Ithaca Dentistry

This sunshine is making all of us smile at Ithaca Dentistry! Call if you need more confidence with your smile. 😃
607-272-2033

We’ve got jokes all day but taking care of your teeth is no joking matter. If you need help with your smile, call Ithaca Dentistry. 607-2727-2033

Baby teeth are temporary.
The damage from their cavities is not.

Inside a child’s jaw, permanent teeth begin forming years before they erupt. Their enamel is developing. Their crown shape is being built. Their structure is forming layer by layer.

When a cavity in a primary tooth progresses deep into the pulp, the infection does not remain isolated. The root tips of baby teeth sit very close to the developing permanent tooth germ. Inflammatory by-products and bacteria can disrupt normal enamel formation and crown development.

The damage may only become visible years later:

• Enamel hypoplasia
• White, yellow, or brown discoloration
• Weak enamel more prone to decay
• Crown malformation
• Altered eruption patterns

Primary teeth are biological placeholders. They guide eruption, preserve arch space, support jaw growth, and protect the tissues where permanent teeth are forming.

Early childhood caries is not a minor issue. It is an active infectious process within a developing craniofacial system.

What protects the permanent dentition?

• First dental visit between age 1-3: often best if child accompanies a parent to their hygiene visits a few times first.
• Early caries risk assessment
• Age-appropriate fluoride exposure
• Timely treatment of cavities
• Immediate evaluation of swelling or pain

Preventing decay in baby teeth is preventive care for the adult smile.

Temporary teeth. Permanent consequences.

Out of an abundance of caution for staff and patients, we will be closed Monday January 26th. Be safe, have fun and stay warm!

If brushing twice daily and flossing isn’t keeping your teeth healthy and breath fresh, it may be time for a dental check up.
Call Ithaca Dentistry 607-272-2033.

Ithaca Dentistry wishes you a healthy and happy 2026! If your smile isn’t what you want it to be, give us a call this year! 607-272-2033

This holiday season, we’re thankful for you,
For every smile we’re blessed to care for, too.
Brush, floss, and grin the whole season through.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our dental crew! 🎄🦷

It’s our annual “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth” contest!!
Email or text us videos of your kiddos (or adults) toothless and singing lines from the famous Christmas tune. 🎄
Winner will be announced and sent a gift card after Christmas!
Ithaca Dentistry
607-272-2033
[email protected]

At Ithaca Dentistry we are so thankful for our patients and incredible staff.
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.
Love, Dr Billiot

Halloween is here. This also means you’re likely to be encountering a whole lot more candy (and “please! One more piece!” comments from the little ones).

We don’t want to scare you. But, as your dental provider, we also want to make sure you’re avoiding things like unnecessary cavities. The American Dental Association has provided some great tips to help Halloween be spooky for the right reasons, and not because of dental issues.

Here are some easy ways to avoid the sugar monsters and keep your tiniest monsters happy and healthy:

*Eat your candy with meals, not throughout the day. Snacking throughout the day leaves the sugar and food particles in your mouth all day to build plaque. The saliva produced while you’re eating can help with this.
*What you eat is important.
*Try to avoid things like gummies, caramels, sour candies, and bubble gum. They stick to your teeth. Hard candies stay in your mouth for longer and give bacteria a time to create acid; think instead of things like chocolates or sugar-free gum.
*Sugarless gum after meals, if chewed for 20 minutes, can help prevent tooth decay.
*Ensure you’re brushing and flossing regularly. You should be flossing once a day and brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes each time.
*Make that dental appointment! Regular dental visits can help prevent future issues.