It's Always Something: Why Taking Action on Your Dental Health Matters

As Roseanne Roseannadanna said, “It’s always something.” If it’s not this, then it’s that. Life is an experience and something’s always going on. No matter how in control you think you are, life will throw you a curve. So being flexible is the key. The most important flexibility is in your mind. When a change or obstacle appears, do you feel challenged or overwhelmed? Boulders are constantly being thrown in your path. You can step out of the way or get run over. The most in-tune people are the ones who can predict the boulder before it even appears. These individuals are living in the present and predicting the future based on the facts at hand. But no matter how good a prognosticator you are, there will always be events beyond your control. You must live in The Now. In fact, that is the only time you can live in. The past is irretrievably gone. The future is only a construct. You can only develop your future now. The moment is the key. Are you conscious of the moment? It just passed. So you must be aware that moments are constantly happening, and you must take action now. To take action you have to have a plan. Where do you want to go? If you don’t know where you’re going, how are you going to get there? First, decide, and then think of possible ways to attack the problem and then take action. The key is to take action, not procrastination. Procrastination is the killer of all action. You will never have all the facts, so you just have to go. If you make a mistake, you will correct, alter course, and continue on. Failure is always a learning situation. When you fail, you will ponder, learn from it, and move forward. No action will produce any results. Hence, it is better to fail than not move forward. The more you move, the stronger your mind will become and believe you will succeed. You’ve got to believe in yourself. If you don’t believe in yourself, how will anyone else? Fear is false evidence that appears real and can freeze you like a deer in the headlights. Fear is real. If you jump off a cliff, you will fall, but you must make a plan, overcome your fear, and move forward in spite of what you feel. Fear is produced by living too much in the future and not knowing what will happen. You cannot predict the future, so you need to act now and modify your actions based on what occurs. Exercise in the beginning is hard, but as you repeat the routines, over time, your body responds and you get better and stronger. After finishing your routine, you’ll get an endorphin rush, a peaceful and happy feeling. Your muscles and body are getting stronger. Taking action gets easier when continually applied. It moves you forward, and you’ll be amazed at how far you have progressed. There is never a finish line but always another challenge, but over time, your accomplishments will afford you the luxury of security and peacefulness, and if you strive to bring others along, you’ll experience happiness to boot

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 212 517 9000 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!

Make Cleaning Your Teeth a Daily Habit for Better Oral Health

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!

Lead With Your Smile: How to Improve 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? Your Tooth Replacement Options

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 it 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.

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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: The Best Way to Replace a Missing Tooth

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 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 Your Oral Health Affects Your Immune System

When you think about it your most important friend is your immune system. Your immune system is a defense system of cells, tissues and organs which protect you from disease. Evolution has taken millions of years but in the past century the industrial revolution has changed the environment. Our air and water supply are no longer as pristine as they once were. Here in the city our cars release copious amounts of carbon monoxide, there is waste runoff into the rivers, microwave towers surround us and then there is constant noise. All of these external pressures tax your immune system whether you believe it or not. You know the problem is real when more hospital complexes are being built here in the city and on television there seems to be an unending cascade of drug commercials. Our evolution has not caught up with our technology. Sure there are more cures but wouldn’t it be better to not need one? So what are you to do? You need to do something. You can’t change your genetic makeup. You are what you are. However, your first line of defense is a healthy lifestyle including a diet high in fruit and vegetables, regular exercise, a healthy weight, adequate sleep, moderate alcohol intake, no smoking and a reduction of stress. Meditation helps here. Having a healthy mouth is good for you and a beautiful smile makes for a more youthful appearance and contributes to your overall health. We want you to look and feel better especially after being with us. A strengthened immune system allows you to more fully enjoy 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!

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!

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!

Make A Plan For Your Oral Health

Failing to Plan is planning to Fail

Do You Have A Goal for Your Oral Health in New York City?

When you are enthusiastic you perform better.   Do you have a plan?  Often success or failure comes down to whether you have developed a plan and then take action to implement and follow it.  Sporadic health is not effective.  You do or you don’t.  It’s the daily effort that leads to your success.

When you smile do you feel good?  Does your smile mean keeping your lips sealed?  You know it when you see it.  If you’re unhappy with your smile, the good news today is that there are options to make it better.  Do you see missing teeth, are the shapes of your teeth not right, is there staining, are there smells emanating from your mouth?  If so we should see you.

Here at Dr Glenn Reit DDS we are enthusiastic about customized patient focused care.  We create personalized treatment plans for every single patient since all patients are unique.  Age, lifestyle and current oral health are unique for each person.  Are you ready to become the new you?

Give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we will perform an extensive examination and explain your options and answer all your questions and concerns.   We will develop a personalized treatment plan to improve your oral health.

We are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets one block from the 4,5,6 and Q subway lines and the Third Avenue Bus.  So if you are looking for ways to improve your health and appearance 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!

Overbites and Underbites

For some their lower jaw is forward – think Jay Leno while for others their lower jaw is intruded like they’ve hit the wall.  These conditions can cause havoc in your mouth in relation to your teeth.   However, for most their jaws are in alignment but their teeth may not be.

If the front surface of your upper teeth are more forward than the front surfaces of your lower teeth you have an overbite generally meaning your upper jaw is bigger than your lower jaw.  You may be able to sort of stick your tongue between your upper and lower teeth when your jaws are closed.  In an underbite it’s just the reverse with the lower jaw being bigger than your upper jaw.

Some others have what is called a cross bite like the x crossing of railroad tracks.  These conditions can lead to dental problems since the upper and lower teeth are not coming together correctly.  Think of the gears of a motor not being in alignment.  Over time the teeth of the gears will wear down unevenly and even break off.

You see the same thing on your shoes if your feet are not in alignment the soles of your shoes wear unevenly.  Same with a tire on your car – when out of alignment the ride is less smooth and the tires wear out quicker.

Also when teeth are crooked it is harder to keep them clean leading to gum disease and tooth decay.    Today in dentistry we are able to realign crooked teeth.  It leads to longevity of your dentition and makes it easier for you to keep them clean and decay free.

At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville we always like meeting new people and taking care of their dental needs whether mild or more advanced.  So, if you are looking for a dentist give us a call at 212 517 90000 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!

Whatever You Call Your Teeth...Just Keep Them Healthy!

Chompers, Pearly Whites, Dents, Gnashers, Grill all lead to one item; your teeth.  Some are big, some are small, they can be straight or crooked and in shades of white, grey, yellow and brown but you need them to eat and for a pleasing disposition.

Teeth are good and if you take care of them they will take care of you.  Say What?  I’m saying you need to be good to your teeth if you want them to be good to you.  Being good is keeping them clean and healthy.  It’s a dental hygiene routine where twice per day you get in there and clean them using your toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss.

When you eat food remains in your mouth and food has bacteria which thrive in warm, dark places.  Hey, that’s your mouth.  Think of teeth as squares.  You can clean or brush the top, front and back of the square but not in between.  That’s why there’s dental floss that little string that can get in between your teeth to remove any bacterial residue accumulating in there.

You should brush and floss your teeth upon waking in the morning and at night before you go to bed.  Keeping your mouth in a healthy condition will benefit you and those you come in contact with.  No one likes to be accosted by someone with bad breath or a scary mouth disposition.

If you have been letting your mouth go for a while and are in need of a consultation or treatment we like meeting people and we like restoring their mouths to health.   After an initial dental exam we can inform you of any situations or problems you might have and give you multiple solutions to bring your mouth back to health.

We are conveniently located in Yorkville at 1498 Third Avenue between 84thand 85thstreets.  We are easy to get to by walking, taking the bus or subways which are within one block of the practice.   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!

Proactive Vs Reactive

When you pay for something you usually want to feel better off after the expense.  Going on a vacation, to a show or out for dinner is generally pleasurable.  Going to the dentist is not on many people’s desirable list.  When your mouth feels and looks good that is the time to see the dentist.  You’re not having any problems and a quick exam and cleaning confirms your diagnosis.  Your treatment is quick and painless.  In addition if you have dental insurance you’re fully covered for the treatment.  Even if you have to pay on your own the cost is within reason.

What’s the alternative?  You don’t like going to the dentist and only go when you have a problem.  Today if this is your situation we can still treat you, with you remaining comfortable but now there is more dental treatment involved.  If you have put off going to the dentist since your last experience was not great you will probably be apprehensive leading to increased stress.  Now you have a dental issue and even with dental insurance you will have a copayment.  If no insurance there are costs involved.

So going to the dentist when there are no problems is the way to go.  Even if something is found it will be in the beginning phase requiring less treatment.  So it’s better to be proactive than reactive. 

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets on the Upper East Side of Manhattan we are here for you.  We like meeting new people and interacting with them.  If you are in need of an exam and cleaning or you feel there may be something more give us a call at 212 517 9000 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!

Simple Ways to Strengthen Your Teeth

Maybe you lift weights to build strength but are you also doing things to strengthen your teeth?

There are ways to strengthen your teeth.  Just like you want to have strong bones, having strong teeth are also advantageous. Having a healthy diet, good oral hygiene habits and regular dental checkups is a good start.

Tooth Enamel is the hard surface of your tooth 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 bone your tooth does not have regenerative cells so once it 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 the 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 thereby reducing acid production. Our early ancestors since they had a quite different diet showed very little signs of weakened enamel.

Most city water is now fluoridated which helps to keep your enamel strong.  A healthy diet includes whole grains, lean proteins, fruits, vegetables and low fat dairy products.

If you would like to learn how to strengthen your teeth give us a call at 212 517 9000.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS we care about you and your teeth.  Give us a call  today; you 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!

What is a Dental Exam?

When is an exam an exam?

When you go to the dentist you will be examined.  What types of exams are provided at a dental office?  Your exam will be based on your situation.  If you are a new patient and have no urgent problem you will receive a first time comprehensive examination.  Here we will take x rays of your teeth and supporting structures to get a baseline on where you’re at.  We will examine your teeth, gums and oral cavity.  We will palpate and examine your masticator muscles and your jaw joint.  We will then be able to give you an evaluation of where you are presently at and what types of treatment would be amenable to your state.

In a periodic evaluation you are already a patient of the practice and are on a recall care schedule.  Generally this means you are coming in twice per year to have a dental cleaning and check the condition of your teeth, gums and oral cavity.  We generally take recall x-rays once every two years.

An emergency evaluation is done on a new patient in pain or an existing patient experiencing a dental trauma.  Here we evaluate the particular situation which is bothering you and take any needed x-rays.

Evaluations are the first step before treatment.  For larger cases a game plan is created to address your needs. In all situations multiple alternatives are given and costs involved are fully discussed before the commencement of any treatments allowing you to make an informed decision on your dental care.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS located in Yorkville we are always looking to meet more new patients.  If you are in need of a dentist give us a call at 212 517 9000 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!

Healthy Diet Healthy Teeth

You Are What You Eat

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

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!

How to Keep Your Smile Looking Young and Healthy

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

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

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

All the bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic, meaning without oxygen.  When you brush your teeth you bring air into your mouth which contains 20% oxygen.  The oxygen destroys the bacteria helping you to prevent dental decay. 

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

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

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

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

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

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Living with Sensitive Teeth

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

So don’t delay call today. You and your teeth will be glad you did.

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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