Did you have a Spring Break with a Broken tooth?

Spring Break NOT

I have a broken tooth, what will I do, what will I do?

Well, you’ll likely call a dentist. Maybe you’ll call us.  I’m Dr Glenn Reit and have been doing dentistry for decades.  Nobody likes going to the dentist, including me.  But, sometimes you have to bite the bullet and just go.  Most importantly nobody wants to feel any pain.  So I have taken additional training to make sure you are comfortable during treatment.  Yes, it is possible to give a painless dental injection.  Once you are numb and not able to feel anything the procedures are a whole lot more comfortable.

So maybe that hard pretzel was a little too hard, or that jawbreaker is a jaw breaker or that taco shell was just a little bit too crunchy and suddenly your tongue notices that part of your tooth has gone the way of the Dodo.  You look in the mirror and low and behold part of your tooth has left the building.

When you come in we will calm you down and look inside your mouth and tell what has happened.  Then the good part we will tell you your options on how to correct the situation and the costs involved.  If you have dental insurance it is better for you because they will cover a percentage of your treatment.

Maybe you just need to have your tooth smoothed; possibly a filling or maybe you’ll become a king or queen with your very own crown.  Maybe it’s a veneer, maybe an onlay or if the tooth has to be removed we will tell you how to replace it.

Hopefully, you will not find yourself in this situation but life happens and if you do we are here for you.  Located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85thStreets you can reach us at 212 517 9000.  After many years I have seen it all so whatever your situation we have seen it and treated it.

So call today even if it’s just for a routine dental exam and cleaning, 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!

Solving Dental Dilemmas- Dental Crowns

My kingdom for a crown or my tooth has lost its head and needs to be crowned.  Life happens and teeth can come upon hard times and fall apart.  Due to clenching, grinding or long ago placed dental fillings your teeth can become tired and break apart.

When that happens you’ll find yourself in a dental office with a dental problem that needs resolving.  If your teeth need to be crowned you might ask what a dental crown is.  A dental crown is a strong, natural-looking permanent tooth restoration that covers the top of your damaged tooth.

Why might you need a crown?  A broken tooth with decay or possibly an ill-fitting existing crown in your mouth.  You have a tooth that has undergone root canal therapy and will now become brittle leading to fracture.  You have a small or misshapen tooth or your tooth is interfering with your bite.

 The procedure involves preparing your tooth to receive the lab created crown which is done under local anesthesia so you’ll be comfortable during the procedure.  An impression is taken of your tooth and sent to the cosmetic lab we use in Beverly Hills, California.  During the time the permanent crown is being made we will fit you with a temporary crown.  Then before you know it your new crown will arrive and be cemented onto your tooth.

There are multiple types of crowns we can perform for you.  Each has their pros and cons and will be discussed in full before treatment.  We also will explain all costs involved and any insurance reimbursement to allow you to make an educated decision.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville we like meeting new people and resolving any tooth issues they might have.  If you are looking for a dentist give us a call today at 212 517 9000.  It will be one less problem in your life.

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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!

Are You Happy With Your Smile?

Fall into the Gap or maybe not.   Do you want to appear like David Letterman?  Maybe you do but maybe you do not.  We are talking about dental dilemmas here.  Like a big space between your upper front teeth.  Good for sucking juice through a straw with your mouth closed but not so well for most when smiling.  Remember you lead with your smile.  So what can you do?

Here at the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we can cosmetically close that space using various alternatives.  The first and best is to do orthodontics to move the teeth together.  This is accomplished using Invisalign removable retainers which will sequentially move your teeth into a more esthetic appearance.

Don’t want to go through orthodontics then cosmetic bonding is another alternative.  Here resin composite which matches the color of your teeth is placed without drilling or injections to recreate a more pleasing appearance when you smile.   If the space is somewhat large dental veneers made in a dental lab used on multiple teeth can achieve the smile you are looking for.

When you love your smile your confidence increases and you smile more often making those you interact with you feel a whole lot better.

So give us a call at 212 517 9000.  We are always looking to meet new people.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.

So don’t delay call today 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!

It’s Not James Bond but Dental Bond

Good Evening and welcome to my world of dentistry.  Sometimes nature can be cruel or accidents do occur.  When these maladies concern your teeth you might be seeing me.  It’s a good thing.  Maybe your teeth are misshapen, asymmetric, have gaps and spaces between themselves, discolorations and/or stains, chipped or cracked or have an exposed root.

If you’ve noticed any of these flaws in your own smile then come on down and meet with us.  Dental bonding can be an effective way to cosmetically rejuvenate your tooth or teeth.  Dental bonding is using an acrylic resin which is matched to the color of your teeth and can be molded to recreate a more pleasing appearance to your smile.

Once placed, tooth bonding should be brushed and flossed just like all your other teeth.  It is amazing how just a little bonding in certain areas of your mouth can brighten your whole smile.

We are located at 1498 Third Avenue in Yorkville between 84th and 85th Streets.  Easily accessible to the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines one block away and local bus service.  So if you need a cleaning or maybe a little bit more give us a call today 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!

The American Dental Association – Promoting Dental Health for more than 150 years

You’ve probably seen the ADA symbol on toothpaste, floss and mouth washes.  But, what do you know about this organization? The ADA’s mission statement is to improve the level of public oral health by supporting the dental industry through non-profit federal, state and local societies.  Founded in 1859 and run by its members currently more than 160,000.

The ADA Seal of Acceptance is not an endorsement of a product but rather a confirmation of the claims made by the manufacturer of the product.  Companies who want ADA approval must submit rigorous scientific testing to the Association.  Once submitted the ADA re-tests the products to further verify results.  There are now more than 300 products with the ADA seal.

The American Dental Association also provides resources to support dentists and their practices.  Educates the public about oral health, and works to increase access to dental care.  It offers counsel on important issues that influence the dental industry and works with other organizations on scientific research projects and public health initiatives.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS, Dr Reit is a member of the ADA , New York State Dental Society, and the First District Dental Society of New York City.  He is also a member of the California Dental Society and the Los Angeles County Dental Society.

Whether you are in need of just a tooth cleaning or you believe you need something a little more involved we are here for you.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.  We are always happy to meet new people.  If you need 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!

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 we are here for you.  If you need a check up, cleaning or something more involved give us a call at 212 517 9000.  Conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets we are a stone throw away if you live in the 10028, 10128, 10075 or 10021 zip codes.  The 4,5,6 and Q subway lines are all a block away and there is plenty of bus service.  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!

Is Sticky Candy Bad for Your Teeth?

Attack of The Gummi Bear!

Everyone likes sweet things but some sweet things have hidden dangers.  Sticky candy such as Gummi Bears, Taffy, Tootsie Rolls and Milk Duds make it difficult to open and close your mouth.  This also can happen when chewing a hard sourdough baguette.

Unlike all other joints, think knee or elbows your jaw joint or TMJ moves in three planes.  You can open, close, move side to side, forward and backwards.   Since you probably like to talk and eat you do not want to damage this joint.

If you are having pain when opening or closing, or have a clicking or popping sound give us a call so we can evaluate your condition.  There are simple changes you can make to relieve these problems if caught early.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and helping them to resolve their dental challenges.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Ave between 84th and 85th streets 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!

Different Type of Dental Specialties

In dentistry there are specialties but all general dentists perform all the procedures of specialists.

Dentistry is somewhat different from medicine.  In medicine Doctors generally deal with one part or treatment of the body.  While in dentistry even though there are specialists most dental treatments are performed by general dentists.  The specialists are for challenging cases.

With proper training general dentists can and do perform treatments of all the specialties.   So what and who are dental specialists.  First they are all general dentists who obtain additional training in one area of dentistry and then limit their practice to only performing specific treatments.

Here they are:  Endodontists who are concerned with root canals

                                Orthodontists who are concerned with movement of teeth

                                Periodontists who are concerned with providing dental treatment to children

                                Periodontists who are concerned with maintaining gum health

                                Oral Surgeons who are concerned with removing teeth

All dentists extract teeth.  This is the final treatment for hopeless teeth.  Today we are able to save teeth which in the past would be extracted.  Difficult extractions, third molar or wisdom tooth extractions and patients who want to be put to sleep for their tooth removal are generally referred to an oral surgeon.

Oral surgeons are also placing implants at this time.

Root canals are mainly done by general dentists.  An advantage to the patient is that the fee charged by a general dentist for a root canal is less than what an endodontist would charge for the same treatment.   Once again it is the degree of difficulty of the tooth involved which determines if the patient should be referred.  In the United States there are not enough endodontists available to perform all the root canals that are needed so general dentists are doing the vast majority of them.

All dentists can and do work on children.  It is a personal decision of the dentist if he or she wants to treat children.  Treating children requires a different mindset and the staff needs to be trained to handle the unique needs of working on adolescents.

Gum surgery and implant placement which is what periodontists perform can and are being performed by general dentists.  It comes down to the training and confidence of the general dentist to perform these treatments.

Finally in orthodontics general dentists are performing a substantial number of treatments.  With the advent of clear aligners such as Invisalign tooth movement is becoming the province of general dentists.  Again it is the parameters and the difficulty of the case that determines if an orthodontic referral is necessary.

In dentistry the general dentist as the name implies is the General.  The specialists are the subcontractors who the general dentist engages if he deems their services are needed.   The average patient generally first goes to their dentist for an evaluation before ever seeing a specialist.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we are always happy to meet with new patients and to diagnose their condition.   We like people and we like taking care of you and your teeth.  If you think you need to see a dentist give us a call today 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!

Gum Health and Diet

Riot Riot; What is in your Diet?

The adage you are what you eat is TRUE.

Eat it today wear it tomorrow is also accurate.

To maintain health you should limit the amount of carbohydrates and sugar you consume.  Yes, you do need carbohydrates and in reality all foods eaten are converted into sugars your body needs to function.

But too much bread, pasta, potatoes, cakes, cookies, candies and sodas will multiply your daily calorie consumption and lead to increased levels of body fat.

As for your teeth sugary foods are broken down into acids which can and will attack the enamel of your teeth.  Cavities or decay in teeth are formed by these acids breaking through the enamel layer which surrounds your teeth.  Once through this layer the major part of your tooth is made of dentin which is a lot more susceptible to decay.  In addition once inside your tooth you are no longer able to keep the area clean, so the decay grows and leads to problems.

You should be brushing your teeth twice per day, once in the morning upon waking and again in the evening before retiring.   This will help to reduce the bacterial count in your mouth.  Since your teeth are cube shaped you also need to floss at these times.   The floss gets in between your teeth and removes any food build up present.

Your teeth want to be cleaned professionally; a healthy smile will be appreciated by you and those you interact with.  At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like people and we like helping people to maintain their dental health.

Conveniently located in Yorkville on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in the 10028 zip code at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets – we are easy to get to.  The 4, 5, 6 and Q subway lines are one block from our door.  We are located in a five story brownstone on the second floor directly across from our very own Upper East Side McDonald’s.

If you think you have a problem or just want a dental cleaning give us a call today at 212 517 9000.

You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

When Your Crown Falls Out... What do you do?

You’ve Lost Your Crown

Your Tooth Kingdom is challenged

What Will You Do?

For many of us at some time in our lives a tooth has deteriorated to a point where a dental filling can no longer be placed.  A more elaborate tooth restoration has been performed.   This is a dental crown sometimes considered a dental cap by the public.   The crown restores your tooth to function but it is cemented onto your tooth.

Life happens and cements do fail and your crown is suddenly off.  Your tooth has lost its head.  It needs to be reattached as soon as possible.  The exposed tooth is not as strong as other teeth since the protective enamel layer has been removed during the tooth preparation for the crown. 

Sometimes a crown comes off due to a new cavity that has formed at the margin of the crown.  If this occurs and the situation is not rectified quickly it can lead to the fabrication of a new crown.

Unencumbered teeth like to migrate like birds.  They like to move towards the front of your mouth.  In addition they like to move up or down depending on if they are on your upper or lower jaws.  This ability for teeth to move is why orthodontics or braces work.

When you crown is no longer attached to your tooth there is now a space both horizontally and vertically for the tooth to begin moving into.  So the quicker the crown is restored the less chance of movement of the opposing and/or adjacent teeth.

So, if your crown is off you need to take action now.  You need to see a dental professional who will evaluate your situation and provide a solution.

If you are in need of this service or just want a check up or dental cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000. At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit we like people and we like resolving any dental challenges you may be facing.  We are conveniently located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville.  You and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Why You Should Not Avoid Going to the Dentist

Not going to the dentist can bite you.

Your brain due to experience will try to protect you from experiencing pain.  One of the unfortunate consequences of life is that when you are little you have very little say in what happens to you.  One of these circumstances is when going to the dentist you had a painful experience. This will haunt you for a very long time. 

As stated before if you experienced pain from earlier dental procedures your brain will tell you to stay away from the dentist.  This can boomerang.  As time goes by, not going to the dentist can allow a minor problem to become a big problem.  Now you’re in pain and your expectation is you’re going to have more pain.

Today dentistry has progressed where even the dreaded root canal can generally be treated painlessly. The time to come in for a dental checkup is when you are feeling fine.  Then any mysteries can be exposed before they can bite you.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS I realized going to the dentist is vastly different than being the dentist.  It’s a lot different being the patient under treatment.  So, I take it very seriously to ensure you have a pain free experience while in the office.

We will diagnose any situation you may have, give you alternatives to resolve the situation and give you local anesthetics to prevent you from feeling any pain during treatment.  I have taken the time to learn how to give painless dental injections which most patients appreciate.

So if you are in need of dental treatment or just a cleaning give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we’ll be happy to meet with you.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Healthy Teeth During Pregnancy

Are You Pregnant?

Congratulations; you’re having a baby.  Now you have to consider your health and your baby’s.  The ideal situation is to come into the dentist for a checkup before you become pregnant.   In this way any dental treatments can be done now.   During your pregnancy if a dental emergency happens we can still treat you but it is much better if you only need a dental cleaning at that time.

In fact your MD doctor will recommend dental cleanings during your pregnancy since most women will experience gingival bleeding and inflammation during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.

While you are pregnant the taking of dental x-rays needs to be kept to the absolute minimum so knowing your dental condition before pregnancy and fixing any problems will generally take care of this issue.  Eating a healthy diet is good for you and your developing baby.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting people and taking care of your dental needs.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets right here in Yorktown.   So if you think you have something going on or it’s just been a while since your last cleaning give us a call at 212 571 9000 to schedule.  You and your teeth will be glad you did. 

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Dental Health Tips You Might Not Know

Did You Know…

Here are some interesting tidbits concerning your teeth.

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

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

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

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

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

So; here are the particulars

                Hold the brush at 45 degrees against your gums

                Rotate the brush gently in small, circular motions

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

                Repeat on the inside and chewing surfaces of all teeth and

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Dental Concerns for Women

Throughout life women are challenged by changes in their hormones which can affect their dental health.  Starting from puberty to menstruation to pregnancy and finally menopause hormonal changes are a factor to be concerned about.

During puberty due to fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to gingivitis. Menstruation can lead to gingival inflammation at the beginning of a woman’s period. Oral Contraceptives can lead to inflamed gums and discoloration of the soft tissue in the mouth. Pregnancy can make teeth more susceptible to accumulation of bacterial plaque within the mouth. Menopause can lead to inflamed gums, burning sensation, dry mouth and altered taste. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become more fragile, less dense, leading to more fractures.

Problems with the temporomandibular joint system or TMJ affects more women than men. This dysfunction of the jaw joint leads to headaches, jaw popping, jaw locking and teeth grinding.

Saliva production generally is reduced during pregnancy.  Saliva is important to lubricate the mouth and keep the bacterial count lower thereby reducing the chance of tooth decay.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we are aware of the special conditions women face during their lives in relation to tooth health.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.   We are always looking forward to meeting new people.   If you are in need of dental services please give us a call at 212 517 9000 you and your teeth will be glad you did.

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

How a Dental Night Guard Can Benefit You

The Daily Grind

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

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!