Sodium Fluoride
Description
Sodium Fluoride is used for the prevention of dental caries (tooth decay due to bacterial infections) in adults and children. It is also used to maintain general dental hygiene by keeping your gums and mouth healthy. It works by providing fluoride which is important for strengthening your teeth.
Sodium Fluoride can stain your teeth if not used properly. It can also cause stomach discomfort and gum irritation when used in excess. Do not use Sodium Fluoride unless prescribed by your doctor as it can cause more harm than good.
Sodium Fluoride is available in many forms like mouthwash, gel, toothpaste and chewable tablets. Your doctor will decide which variant is most suitable for you. Do not over-consume Sodium Fluoride as it may lead to fluorosis (the appearance of faint white lines or streaks on the teeth caused by excess fluorine).
Sodium Fluoride is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor all about your current medications, including all herbs and supplements as this medicine can interact with them and cause side effects. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Sodium Fluoride
- Staining of tooth
- Itching or rash
- Stomach irritation
- Gum irritation
- Excessive salivation
Uses of Sodium Fluoride
What is it prescribed for?
- Prevention of dental caries
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe amount of time taken by Sodium Fluoride to show its effect is subject to vary based on the individual, strength, and form of administration.
- Duration of effectThe amount of time for which Sodium Fluoride remains effective is subject to vary based on the individual, strength, and form of administration.
- Safe with alcohol?Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendencies were reported for Sodium Fluoride.
- Usage in pregnancy?Sodium Fluoride is not recommended for use if you are pregnant as it may harm your developing baby. Consult your doctor before taking/using this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?It is not known whether Sodium Fluoride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby before using this medicine.
Allergy
Sodium Fluoride is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Sodium Fluoride is not recommended for use if you are pregnant as it may harm your developing baby. Consult your doctor before taking/using this medicine.
Breast-feeding
It is not known whether Sodium Fluoride passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a baby before using this medicine.
General warnings
Fluoride toxicity
Prolong use of Sodium Fluoride may lead to fluoride toxicity, especially in children. Sodium Fluoride is not recommended for use if the fluoride content of drinking water is ≥ 0.7 ppm.
Kidney disease
Sodium Fluoride should be used with caution if you have kidney problems as a diseased kidney will not be able to filter the medicine properly. This can increase the risk of toxicity. Your doctor will monitor your kidney functions closely and/or adjust your dose if required.
Discoloration of teeth
Prolong use of Sodium Fluoride may cause discoloration of teeth. Consult your doctor if you notice any white or brown lines.
Other uses
Your doctor may prescribe Sodium Fluoride for indications other than those stated above in certain specific circumstances. All the risks and benefits should be discussed with the doctor in such cases.
Other medicines
Sodium Fluoride may interact with many other medicines and may cause severe side effects. Hence, it is advised that you inform the doctor about all your current medicines including any herbs and supplements before using Sodium Fluoride.
Missed Dose
Tablet: Take the missed dose of Sodium Fluoride as soon as you remember it. If it is time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Toothpaste/Mouth wash/Mouth paint: Use/apply the missed dose of Sodium Fluoride as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not apply a double dose to make up for the missed dose.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment in case of an overdose of Sodium Fluoride.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Instructions
Interaction with alcohol is unknown. It is advisable to consult your doctor before consumption.
Interaction with Medicine
Disease interactions
Disease
Information not available.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Tablet: Follow all the instructions given by your doctor and take Sodium Fluoride exactly as advised. Dissolve the medicine in water or chew before swallowing, preferably at bedtime after brushing your teeth.
Toothpaste/Mouth wash/Mouth paint: Follow all the usage instructions mentioned on the label or the package insert. Do not apply in larger or smaller quantities than recommended.
Consult the doctor if you experience any undesirable effects. Do not stop using this medicine without consulting the doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Sodium Fluoride provides fluorine that makes your teeth stronger and resistant to tooth decay due to acid attacks.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Oral Rinses, Minerals and electrolytes
Schedule
Schedule H
Icpahealth.com. 2021. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - ACCLEAN- sodium flouride gel, dentifrice. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2021].
Icpahealth.com. 2021. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Fluoride 2800 ppm Toothpaste - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - COOL SENSE CARE PLUS MOUTHWASH- sodium flouride liquid. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2021].
Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2021. DailyMed - SODIUM FLUORIDE CHEWABLE- sodium fluoride tablet. [online] Available at: [Accessed 19 November 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 19 Jan 2023
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.