Children’s Dentist

Dr. Joyce Levitt is a family dentist and children’s dentist living and working in Milton, Ontario. She is also a Mom. Her family dental practice is located at 311 Commercial St. Suite 106, telephone (905) 876-9047. Joyce has a special interest in children’s dentistry, dental anxiety and dental implants.

At what age should my child have their first dental appointment?
All children should have their first visit to the dentist at 12 months of age. This is a recently changed guideline from the Canadian and American Academies of Paediatric Dentistry. Previously, it was advised that children attend at age 3 years, however a severely destructive form of decay (Early Childhood Caries) could already be present by age 3. Attending at an earlier age allows preventive advice to be given and healthy habits to be established that minimize the risk of decay.

What will happen at the first visit?
A review of all risk factors both pre and post natal will be recorded. A medical and dental history and caries risk assessment will be performed. This will allow child specific recommendations about prevention and oral hygiene to be given.

How can a child that young be examined?
A simplified form of an examination will be performed. The child will be seated on Mom or Dad’s lap and their head will be lowered onto a pillow on the dentist’s knee. This will allow the safe examination of the child’s mouth.