Fluoride and Your Child

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral essential for proper tooth development.

Benefits of fluoride:

  • Strengthens tooth enamel, by capturing minerals in saliva and forcing them into the tooth’s makeup
  • Inhibits bacterial metabolism, slowing down the growth of bacteria and their reducing their acidic byproduct, which can weaken tooth enamel
  • Inhibits tooth demineralization, meaning it can slow or stop the progression of an already existing cavity

Fluoride can be found in most drinking water, as well as most common toothpastes. Because children can overconsume fluoride, it’s important to follow these rules when it comes to fluoride and your child:

  • Use only a pea-sized amount for children ages two to six, and just a tiny smear for children under two years of age
  • Fluoride should not be used on children younger than six months

Overexposure to fluoride can cause a condition called fluorosis, which is characterized by a streaked or mottled appearance of the teeth. Fluorosis can look like:

  • A streaked or mottled appearance on the teeth
  • White spots that are hard to see
  • Dark discoloration with a pitted texture

The risk for fluorosis ends by the time a child is nine years old, and all permanent teeth have fully formed.

Our Location

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Hours of Operation

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Wednesday:

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Thursday:

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday:

Closed

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

See What Patients Say About Us

  • "Yep gentle dental indeed! You guys were awesome! My 3yr old had a wonderful experience. Thanks so much!"
    Stacey Wimbledon
  • "The doctor and staff at Harland Gentle Dental have been a welcome change to my dental experience. They have wonderful technology (where they will show you via camera what the problem issues are in your mouth, if any) and are very kind and through. The office is clean and inviting. I would recommend anyone to visit Dr. Bouhana and team."
    Jennifer Emery
  • "Had a dental issue today so I called Gentle Dental. They got me in same day on a cancelation. I didn’t wait at all. Dallas was my hygienist and she was great. Highly suggest if you’re looking for a friendly office that’s easy to get in and get out."
    Matt Smith
  • "Dr. Bouhana and his staff are nothing short of excellent! Mary at the front desk was understanding, very knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. Dr. Kyle is informative, transparent and he lives up to his practice's name, Gentle. He is great at what he does and I highly recommend him!"
    Andrew Kelley
  • "These guys are amazing!! I had a very bad experience with my previous dentist messing up fillings, so I came here with an emergency. They were able to see me right away and fix all the issues with my teeth. I ended up needing a root canal done on another tooth and I was so scared (it was my first root canal), but they were super helpful and supportive with the whole process, it couldn't have gone smoother! They are an awesome team and the dentist genuinely cares about your teeth! I'm so grateful for them!!"
    Chelsea Augustine
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