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ALIMENTARY TRACT AND METABOLISM › MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS › OTHER MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS › Fluoride
sodium fluoride
A12CD01
Forms & Strengths
- Tablet: 0.55 mg, 1.1 mg, 2.2 mg sodium fluoride (delivering 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg fluoride ion)
- Liquid/Drops: 0.125 mg fluoride ion per drop, 0.5 mg fluoride ion per mL
- Topical Gel/Paste: 1.1% sodium fluoride (5,000 ppm fluoride)
- Toothpaste: 0.24% or 1.1% sodium fluoride
Adult Dosing
- Dietary supplement (in areas with deficient water fluoridation < 0.3 ppm): 1 mg fluoride ion daily
- Topical dental caries prevention: 1.1% gel or paste applied via brush or tray once daily
Pediatric Dosing
- Dietary supplement (0.3 to 0.6 ppm water fluoride): Age 6m-3y: 0.25 mg/day; Age 3-6y: 0.5 mg/day; Age 6-16y: 1 mg/day
- Dietary supplement (< 0.3 ppm water fluoride): Age 6m-3y: 0.25 mg/day; Age 3-6y: 0.5 mg/day; Age 6-16y: 1 mg/day
Indications
- Prevention of dental caries in pediatric patients and high-risk adults
- Management of hypersensitive teeth
Mechanism of Action
- Incorporates into hydroxyapatite crystals in tooth enamel to form fluorapatite, which is less soluble in acid
- Enhances remineralization of early carious lesions
- Exerts antimicrobial effects on plaque-forming bacteria
Contraindications
- Water fluoridation exceeding 0.6 ppm (for systemic supplements)
- Hypersensitivity to sodium fluoride
- Infants under 6 months of age
Adverse Reactions
- Dental fluorosis (hypermineralization of enamel due to excessive systemic ingestion during tooth development)
- Skeletal fluorosis (with chronic high-dose toxicity)
- Gastrointestinal distress (nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain with acute overdose)
- Allergic contact dermatitis (topical use)
Drug Interactions
- Calcium, magnesium, or aluminum-containing antacids bind fluoride in the GI tract, decreasing systemic absorption
- Dairy products reduce systemic absorption of oral fluoride supplements
Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use