Dental Health - Frequently Asked Questions

Please find some frequently asked questions about dental health below.

Where can I find dental treatment in London and Middlesex County?

Dental Offices
There are many dental offices in London and Middlesex County. You can find the phone number and addresses of these offices in local phone directories under Dentists. The Ontario Dental Association can help you find contact information for dentists in your area. You may also want to ask a friend or co-worker for the name of a dentist. Dental care is not covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) and you are expected to pay for services you receive.

Western University
The Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry provides dental care at reduced fees. Dental care is provided by dental students under the supervision of licensed dentists. For information or an appointment call:

• Children’s Clinic - 519-661-3329
• Adult Clinic - 519-661-3326
• Emergency Clinic - 519-661-3331

Fanshawe College
The dental hygiene students provide preventive dental services - tooth cleaning, dental inspections, x-rays, sealants, and fluoride under supervision. These services are at a reduced rate and are provided from September to April of each school year. For information or to book an appointment, please call 519-452-4494 or email: oralhealth@fanshawec.ca. Our location is: Oral Health Clinic at Fanshawe College, School of Health Sciences, Room A1001 A-Building, 1001 Fanshawe College Blvd. London, Ontario N5Y 5R6  www.Fanshawec.ca 

Middlesex-London Health Unit - Dental Clinic
The Middlesex-London Health Unit has a dental clinic in London and Strathroy. For information on programs offered at the Dental Clinic call 519-663-5317 (ask to speak with Oral Health).

Emergency
For emergency services, contact your family dentist or contact a dentist through the yellow pages. For after-hours dental emergencies that involve severe pain, swelling, bleeding or trauma you can contact your nearest hospital or urgent care centre.

Can the Health Unit test my home’s drinking water for fluoride, nitrites and nitrates?

No. The Health Unit does not provide this service.Private accredited laboratories may offer this service. You can contact the laboratories for more information. Additional questions related to drinking water can be directed to the Health Unit’s Environmental Health Team.

What does “financial hardship” mean?

In asking that your child become a client of the Preventive Service Only program, you declare that the cost of the dental care your child needs causes a financial hardship. This means that any of the following may apply:

• You will not be able to pay your rent or mortgage this month.
• You will not be able to pay your household bills like heating, hydro, and groceries.
• You will have to go to a food bank to feed your family this month.

How much fluoride is added to London’s drinking water?

Fluoride is added to London’s drinking water to bring the levels to 0.7 mg / litre (mg/L) or parts per million (ppm). This is the level recommended by Health Canada to prevent tooth decay and minimize the risk of dental fluorosis. The level of fluoride in the drinking water is closely monitored by the City of London and the Middlesex-London Health Unit.

Are there any risks associated with fluoride in drinking water?

At the levels used to fluoridate London's drinking water, the only recognized risk is a condition called dental fluorosis. This is a condition where spots form on the teeth. In its mild and very mild form, the spots are white and only noticeable by a dental professional. In its moderate or severe form, the spots can be brown and more noticeable. Fluorosis comes from fluoride exposure when the teeth are forming and is mostly a problem in the permanent front teeth which form at around 22 to 26 months of age. A study by Health Canada found very little fluorosis in Canadian children. Mild fluorosis was found in 4% of children and very mild fluorosis was found in 12% of children; no severe fluorosis was noted and hardly any moderate fluorosis was noted in the study.

Numerous reviews, including a recent review by Health Canada, have not identified any other health risk from the levels of fluoride added to London’s drinking water. Specifically, the reviews did not identify a risk for fractures, thyroid problems, cancer or effects on IQ.

What can be done to decrease the risk of dental fluorosis?

The risk of fluorosis increases when young children swallow fluoridated toothpaste. To decrease this risk, the Health Unit recommends that children do not use fluoridated toothpaste until they can spit out the toothpaste. It is important that a small pea-sized amount of fluoridated toothpaste be used and children should be encouraged not to swallow the toothpaste.

Can my organization receive a dental health presentation?

The Oral Health team can accommodate requests for presentations on oral health and hygiene, and the programs and services offered at the Health Unit. Requests for presentations can be directed to 519-663-5317 (ask to speak with Oral Health).