Start Your Child’s Smile Journey with Us
Our team at South London Dental Care Centre strives to create a fun and positive dental experience for your child from the very first appointment. From their first tooth to their permanent smile, you can rest easy knowing your child’s oral health is in good hands.
We recommend bringing your child in for their first dental visit around their first birthday, as advised by the Canadian Dental Association. Early visits help establish good habits and get your little one comfortable with the dentist.
Whether it’s their very first exam or a routine checkup, we’re here to make every visit enjoyable and educational. Contact us to schedule your child’s next appointment today.
Book AppointmentRegular Checkups: Keep Their Smile Bright
To keep your child’s smile healthy, regular checkups are essential. We recommend scheduling appointments every 6 months. During these checkups, we will:
- Examine teeth for signs of decay, misalignment, or gum issues
- Clean teeth thoroughly to remove plaque and tartar buildup
- Apply fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities
- Seal teeth to protect deep grooves from decay
Why Early Dental Visits Matter
The Canadian Dental Association recommends bringing your child to the dentist around their first birthday. Early visits are key to keeping your child’s teeth and gums healthy while building a positive relationship with dental care.
Here’s why starting early is so important:
- Preventive care: Regular visits help spot any issues before they become bigger problems.
- Establish healthy habits: Early visits teach your child good oral hygiene habits that last a lifetime.
- Reduce dental anxiety: The more familiar your child is with the dental office, the less anxious they will be in the future.
What to Expect at Your Child’s First Visit
We take a “tell-show-do” approach to make them feel comfortable, where you and the dentist sit face-to-face, creating a calm experience. During this exam, we:
- Gently perform a quick and easy examination of your child’s teeth and gums using a “knee-to-knee” approach.
- Show your child the dental instruments in a friendly and non-threatening way.
- Teach the importance of brushing and flossing, and demonstrate the best techniques for each age group.
- Counsel you on diet, oral hygiene, and fluoride usage to prioritize healthy development.
Developing Healthy Habits: Step by Step
It’s never too early to start a dental care routine! Here’s how we guide your child along their dental journey:
For Babies (Under 1 Year)
- Wipe your baby’s gums with a clean, damp cloth after feedings.
- Start brushing once your child’s first tooth emerges, using a soft-bristled toothbrush.
For Toddlers (1–3 Years)
- Brush your child’s teeth twice a day using a small, rice-sized amount of non-fluoride toothpaste. Your dentist will counsel you as to when they are ready to use a fluoride toothpaste
- Floss any teeth that are touching.
- Begin teaching them how to brush and floss with your help. Most decay in toddlers forms between the teeth, making flossing very important
For Older Kids (4+ Years)
- Encourage independent brushing and flossing once they’re able to manage it. Children often need their parents’ help flossing until the age of 7.
- Continue regular visits for cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants.
The Benefits of Sealants & Fluoride Treatments
As your child’s teeth grow, they become more susceptible to cavities, especially in the back molars. That’s where fluoride treatments and dental sealants come in:
- Fluoride treatments: Help protect your child’s teeth from cavities by strengthening the enamel.
- Dental sealants: A thin coating applied to the chewing surface of the back teeth to prevent decay in hard-to-reach areas.
Our team will guide you and your child through the entire process!
Creating Positive Dental Experiences for Kids
At South London Dental Care Centre, we strive to make every visit to the dentist a fun and positive experience for your child. Here’s how we do it:
- Use gentle, friendly language and fun explanations for every procedure.
- Create a welcoming environment where kids feel safe and excited about their dental care.
- Provide positive reinforcement and small rewards to make each visit a memorable experience.
Ready to get started? Contact us to schedule your child’s next dental visit—we can’t wait to meet you and your child!
Book AppointmentOur Location
Conveniently located in south east London at the intersection of Adelaide Street South and Commissioners Road, South London Dental Care Centre offers ample free parking, day and evening appointments, and a variety of services to meet your dental needs. As we are located just down the street from Victoria Hospital – London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), many healthcare practitioners choose South London Dental Care Centre for themselves and their families.
Our Address
- 324 Adelaide St. S,
- London, ON N5Z 3L2
Contact Information
- Phone: 519-672-8770
Hours of Operation
- Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
- Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 8:00 AM – 1:00 PM
- Saturday: Closed
- Sunday: Closed