Gum Disease Is Not Your Friend

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

Foundations

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

You Have A Dental Emergency- What To Do?

/ Glenn Reit D.D.S./

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

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

Some general first aid measures include:

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

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

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

In all cases contact your dentist to seek definitive treatment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!