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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › STOMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS › STOMATOLOGICAL PREPARATIONS › Caries prophylactic agents
sodium fluoride, combinations
A01AA51
Forms & Strengths
- Toothpaste: 0.24% to 1.1% sodium fluoride
- Mouthrinse: 0.05% to 0.2% sodium fluoride
- Gel: 1.1% sodium fluoride
- Varnish: 5% sodium fluoride
Adult Dosing
- Toothpaste: Brush at least twice daily
- Mouthrinse: 10 mL of 0.05% daily or 0.2% weekly
- Gel: Apply topically via tray or brush once daily
- Varnish: Apply 0.25-0.5 mL professionally every 3 to 6 months
Pediatric Dosing
- Children <6 years: Use pea-sized amount of toothpaste under supervision
- Mouthrinse: Not recommended for children under 6 years
- Varnish: Apply professionally every 3 to 6 months per caries risk assessment
Indications
- Prevention of dental caries
- Prophylaxis of hypersensitive teeth
Mechanism of Action
- Incorporates into hydroxyapatite to form fluorapatite, reducing enamel solubility in acid
- Promotes remineralization of early carious lesions
- Exerts antimicrobial effects on plaque-forming bacteria
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fluoride or any formulation excipients
- Use in areas with public drinking water fluoride content >0.6 ppm for systemic supplements (not applicable to topical-only combinations)
Adverse Reactions
- Acute toxicity (ingestion): Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea
- Chronic ingestion: Dental fluorosis (in children during tooth development)
- Local irritation or allergic contact stomatitis (rare)
Drug Interactions
- Multivalent cations (calcium, magnesium, aluminum) may bind fluoride and reduce absorption if ingested systemically
- No significant systemic drug interactions for topical formulations
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use