Nearly 6 in 10 Canadian kids between 6 and 19 have had a cavity. [Source: Caring for Kids New to Canada, Canadian Paediatric Society] If you’re searching for a Children’s Dentist London parents recommend, this guide covers exactly what to expect from Apple Tree Dental, from your child’s first tooth onward.
Children’s Dentist London: A Parent’s Straight-Talk Guide
Picking a dentist for your kid is different from picking one for yourself. Kids get scared. They fidget. They need someone patient enough to explain a toothbrush before touching a tool. This guide covers what to expect, what it costs, and how to know your child is getting the right care.
When Should Your Child First See a Dentist?
The Canadian Dental Association recommends a first dental visit by age one, or within six months of the first tooth erupting — whichever comes first. That is earlier than most parents expect. Waiting until a problem shows up means you have already missed the easiest window to prevent one.
Early visits are short and simple. The dentist checks tooth development, looks for early decay, and talks to you about feeding habits, teething, and brushing. There is rarely any treatment at this stage — it is about building a routine and catching small issues before they grow.
Why Baby Teeth Are a Bigger Deal Than They Look
Baby teeth fall out anyway — so why fix them? Because they hold the space for permanent teeth, support clear speech, and let your child chew properly during years of critical growth. Decay left untreated can cause pain, infection, and crowding problems later.
The numbers back this up. Close to 60 percent of Canadian children aged 6 to 19 have had a cavity at some point [Source: Canadian Paediatric Society, Caring for Kids New to Canada]. Early childhood tooth decay is also the most common reason young children need day surgery in Canadian hospitals, at a national rate of roughly 12 procedures per 1,000 children [Source: NCBI, Burden of Early Childhood Caries in Canadian Children]. Most of that is preventable with regular checkups and better home habits — not luck.
Is a Family Dentist Enough, or Do You Need a Pediatric Specialist?
This is where a lot of London parents get stuck. A pediatric dentist completes 2–3 extra years of specialist training after dental school, focused only on infants, children, and kids with special healthcare needs. That extra training matters for complex cases — severe anxiety, developmental conditions, or extensive early decay needing sedation.
For most families, a Children’s Dentist London clinic like Apple Tree Dental covers routine care completely — checkups, cleanings, and the occasional filling — while letting you book your whole family in one place, with one provider who knows your child’s history.
What Happens at Your Child’s First Visit
Step 1: A calm, no-pressure introduction
The first visit is about comfort, not treatment. Your child sits with you, meets the team, and gets a light look at their teeth and gums. Nothing rushed, nothing scary.
Step 2: A simple exam and cleaning
Once your child is settled, the dentist checks tooth development, gums, and bite. Older kids usually get a gentle polish and fluoride varnish to strengthen enamel.
Step 3: A conversation with you
You will get direct feedback — what looks healthy, what to watch, and specific advice on brushing, diet, and thumb-sucking or pacifier habits if they apply.
Step 4: A plan for the next visit
Most kids come back every six months. Regular visits build familiarity, which is the single biggest factor in reducing dental anxiety long term.
Home Habits That Prevent Most Childhood Cavities
Clinic visits catch problems. Home habits prevent them. These matter more than almost anything that happens in the dental chair.
Who’s Qualified to Treat Your Child in London, Ontario?
All dentists treating children in Ontario, including at Apple Tree Dental, are licensed through the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), giving parents an easy way to verify credentials before booking. You can look up any dentist’s registration status directly on the RCDSO public register.
Cost of Children’s Dental Care in London, Ontario
Routine pediatric checkups, cleanings, and fluoride treatments sit at the affordable end of dental care, and most private insurance plans cover a large share of preventive visits for children.
Frequently Asked Questions: Children’s Dentist London
At what age should my child first see a dentist?
By age one, or within six months of their first tooth coming in — whichever happens first. Early visits are short, low-pressure, and focused on prevention rather than treatment.
Is it worth treating cavities in baby teeth if they fall out anyway?
Yes. Baby teeth guide speech development and hold space for permanent teeth. Untreated decay can cause pain, infection, and crowding once adult teeth come in.
Is a family dentist enough, or do I need a pediatric specialist for my Children’s Dentist London search?
For routine checkups, cleanings, and most fillings, a gentle family dentist is enough. Pediatric specialists are best for complex cases — significant anxiety, special healthcare needs, or extensive early decay requiring sedation.
How often should kids have dental checkups?
Every six months for most children, though your dentist may recommend more frequent visits if your child has a higher cavity risk or is undergoing treatment.
Is dental care for children covered by insurance in Ontario?
Most private family insurance plans cover a large portion of preventive pediatric care. Eligible children without private insurance may qualify for the federal Canadian Dental Care Plan or Ontario’s Healthy Smiles program. Apple Tree Dental confirms your eligibility at booking.
What can I do at home to prevent cavities in my child?
Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, never send a bottle to bed, keep sugary drinks to mealtimes, and start flossing as soon as two teeth touch. These habits prevent more decay than in-office treatment alone.
My child is scared of the dentist. What can help?
Start with short, low-pressure visits well before any treatment is needed. A dentist who explains each step in simple language, and a team that keeps the pace unhurried, reduces anxiety far more than any single technique.
Can siblings be booked together at Apple Tree Dental?
Yes. Apple Tree Dental welcomes families and can often schedule siblings back-to-back or on the same day, cutting down on separate trips for parents.
Ready to Book with a Children’s Dentist London Families Trust?
Apple Tree Dental treats children as part of complete family care — calm visits, clear explanations, and no unnecessary pressure. If your child hasn’t had a checkup this year, or is due for their very first one, book now and get it handled.