum tissue leads to tooth decay and is an entry point for bacteria to roam around your circulatory system. We want you to maintain your health since a healthy body is your primary protection against the corona virus. This is even more important if you are in your 60’s or above. Give us a call today (212) 517-9000 to schedule your dental cleaning. Your mouth and body will thank you.

Looking for a Teeth Cleaning in the Upper East Side?

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

Are Your Teeth Foundations Strong?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for Dental Exam in the Upper East Side?

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

Teeth Straightening For Everyone- It's Possible With Invisalign

Everyone deserves to have a smile they love, and with today’s modern dental technology that goal is attainable. A generation ago, straightening options were limited to old- school bracket-and-wire braces. These work well, but they’re considered taboo for adults. Invisalign, which straightens your teeth using custom-made clear trays, is a great alternative for patients of all ages.

The way Invisalign works is not completely different from traditional braces. In both cases, your teeth are realigned gradually. The difference comes in form. With braces, an orthodontist regularly tinkers with your wiring depending on where you are in the process. With Invisalign, on the other hand, you change aligners throughout treatment as you move from origin to destination. Depending on the results you’d like to achieve, treatment usually lasts between 8 months and 2 years.

Invisalign appeals to many patients for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the aligners are essentially invisible. Nobody will even know you’re wearing them. Despite their outward invisibility, the aligners do real, demonstrable work. Most patients start to notice changes in their smile as early as six weeks into treatment.

Other advantages of Invisalign include comfort and removability. The clear aligners are made of a BPA-free thermoplastic material that’s smooth to the touch and lays flat against your teeth. They are socomfortable that you may even forget you’re wearing them. You should remove your aligners for meals and can take them out for special occasions, but thisflexibility can be both a blessing and a curse. If you don’t wear your aligners as often as possible, you’ll stall your progress.

The results of straightening your teeth aren’t just cosmetic. Straight teeth are less likely to break or develop gum disease, which means investing in your smile now will save you from needing treatments later.

Invisalign is a great option for adult and adolescent patients alike. If you’ve ever wondered how kids have straighter teeth than ever but fewer seem to be wearing braces, now you know. Call our office 212-517-9000 today to find out if Invisalign is right for you.

Looking for Invisalign Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for Dental Implant Treatment in the Upper East Side?

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

Your Healthy Mouth Helps Contributes Towards A Healthy Body

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

The Daily Grind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Night Guard in the Upper East Side?

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

When You’re Too Tired to Brush Your Teeth

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

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

#1- What did I eat today?

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

#2- Time your Brushing 

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

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

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

Looking for a Dental Cleaning in the Upper East Side?

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

A Healthy Smile Contributes to Healthy Living

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Why Dental Health Contributes to Your Overall Health

Why Dental Health Contributes to Your Overall Health

Preventive Dentistry

Your overall health is most important. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive. Life can get in the way and sometimes we forget about our most important asset that being our health. Did you know going for preventive dentistry can save your oral and total health? By

going for preventive dentistry you protect yourself from tooth loss, tooth pain, tooth sensitivity, chronic bad breath, collapsed jaw bone, expensive dental procedures, surgeries and the potential risk of heart disease, diabetes and dementia.

Doing preventive dentistry wards off dangerous bacteria. Sometimes the bacteria start in your mouth and then travel throughout your body. The goal at our practice is to maintain and create healthier smiles. The combination of consistent home brushing and flossing and preventive dentistry promotes good oral health. 

What Types of Preventive Dentistry can be done?

Exam and Cleanings

This is the starting point to determine where you’re at with your oral health. We begin by examining your mouth for signs of cavities, gum disease and anything else that needs attention.

Using special instruments we remove plaque, tarter and calculus from your teeth. We screen for oral cancer and examine your jaws and existing dental work. We will be able to detect oral health problems earlier and tell you about all your treatment options.

Why should you come in for dental exams and cleanings every six months? 

So we can catch any problems sooner before they can develop into something bigger leading to sensitivity, pain and/or more expensive dental procedures.

How long does a dental exam and teeth cleaning take?

Generally one hour leaving enough time to address any questions or concerns you may have. 

Can I brush my teeth after a dental cleaning?

Yes and you definitely want to continue you’re at home dental regimen.

Additional Preventive Treatments

Fluoride Treatment

We offer a simple fluoride treatment that will strengthen your teeth against decay and sensitivity. Our dental team will provide a fluoride treatment that benefits your dental health. Fluoride is especially helpful if you’re prone to getting cavities. 

How long does the fluoride treatment last?

The benefits of the fluoride will generally last for a couple of months and should be repeated once or twice per year.  After the treatment, you should not rinse, eat or drink for at least 30 minutes to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic areas within the teeth.

Looking for a Dental Exam and Cleaning in the Upper East Side?

The best way to protect and provide for your oral health is to have regular preventive dental checkups and cleaning. We want you to have healthier and brighter smile! Call us today at  (212) 517-9000 or email us at info@reitdds.com to schedule your dental exam and cleaning.