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sodium fluoride

A01AA01

Forms & Strengths

Toothpaste: 0.24% (1100 ppm F), 1.1% (5000 ppm F)
Mouthrinse: 0.05%, 0.2%
Gel/Paste: 1.1%
Oral Tablets/Drops: 0.5 mg, 1.1 mg, 2.2 mg sodium fluoride

Adult Dosing

Caries prevention (topical): 1.1% gel/paste applied to teeth daily, or mouthrinse 10 mL of 0.05% daily or 0.2% weekly
Dietary supplement (in areas with fluoride-deficient water <0.3 ppm): 1 mg fluoride ion daily (2.2 mg sodium fluoride)

Pediatric Dosing

Dietary supplement (6 months to 3 years, water <0.3 ppm): 0.25 mg fluoride ion daily
Dietary supplement (3 to 6 years, water <0.3 to 0.6 ppm): 0.5 mg fluoride ion daily
Dietary supplement (6 to 16 years, water <0.3 ppm): 1 mg fluoride ion daily
Topical rinses/gels: Follow specific product labeling per age restrictions (typically >6 years for rinses)

Indications

Prevention of dental caries
Fluoridation of drinking water supplies
Adjunctive treatment for hypersensitive teeth

Mechanism of Action

Incorporates into hydroxyapatite crystals in tooth enamel to form fluorapatite, which is more resistant to acid demineralization
Promotes remineralization of early enamel lesions
Exerts antimicrobial effects on plaque-forming bacteria

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to sodium fluoride
Use in areas where drinking water is optimally fluoridated (>0.6 ppm) for systemic supplements
Acute fluoride toxicity

Adverse Reactions

Dental fluorosis (chronic systemic overdose during tooth development)
Nausea and vomiting (acute high oral doses)
Gastric irritation
Allergic contact dermatitis (rare, from topical products)

Drug Interactions

Multivalent cations (calcium, magnesium, aluminum-containing antacids) can bind fluoride in the GI tract, reducing absorption of systemic supplements
Dairy products decrease absorption of oral sodium fluoride supplements

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use