Are Your Foundations Strong

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 attacks 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 in between 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.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

The Daily Grind - We Are Talking Teeth Not Coffee

Do your teeth hurt upon waking in the morning? Do you experience dull pain or headache? Do you find your jaw to be sore or your bedmate giving you the morning look of being kept up at night? If so, then maybe you’re grinding your teeth at night to relieve the stresses of the Big Apple. Daily tooth grinding is not beneficial to the health of your teeth. They can fracture, loosen or experience increased wear leading to sensitivity and cavities. It’s like water continually running over rocks or two pieces of wood constantly being rubbed against each other. Over time the outer surfaces will wear down. The constant moving of your jaws can also lead to teeth abfractions. These formed notched areas on the sides of your teeth are similar to the bite of an ax when cutting down a tree leading to increased sensitivity and possible tooth fracture. The constant daily grind can bring muscle pain to your jaw and sides of your head. Meditation, yoga, exercise and a healthy diet can help to relieve stress. But if that’s not working we have a solution for you to help save your teeth from breaking. It’s called a dental night guard which as the name implies you wear at night to guard your teeth. It is made of a soft, flexible material and will protect your teeth from the hazards of grinding. New York can be a stressful place so we have made substantial numbers of night guards. The fabrication and wear is painless and may be covered by your dental insurance policy. So if this sounds like you or you know of someone who has mentioned this problem. Let us know and we’re here to help make you feel a whole lot better

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

Missing a Tooth? Here’s How Dental Implants Can Restore Your Smile

If you notice in the reception area of the practice we have plants. They are actually alive and growing. No plastic plants here. In addition to planting plants we also plant teeth in areas of missing teeth. The planting is called implanting as in placing a piece of titanium into your jaw in the shape of a tooth’s root to allow us to restore a missing tooth with a created one that closely matches your former tooth. Is there a tooth in your mouth that is now no longer present? Did you lose that tooth due to trauma as in biting on ice, a cherry or olive pit? Did you fall down and hit that tooth? Did you have a root canal procedure years ago which has now failed. The big question is; do you miss that tooth? If so, we have an answer for you. We can replace it without disturbing your adjacent teeth. We have been doing this in the practice for more than 10 years. In the past, the standard of care in dentistry was to do a bridge. Think George Washington which consists of two towers with a suspended roadway. A bridge in dentistry where you are missing a tooth would involve reducing the two adjacent teeth next to the missing tooth and then creating a roadway or three connected teeth or crowns together to restore the missing tooth. The problem is the adjacent teeth could be decay free and now you are grinding them down to nubs. In addition it’s hard to floss between attached teeth leading to a greater chance of gum disease. The beauty of the implant is that the adjacent teeth are not touched. You are only replacing the lost tooth and once restored you will still be able to floss normally. Esthetically your new tooth will match your other teeth and only you will know you had the procedure. Insurance generally pays for fifty percent of the procedure up to your insurance maximum. If you are missing a tooth, maybe now is the time to consider a dental implant. If you have flexible spending, October is usually the month to make your contribution for next year. If this sounds interesting to you; give us a call today and we’ll discuss your situation.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

EATING HEALTHY FOR YOUR HEALTH AND SMILE

Today pre diabetes is becoming rampant in the population.  You do not have full blown diabetes where you need Insulin to survive but your sugar level in your bloodstream is dangerously high.  Why is this?  Well, it’s because most of us eat way too much sugar.  There is sugar in everything but some of our eating choices cause us to ingest way too much.

A good thing is that when you go to the supermarket, food labels now tell you how many grams of sugar are in the products you are buying.  Even healthy foods such as yogurt can contain added sugar.  The worst culprits are sodas.  Looking at the label it’s like pouring a sugar bowl down your throat.  Over time these increased levels of sugar intake cause havoc in your body in addition to enlarging your waist thereby putting increased pressure on your joints and your heart.

As far as your teeth are concerned increased sugar intake can lead to dental cavities and gum disease.  So if you want to watch the amount of sugar you are ingesting and to help your teeth remain healthy here are six things you should make as habits.

When you get up in the morning and before going to bed you need to brush your teeth.  Brushing gets the top, front and back of your teeth but don’t forget in between your teeth.  These surfaces also need to be cleaned.  Here is where dental floss comes in.  This tiny waxed strand can move into the spaces between your teeth and keep these areas clean.

If you are a gum chewer make sure to avoid gums that contain sugar.  There are plenty of sugarless gums now available.  A dry mouth is conducive to dental caries so if your mouth is continually dry, chewing gum helps to produce saliva thereby keeping your mouth wet.

Be careful in consuming sticky foods like caramel and taffy.  These substances have a tendency to stick to your teeth and generally contain large amounts of sugar.  Even dried fruit which seems to be healthy can be loaded with sugar and readily stick to your teeth.

You want to consume nutritious foods such as raw fruits and vegetables which help to support your immune system.

Do you like cheese – good for you!  Cheese contains calcium that breaks down acids in your mouth which can attack your teeth.  Cheese is tasty and enlivens your meals, but don’t go overboard since cheese is high in fat.

Moderate your intake of acidic foods.  No sucking on lemons here when having an ice tea or too many carbonated drinks.  Direct and constant exposure to these substances will wear down the enamel or outer protective coating of your teeth.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

Do You Grind Your Teeth at Night? Custom Night Guards in NYC for Stress Relief

As another New Yorker said: What does it mean? I’ll tell you what it means Pressure Don’t ask for help your all alone Pressure Living in New York running around, under the gun always late Pressure Can be overwhelming and who gets it, your teeth do. When you have departed reality and are unconscious at night, your jaw muscles are experiencing your mind’s internal video. Clenching and grinding to relieve the stress from a New York life. Your teeth are yelling, somebody help me. Well, that somebody can be me. If you awake in the morning and the sides of your head ache. If your jaw muscles are sore and if your teeth feel like they have been through the war. You need to take action and come on in to our office where we can make you a night guard to relieve the pressure being placed on your teeth. You may ask why I need to see you. For a lot less I can go to the Duane Reader and buy a night guard. Not a good choice. Do you realize that all joints in your body only move in one direction or one plane while your jaw joint is a three-way joint. The only one in your body. It moves forward/back, side to side and up and down. Meaning, your night guard has to coincide with all these movements. You need a professional and sorry, you’re not that professional. You are better off with no night guard than purchasing a do it yourself one at the drugstore. Of course, the best solution is to tackle your pressure. But you’re in a pressure cooker so you’re going to have to be proactive and positive. Meditation, exercise, proper eating and a positive outlook where you’re not the victim mindset will be required. Not to worry if the pressure is still there, come on in and we’ll help give your teeth and muscles relief. Your brain, teeth and muscles will thank you and then you can thank me. Your dental insurance plan might even cover half the expense especially if your employer is applying PRESSURE.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

SIMPLE WAYS TO STRENGTHEN YOUR TEETH

Maybe you lift weights to build strength, but are you doing things to strengthen your teeth? There are ways to strengthen your teeth. Just like you want to have strong bones, having strong teeth is also advantageous. Having a healthy diet, good oral hygiene, and regular dental checkups is a good start. Tooth enamel is the hard surface of your teeth, which needs to be strong and healthy to prevent dental decay from penetrating into the interior of the tooth leading to dental problems. Enamel can weaken due to genetics, illnesses and/or poor oral hygiene habits. Brushing too strongly with a stiff toothbrush can wear down the enamel surface. Unlike your bones, your teeth do not have regenerative cells so once the enamel is worn down it will not build back up. Fermentable carbohydrates which are found in breakfast cereals, crackers, breads, bananas, soft drinks, candy, cookies and other starchy foods form harmful and dangerous acids on your teeth. When combined with bacteria, those acids will start to break down the enamel. This demineralization process literally eats away at the naturally produced minerals in your enamel. Clearly meaning that highly processed foods and sweet treats will cause demineralization of your tooth enamel over time. Brushing twice per day and flossing once per day is vital if you want to strengthen your teeth. Be careful not to brush too hard and always brush at a forty-five degrees angle with a soft bristled toothbrush using short and decisive strokes. Brush for at least two minutes and don’t forget your tongue as bacteria love to linger in places your toothbrush misses. The saliva that you produce after you brush your teeth can also help prevent demineralization as it contains proteins and minerals that will safeguard the enamel on your teeth. Saliva is constantly washing off the germs on your teeth and helps to maintain the pH of your mouth thereby reducing acid production. Our early ancestors had quite a different diet from us and showed very little signs of weakened tooth enamel. New York City water is fluoridated which helps to keep your enamel strong. A healthy diet includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products. So, keep on brushing and may the floss be with you.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

Plaque Attack

No, we’re not talking about an outer space invasion from Mars but an invasion of bacteria within you. There is good bacteria and bad bacteria, and this is the bad one. Anaerobic bacteria now reside within your oral cavity. They like to reproduce and they like to do it in your mouth, because that’s what they do and your mouth is an ideal environment for them to procreate. Inside your mouth it is warm and around one hundred degrees. It is also dark since there is no internal lighting and most important, there is a continual source of food. If you’re living, you’re eating. A warm, dark place with abundant food supplies is just what’s needed to get this show on the road. When you do not adequately clean your teeth, a thick sticky residue called plaque accumulates. Consider this plaque a city of bacteria that’s growing. Maybe you want to do some demolition work to remove these little buggers. It’s easy if you’re flossing and brushing twice per day. You’re ruining their day but making yours. Clean teeth are healthy teeth and with your regime of daily cleanings along with a healthy diet and regular professional cleanings will keep you out of trouble. If you are lazy about cleaning your teeth, then the plaque will build up and produce acids which damages the enamel or outside layer of your teeth, leading to tooth decay. Like an iceberg, most of the plaque is hidden and invades into the area under your gums leading to irritation and eventual gum disease. This is problematic since the gums hold your teeth into your jaws. A beautiful smile starts with healthy teeth and gums and if not kept up to snuff due to plaque build-up, it will eventually ruin your day. So, if you are experiencing a plaque attack, it’s time to schedule your teeth cleaning appointment. You and your teeth will be glad you did.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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 Mouthwash or Not

They come in all colors and flavors in small and large bottles. To use or not to use; that is the question. There’s the original yellow Listerine which we have all used when we have a sore throat. It even tastes like medicine. Is that a good thing? All these products claim to do something including fresher breath, fewer cavities and whiter teeth. For most people with healthy teeth and gums, it’s just a personal preference. What are the benefits of using these products? Cosmetic benefits include freshening your breath for an important meeting or whitening your smile for a date. The products temporarily control odors by masking them with a pleasant aftertaste but they don’t last long. Therapeutic benefits are used to control gingivitis, dry mouth and/or mouth sores. The problem with daily use of these rinses is many are alcohol based. In that case you are continually ingesting alcohol into your oral cavity which is not in your best interests since alcohol dries out your mouth. There are many alcohol-free mouthwashes on the market which are the ones you want to use if you are using a mouthwash daily. Most important to remember is that mouthwashes do not replace brushing or flossing. It is only an adjuvant to these daily necessary routines. When you have a sore throat due to a cold the old Listerine does help you to swallow easier.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

Make Cleaning Your Teeth a Daily 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 quite exhilarating. When you exercise routinely, you experience an endorphin rush after your workout. This makes you feel good. Feeling good helps you maintain your routine. Taking a shower or bath each day makes you feel clean, which for most is an enjoyable sensation. To achieve something, you need to develop a routine. To clean your mouth, ideally it should be done twice daily, in the morning and in the evening. When you wake up each morning, you might have the sensation that I call morning mouth. The bacteria within your mouth have been having a 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% 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 that 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. Since most dental insurances cover your exam, X-rays, and cleaning at 100%. It’s a no-brainer.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

Nobody Wants Cavities

Everyone wants to be healthy. Luckily today concerning your teeth with fluoride in the drinking water the amount of tooth decay is way down, especially if you make the effort to brush and floss your teeth. How do cavities occur? Sometimes you can be predisposed to decay due to your genetics but most of the time it is due to eating sugary, sticky foods and not removing the remaining residue by not cleaning your teeth. The outside of your tooth is made up of enamel which is a very hard substance. The inner part of your tooth is made up of dentin which is technically millions of little straws pressed close together. For decay to inhabit your tooth it has to break through the enamel layer. Think of decay as looking like an upside down or right side up pyramid depending if you are on your upper or lower teeth. The top point is the entry point into your inner tooth. Most people have grooves and lines on the surface of their teeth so if food remains there it disintegrates giving off acids which attack the surface of your teeth. Once the decay forms that little hole into the interior of your tooth it now has an ideal environment to cause mayhem. For decay to grow it is looking for a dark, warm area without oxygen and a continual source of food. Inside your mouth it is dark, approximately 100 degrees and once the decay is inside your tooth there is no oxygen. As you continually eat there is a constant source of food. Since the decay is within your tooth you are unable to remove or clean it with your toothbrush and it continues to grow. The only way to remove it is to see your dentist who will excavate it out and replace the missing tooth structure to restore your tooth to health. You can also get decay between your teeth by not flossing to remove any impacted food remaining there after eating. Here at Dr Glenn Reit’s dental practice, we do not want you to have decay. If you do, we will remove it and restore your tooth to health.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

You Lead With Your Smile

So, having a pleasing smile can only help you navigate through life. When you look in the mirror are you smiling or not? If not, is it because there’s something you’d like to change? If it concerns your teeth there are multiple alternatives to rejuvenate your smile. Maybe your teeth are looking a little dark from too much coffee or wine. Maybe your teeth are a little chipped or worn down from just experiencing chewing? Or maybe like a stagecoach some of your teeth have decided to take a journey somewhere else. If you are experiencing any of these problems there are solutions. A little lighter color can be achieved through tooth whitening. Here after three or four home applications with tooth whitening trays for ten to fifteen minutes voila your teeth are whiter. Might make you feel a whole lot happier. If your teeth look worse for wear with the application of composite matched to the color of your teeth we can bring you a more pleasing look. For these procedures there is no dental drilling or giving of anesthesia so it’s painless. If your teeth have lost their way and need to be brought back to the ranch we can heard them into alignment. Wear clear plastic aligners over a period of time your teeth will move back into formation giving you a more pleasing smile. It’s not painful; it’s relatively quick and can make you feel a whole lot happier when smiling. Right or wrong people judge you. Your teeth are right out front. A pleasing smile often leads to a more pleasing response from those you meet. Some of this is unconscious but it does have a bearing on interactions with other humans. Sometimes all it takes is the standard dental cleaning to enhance your smile. Coming in twice per year to have your teeth examined and cleaned can catch most problems before they become a problem. Being proactive versus being reactive in the long run is always a better proposition.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

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. However, most people want to replace the tooth. You could involve the adjacent teeth with a bridge, which is three teeth connected together but, 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 within 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 but they are not real either. Today there’s a better option 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 this procedure if your employer likes you. It takes a little while to complete and it does cost you some money but in the end everyone feels happier to have the missing tooth replaced. We have been doing these procedures in office for more than a decade. So if you are missing a tooth or you’ve been missing a tooth give a thought and maybe a new tooth will come into your life.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

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 so we can resolve your situation.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

Dental Implants- What To Do If You Lose a Tooth and You Miss It

Only a dentist can love a tooth but most individuals love their smile. Sometimes due to trauma or failure of a dental restoration a tooth will need to be removed. Unfortunately teeth are unable to repair themselves when injured. A minor incident can lead to a filling or if a filling fails to a crown. Now you’re royalty. I wonder how many crowns Queen Elizabeth has? Dental crowns, that is. Sometimes the nerve in your tooth decides to check out. In that case a root canal may be needed. But, even root canals can fail and if that happens and the tooth is lost you may want a replacement. Back in the day if you lost a tooth you had three options: Do nothing, replace it with a tooth permanently connected to your adjacent teeth or with a tooth you could take in and out of your mouth. Today, if you lose a tooth we can replace it with one that is most like your original tooth and not compromise any of your existing teeth. This is accomplished by placing a dental implant. A dental implant is a biocompatible piece of titanium which looks like you own dental tooth’s root. It is placed into your jaw basically right into the hole where your original tooth resided. Several months later the bone of your jaw will grow into the implant allowing the piece of titanium to become part of your jaw. At this point a crown can be placed on the implant which resembles your own original tooth. Since the implant mimics your own tooth in appearance and function you will believe it is your own. The implant surgery is done right here in the office. you will be able to function normally the next morning. Since the treatment is spread out over several months, so is the cost. Dental insurance companies will cover this procedure if the tooth involved was taken out while the insurance policy is in effect. For those with flexible spending plans this is a qualified expenditure. Even if you lost your tooth several years ago we may still be able to replace it with an implant with an additional procedure done at the time of implant placement. Realize when you lose a tooth you begin losing bone which supports the tooth. The loss of bone can lead to a dimple expression on your face. Most adults are not into the Shirley Temple look. If this situation sounds like you or if you have friends or loved ones who have that gap tooth look come on in for a consultation to see if this is a solution for them or you.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us today at 212 517 9000.  You and your teeth will be glad 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!

Teeth Straightening For Most Everyone

It’s now 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 so comfortable 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 this flexibility 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 today to find out if Invisalign is right for you.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we care about you and your teeth.  With decades of experience we’ve seen it all.  Our vision is to educate you about your dental health, give you alternatives for any treatment you may need and discuss what it will cost before we begin so you may make an educated decision on how to proceed.

We want to instill confidence and create a bond with you while performing your dentistry in a stress free environment.  We realize going to the dentist is not on most people’s top ten list so our goal is to give you more in service value than what you pay for your dentistry.

Call us 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!

Nobody Wants Stained Teeth

You may want to stain some wood but you certainly do not want to intentionally stain your teeth.  However, certain of our habits are conducive to darkening the color of our teeth.  High pigmented drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and soda along with berries and tomato sauce will darken your teeth.

One way to lessen the effects of these foods is to rinse your mouth with water after consumption or brushing your teeth.  You could also use a straw which directs the staining liquids away from your teeth but for most this will not be acceptable like drinking a cup of coffee through a straw, not.

Stopping smoking in addition to being good for your gums and teeth is good for your overall health.  The tar and nicotine in teeth will stain them over time.

Most importantly consistent oral hygiene plays a crucial role in preventing tooth staining.  When you build up plaque on your teeth it traps stains and makes them more difficult to remove. 

We recommend a soft toothbrush twice per day to get the surfaces of your teeth and dental floss to clean in between your teeth which will lead to less staining.

If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth professional tooth whitening may be the answer for you.

Tooth staining and discoloration can detract from the beauty of your smile.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit on the Upper East Side of Manhattan between 84th and 85th streets on Third Avenue we like meeting new people and helping them resolve their dental problems.  If you are looking for a dentist 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!

Five habits to keep your teeth healthy and attractive

Change is Good

Here are 5 habits you should alter to keep your teeth healthy and attractive.   Are you a nail biter?

Over time this subconscious habit can lead to chipping, cracking and causing excessive wear to your teeth.   Since most nail biting occurs on your anterior teeth it can and will be noticed by others.

The old chewing on inedible objects such as pens, pencils or sunglass stems.  Constantly chewing on these non forgiving substances can only lead to detrimental changes in the look and strength of the teeth subjected to these objects.

You are not an ice crusher.  It seems many like to chew on ice.  For some reason chewing and breaking the ice makes you feel better.  Probably due to some stress in your life, crushing the ice with your teeth makes you feel stronger.  Over times cracks appear on the surface of your teeth leading to a greater potential of the tooth eventually fracturing

Jaw breaking as in jaw clenching is definitely related to being stressed out.  In fact clenching bringing your jaws together or grinding moving your jaws back and forth is a way for your body to release stress.  Unfortunately, this causes increased pressure on your jaws and teeth leading to breaking of the teeth or injury to your jaw joints. 

Brushing too hard or using a hard toothbrush can cause injury to your gums which surround and support your teeth.  Not paying attention while you are brushing can cause whole areas of your mouth to be missed.

If any of these habits are you, maybe now is a good time to say bye, bye to them.   You and your teeth will be glad you did.

At the dental practice of Dr. Glenn Reit located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we like meeting new people and getting to know them and taking care of any dental issues they may have.

Even if you just need a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000 to schedule an appointment.

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 Is Not Your Friend

Foundations

Just like a building, a tooth needs a strong foundation.  For teeth the foundation is your jaw and gums.  You can have decay free teeth but if the support is not there they can end up in your hands.  Keeping your gums healthy is not too difficult if you just make a small effort.  

How do I keep my gums healthy?  Visiting the dentist twice a year is recommended.  Here we can look into your mouth and with x rays determine any problems that might be brewing.  If you have no decay then with a dental cleaning and your efforts your gums and jaw bone will remain healthy.

Your part is simple.  Come to the dentist and then compliment your visit with your daily dental home care.  Every morning upon waking and every evening before retiring you need to brush and floss your teeth.  The brushing removes accumulations on the top, back and front of your teeth.  The flossing removes accumulation between your teeth and is more important than the brushing for gum health.

Around every tooth is a pocket or cuff.  In a healthy situation the pocket is two to three millimeters in depth.  At this level when you floss the floss will reach the base of the pocket and remove any build up of food and bacteria present.

Gum disease happens when the food between your teeth is not removed.  As the food breaks down it releases acids which attack the gums allowing the pockets to deepen.  Once the pocket gets greater than four millimeters even if you floss you will not be able to reach the base of the pocket and the gum disease continues. 

Over time if not checked the gum disease starts to attack the bone in your jaws.  When enough bone is lost the tooth starts eventually becoming loose and needs to be removed.  It takes time for this to happen and often the patient is not aware of it till the end.

Coming in for dental check-up and cleaning will catch this situation before it can become a problem.   You lead with your teeth and your teeth make up your smile.  If it’s been awhile maybe it’s time to come in for a check-up and cleaning

At the dental office of Dr. Glenn Reit we always like meeting new people and taking care of their dental needs.  We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85thstreets in Yorkville.  You can reach us at 212 517 9000

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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!

Possible Complications After A Tooth Extraction - Dry Socket

Socket it To Me

Taking out a tooth could be considered a socket it to me.  After a tooth is removed there is a hole left where the tooth used to reside.  The hole will eventually fill in over time but right after the extraction there is a possibility that the area might not heal and this could lead to a dry socket.  It’s not dry in there but in a dry socket the blood has not clotted.

The main cause of a dry socket is spitting out after the extraction has been done.    After a tooth has been removed you cannot spit out for the next day because if you do, a dry socket could be in your future.  Although painful it can be easily corrected with a return visit to the practice but why would you want that?  In addition for the day of and day after the extraction you should avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.  Smoking will burn the area and alcohol will make it easier for the area to start bleeding.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we like meeting new patients hopefully before they need to have a tooth removed.  If it’s been some time since you’ve been to the dentist give us a call.  Being proactive is always better and more affordable than being reactive.

We are located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville in the 10028 zip code.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are one block away. 

So don’t delay 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 Have A Dental Emergency- What To Do?

In life things happen.  Sometimes the thing is related to your teeth.  Something’s happening and you need to act.  Being prepared will at least make you feel a little better and relieve some of the stress.

As the British say Stay Calm and assess the situation.  Next contact your dentist immediately.  When speaking to the office, explain clearly the situation and listen to what you are to do.

Some general first aid measures include:

For Pain rinse your mouth with warm water and take the pain reliever which works best for you.

For a Broken tooth rinse your mouth with warm water and apply ice to the area to prevent swelling.

For Soft Tissue Injuries rinse with warm water and apply tea bag to area if bleeding is present

In all cases contact your dentist to seek definitive treatment.

If a tooth has come out of your mouth handle it by the top only avoiding contact with the root.

Place the tooth in a glass of milk and do not touch the root surface or try to clean it and immediately call your dentist.  Time is critical for the tooth to be replaced back into your jaw.

If a restoration comes out, attempt to retrieve it.  Many times it can be replaced into the tooth it has come out of. 

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit in addition to patient referrals we meet new people when they are experiencing a dental emergency.  In our practice we realize when you are having a dental emergency you will be under stress so the first order of business is to get you out of pain.

Then when you are comfortable we can tell you your options and the costs involved.

Even if you do not have a dental emergency but just want a cleaning we are here for you.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville.  The 4, 5,6 and Q subway lines are one block away.

So if you need or want to see a dentist give us a call at 212 517 9000. With decades of experience we have seen it all.  So no matter what ails you concerning your mouth and teeth we  will be able to help 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!