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!

To Straighten or Not to Straighten?

That is the question.  You lead with your smile and sometimes if your teeth are out of alignment you might not be smiling that much.  In addition to your appearance, teeth out of alignment can lead to dental problems.  You may ask; how is that?  Crooked teeth allow more food to imbed between them and it may be harder for you to keep them clean.  Why is that important?  Well if you leave food in between your teeth as the food breaks down it releases acids which attack the outside of your teeth and gums.  The acid can lead to tooth decay and irritate your gums leading to gum infections.

So, by bringing your teeth into alignment it will be easier for you to keep your teeth clean.  Another consequence of misaligned teeth is that when they come together they are in the wrong orientation which over time can lead to the teeth fracturing.  Think of the gears of an engine.  If they are not in sync the gears will break.

Finally, a pleasing smile helps in interacting with people.  Unfortunately, people are generally judging other people and before you even open your mouth to speak you smile is conveying a subliminal message.  If you do not like the way your teeth look you might not even be smiling.

Here at the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit located right here on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in Yorkville we have the ability to straighten your teeth using clear aligners.  These are plastic trays which are worn sequentially which gradually move your teeth into a more pleasing and aligned position.  There is no drilling and no dental injections to perform this treatment and others will not even realize you are going through the treatment.

If this is something you are interested in or you are just in need of a cleaning or check up give us a call at 212 517 9000 and we are always happy to meet and greet new people.  We are conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets.

So call us today and soon you’ll be smiling away.

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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 Unfortunate Link Periodontal Disease Can Cause Systemic Problems If Left Untreated

The bacteria in your mouth are anaerobic meaning that they like places without oxygen and they like warm dark places and to be left undisturbed.  When you eat food there are bacteria all around.  How about that Yankee Stadium hotdog which has been curing all season before you consume it?

So a great incubator for bacteria is your mouth.  It's dark in there, the temperature is around 100 degrees and if you’re not flossing they are being left alone.

When you analyze how your teeth reside in your mouth they are connected to your jaws by little fibers called periodontal ligaments.  These fibers go from your teeth into your jaw bones.  In a healthy situation where your teeth and gums meet there is a little pocket or sulcus which should be 2 to 3 mm in depth.

When you eat food and you do not floss the food remains in the pockets and over time the pocket gets deeper.  Once beyond four mm in depth even if you floss you will be unable to remove the food at the base of the pocket.  So the pocket deepens, the bacteria produce acids which ulcerate your gums leading to bleeding in these areas.

Bleeding is the highway into the interior of your mouth.  So now the bacteria have a highway into your internal organs and they’re going to take a trip and visit the sights within you.  The bacteria in your mouth are not supposed to be here – so they are going to have a good time but not so much for you.

Systemic diseases linked to periodontal conditions or gum problems in your mouth can increase your risk for stroke, heart attack, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, Alzheimer’s disease, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis.

They won’t cause these conditions but can exacerbate their occurrence.  Since gum disease can be easily prevented with a little effort on your part, why not come in today for us to take a look and see if you should be concerned.

The problem with gum disease is it silently progresses within the person without them realizing it so they’re in trouble long before they know it.   Now the condition has advanced and more definitive treatment is necessary.  We can still help to prevent its progression but being proactive is always in your best interest.

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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!

My Gums are Bleeding; What Will I Do?

If your gums are bleeding when you brush your teeth this is a warning sign that all is not right in your mouth.  Many patients today have no or very little dental decay due to the incorporation of fluoride into the general drinking water.

So having no cavities is a good thing but what about the structures that support your teeth.  Like a building your teeth need a strong foundation to survive.  Here in New York City all buildings have a stable foundation if correctly constructed due to the fact Manhattan Island is supported by solid bedrock.

The foundation for your teeth is the bone in your upper and lower jaws.  In addition to the bone your gums surround your teeth and offer protection and health if maintained.   How do you maintain your gum health?  That’s easy.  All you need to do in addition to brushing twice a day is to include flossing in your daily teeth cleaning regime.

We all know what dental floss is.  It’s that little fine string sold everywhere that you use to clean between your teeth.  Why don’t many people use it?  Well, you have to learn how to do it and it takes a little effort in the beginning.

Think of your teeth as cubes or squares.  There’s a top, front, back, bottom and sides.  Your toothbrush gets the top, front and back but cannot get in between your teeth.  Obviously, you can’t clean the bottom of your tooth unless you are holding it in your hand but with no daily effort to keep your teeth clean over time this might become your eventuality.

So think about it.  If you don’t clean in between your teeth those areas are never clean.  So when you eat food as most of us do and you leave remnants of the food in between your teeth from not cleaning there, the food starts to break down.  As it does it releases acids into your mouth which attack your teeth and your gums.

How do you know if your gums are under attack?  If when brushing or flossing you see blood appearing throughout your mouth then you know you gums are under attack.  If left long enough; this bleeding can become a generalized inflammation leading to tooth sensitivity, decay and eventual tooth loss.

In addition, the bacteria in your mouth when you have bleeding gums now have a pathway into the rest of your body which can cause havoc.

So if you’re bleeding come in for a cleaning and we will teach you how to brush and floss and evaluate your condition.  Being proactive is always better than being reactive.

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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 Braces Do More Than Improve Your Smile

Most people want to straighten their teeth for the improved esthetics which are obtained.  Yes it takes a  little time but in the long run it will improve your health.  Time is relative.  Look how quickly each year progresses.  It’s Thanksgiving, then Christmas and New Year’s Day and suddenly it's Memorial Day Weekend followed by Labor Day and then we’re back to Thanksgiving once more.

Traditionally braces were metal brackets and metal bands.  The esthetics; not so great but patient compliance awesome for you the patient cannot remove them.   Today there are clear aligners such as Invisalign which work as long as you wear them.  Another plus is that you can’t see them and it is easier to clean your teeth during the orthodontic or teeth moving treatment.

However there is an added benefit to moving your teeth into a more aligned position.  Misaligned teeth do not come together in proper occlusion which leads to them not wearing evenly.  On top of this the teeth over time can actually fracture leading to more dental procedures on your teeth over your lifetime.

Another problem of misaligned teeth is that it is harder for you to clean them.  Not cleaning your teeth can lead to gum problems which if not rectified over time can lead to possible loss of a tooth or teeth.  Even if this does not occur, gum inflammation in your mouth can affect your overall health.  Bleeding gums allow the bacteria in your mouth to spread throughout your body which can cause havoc.

At our dental practice we have been performing orthodontic treatment for many years.  If your case is straightforward we can do it here.  If this is something you are interested in let us know when you come to see 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!

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!

Smile Boosters

Do You Need A Boost

Who Ya Going to Call; Smile Booster’s?

Sometimes when looking in the mirror you might see something you’re not too thrilled about.  It could be the space between your lips as in your teeth.  Maybe you need a little upgrade.  Here are 4 Smile Boosters that can improve your smile.

1.       Teeth Whitening is quick, easy, affordable and non-invasive.   External tooth whitening occurs when teeth whitening agents bleach the teeth directly. 

2.       Dental Implants are another common procedure that many New Yorkers now seek to replace missing teeth.  A dental implant is secured into one of your jaws and then a natural-looking crown is attached to the implant.  In addition to improving your appearance it restores tooth function and maintains your bone support.

3.       Dental Bonding can be done using various materials such as porcelain and composite resins.  These materials can now precisely replicate natural tooth structure and natural appearance.

4.       Periodontal Plastic Surgery is a terrific solution for gum recession and cosmetic irregularities.

You can remove a gummy smile or remedy an uneven gum line.

If you are interested in boosting your smile 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!

Synergy Between Dental Health and General Health

Do You Have Synergy?

Dental health and general health are connected. Eating a well balanced diet does lead to benefits with your overall physical health.  A balanced diet is getting the right types and amounts of food and drinks to supply nutritional energy for maintaining your body cells, tissues and organs supporting normal growth and development.

Certain physical maladies can have linkage to dental health such as heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis through inflammation of an individual’s gums or known as periodontal disease.

Without proper dental care bacteria collect on your teeth and under your gum line making you susceptible to infection in the form of gum disease.  As your immune system fights the infection your gums inflame and without treatment this inflammation continues intensifying.

Diabetes, which is growing substantially in the general population due to the high consumption of sugar in almost everything we eat increases your chances of developing periodontal disease.  On the other hand; people who have periodontal disease have a harder time controlling their blood sugar levels.

If you have heart disease periodontal disease and stroke form a relationship by aggravating the condition.  Researchers have found that people with gum disease were twice as likely to die from a heart attack and three times as likely to have a stroke.

By eliminating gum disease you will improve your overall health.  While eliminating your periodontal disease isn’t likely to cure your diabetes or heart condition it will alleviate one of the mitigating factors leading to these diseases.

Daily flossing and brushing is one of the best ways you can take to improve your health in combination with eating a healthy diet, exercising and not smoking.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS, if you have periodontal disease we will be able to diagnose it and formulate a treatment plan to move you back to a more healthy oral environment.  Sometimes it’s only a thorough cleaning, or a more advanced root planning to prevent graduating into full periodontal surgery.

Call us today at 212 517 9000 to schedule an appointment

You and your teeth will be glad you did

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Looking for a Dentist in the Upper East Side?

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

Into The Thick of It – Toothpaste

Cruising down the dental aisle at Duane Reade or CVS is a kaleidoscopic tour.  So many choices and so little time to choose, somebody help me.  Glenn Reit DDS, here to give you an inside look at the differences in toothpastes.

Why do most toothpastes feel gritty?  That’s because the abrasive nature of toothpaste is to help with removing dental plaque and food from the surface of your teeth.  Vigorous tooth brushing is unnecessary when the toothpaste is designed to remove bits of food and polish the surface of your teeth at the same time.

Why is toothpaste minty fresh and nice?  Minty flavorings are used to encourage continued use of the paste and to freshen breath.  However toothpaste is not designed to cure bad breath.  To prevent bad breath you need to prevent periodontal disease and brush bacteria on the back of your tongue.  Removing the source is more vital than trying to cover it up with minty flavorings.

Why is fluoride placed into toothpaste?   Fluoride present in small amounts in plants, animals and some natural water sources is championed for its ability for preventing tooth decay and controlling gingivitis.  Fluoride incorporated into the drinking water supply has vastly decreased the amount of tooth decay present in the general population.

If I am brushing, do I need to floss?  YES YES YES.  Think of your teeth as cubes or squares.  Your toothbrush can only get onto the top, front and back of your teeth.  To get in between your teeth you need that little piece of string known as dental floss.  This is the only way to get between your adjacent teeth to clean there.  Most decay starts in between your teeth due to lack of flossing.

What about mouthwash?  The use of mouthwash cannot replace the regular brushing and flossing.  Mouthwash just adds another effective layer of defense against bacterial growth in your mouth.

If you haven’t had your teeth cleaned in awhile realize your teeth want to be cleaned.  Being proactive is always better than being reactive.  At the dental practice of Dr Glenn Reit DDS at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in Yorkville we like meeting people and taking care of their dental needs.

If you are in the area or not and need an exam or cleaning or possibly something more 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!

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!

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!

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!

Wearing Your Best Smile

When You’re Smiling The Whole World Smiles With You

The saying you lead with your smile is quite true.  If your teeth look healthy and are esthetically pleasing you smile more.  Smiling can become contagious.  A happy healthy look for you makes others around you also feel better.  Your smile gives you confidence to achieve.  Today in dentistry we have the ability to restore your teeth to health and if Mother Nature didn’t give you the best smile we can help to correct the situation. 

The easiest correction is if your teeth are a tad too yellow we can bleach them to something more pleasing.  If your teeth are out of alignment we can use clear tray orthodontics to bring them more into position.  If your teeth are chipped or broken we can restore them to health and beauty with crowns, veneers or onlays.

Your gums are the frame around the picture.  If your gums are inflamed and angry looking we can treat them so they return to health.  If you have a gummy smile that affects your smile we can do minor gum surgery to correct the situation.

Sometimes the first step is to just come in for a consultation and tell us what bothers you.  Not being a dentist you probably do not know what alternatives now exist to make you look even more beautiful.  If everything is fine and all you need or want is a cleaning we are also here for you.

Dental insurance actually covers a percentage for most dental treatments we provide so your expense is even reduced.  Even if going to the dentist is not on the top of your to-do list , if you find yourself raising your hand to cover your mouth whenever a photo is taken, or if your smile is always with your lips closed, maybe it’s time to come in and see what we can do for you.

A more pleasing smile could change your life for the better.

At the dental practice of Glenn Reit DDS we like meeting new people and we love taking care of their teeth.  Conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th Streets in Yorkville we are easy to get to.  So if you are so inclined give us a call today at 212 517 9000

You and your smile 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!

Peace Begins With A Smile

Mother Teresa once said “Peace begins with a smile” So smiling is good for all especially you.  How do you feel about your smile?  Are you at peace with it?  Are proud to flash a wide happy grin?  Do you believe it is beautiful?  Does it express your real you?

There are ways to restore or correct the vagaries of nature.   If you are not content with the appearance or condition of your teeth, gums or bite give us a call at 212 517 9000. 

For the past several decades I have been providing dental services for the rejuvenation of your smile.  A great smile will also make you feel a whole lot better and be a help as you travel through life.  It can be achieved today.

We’re conveniently located at 1498 Third Avenue between 84th and 85th streets in Yorkville.

So call today – you and your smile 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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!