When is the best time to use sodium fluoride dental rinse or toothpaste?

You can typically use sodium fluoride dental once or twice a day, depending on which product you're using. If you're instructed to use it once a day, use it at bedtime. This gives your teeth more time to absorb the medication, and there's less risk of it being [removed by food or drink](https://www.aapd.org/globalassets/media/publications/archives/stookey-08-02.pdf) since you'll be asleep. For sodium fluoride dental mouthwash or rinse, it's best to use it after brushing your teeth with toothpaste. If you're using it twice a day, it's recommended [in the morning and before going to bed](https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/fluoride-topical-and-systemic-supplements#:~:text=when%20you%20get%20up%20in%20the%20morning%20and%20before%20going%20to%20bed). Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after use.

Do all sodium fluoride dental products work the same way?

No, not all sodium fluoride dental products work the same way. Different products contain different amounts of sodium fluoride, and some have additional ingredients. For example, [Prevident 5000 Sensitive](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=b028cfff-4946-49e8-b8bb-197ab99d0d35) and [Prevident 5000 Enamel Protect](https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=bbc66b1b-e05c-4e14-bef3-b8bae419fc89) contain two active ingredients, sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate. [Potassium nitrate](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3908806/) is a [desensitizing agent](https://www.ada.org/resources/research/science-and-research-institute/oral-health-topics/toothpastes) that's added to help people with sensitive teeth. Other sodium fluoride dental products contain only sodium fluoride as the active ingredient.

sodium fluoride

Generic Prevident 5000 Plus

Used for Dental Care

Sodium fluoride dental is a medication in many oral care products that's used to prevent cavities in children and adults. It's available as a toothpaste, mouthwash, foam, or gel. Depending on the strength, the product can be bought over the counter or with a prescription for you to use at home. It can also be used by your provider at the dental office.

Reviewed by:

Yen Nguyen, PharmD

Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD

Last reviewed on July 29, 2022

What is Sodium fluoride dental?

What is Sodium fluoride dental used for?

Prevention of cavities (tooth decay)

How Sodium fluoride dental works

Certain bacteria in your mouth produce acid that can break down the surfaces of your teeth. Sodium fluoride dental is a fluoride medication that prevents cavities by making the teeth more resistant to acid. It also helps the teeth absorb fluoride ion, which adds protection to the tooth enamel to make it stronger.

Are you looking for information on sodium fluoride tablets or liquid drops, or sodium chloride instead?

Drug facts

Common Brands	Prevident 5000 Plus, DentaGel, Denta 5000 Plus, SF 5000 Plus, Clinpro 5000
Drug Class	Fluoride
Controlled Substance Classification	Not a controlled medication
Generic Status	Lower-cost generic available
Availability	Prescription or over-the-counter

Common Brands

Prevident 5000 Plus, DentaGel, Denta 5000 Plus, SF 5000 Plus, Clinpro 5000

Drug Class

Fluoride

Controlled Substance Classification

Not a controlled medication

Generic Status

Lower-cost generic available

Availability

Prescription or over-the-counter

Side effects of Sodium fluoride dental

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

See Risks and Warnings.

Source: DailyMed

The following Sodium fluoride dental side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Sores in the mouth and on the lips (rare)

Sodium fluoride in drinking water or taken as a supplement does not usually cause any side effects. However, taking an overdose of fluoride may cause serious problems.

Stop taking this medicine and get emergency help immediately if any of the following effects occur:

Black, tarry stools

bloody vomit

diarrhea

drowsiness

faintness

increased watering of the mouth

nausea or vomiting

shallow breathing

stomach cramps or pain

tremors

unusual excitement

watery eyes

weakness

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

Pain and aching of bones

stiffness

white, brown, or black discoloration of the teeth—occurs only during periods of tooth development in children

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Get your GoodRx coupon

Avg retail price

$17.47(Save 31.02%)

GoodRx discount

$12.05

See prices

Pros and cons of Sodium fluoride dental

Pros

Allergic reactions are rare.
Certain products can be used in children as young as 2 years old.
Available as gel, paste, cream, rinse, and foam
Available in many different brands and generics

Cons

Risk of swallowing in children
Products with similar names can be confusing.
Young children require supervision.
Prescription required for higher strengths

Pharmacist tips for Sodium fluoride dental

Sodium fluoride dental paste, cream, or gel are used in place of your regular toothpaste, unless instructed differently by your provider.
This medication should never be swallowed, so make sure you spit out after use. Make sure to supervise your child to prevent swallowing. If sodium fluoride dental is accidentally swallowed, get medical help or contact the poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 right away.
It's best to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after using sodium fluoride dental to allow your teeth to absorb the fluoride. Follow the product instructions or ask your provider if you should rinse your mouth out after using this medication.
If you're using sodium fluoride dental toothpaste for children under 6 years old, make sure to use a pea-sized amount.
Read the package label carefully to see how long you can use the product. Some brands (e.g., Sodium Fluoride 5000 ppm Enamel Protect, Sodium Fluoride 5000 ppm Sensitive) shouldn't be used for more than 4 weeks unless your provider tells you to.
Consult with your provider before using any products at home if you've had previous dental work or any changes to your natural teeth. Certain sodium fluoride dental products can be safe for people with crowns and restorations.
Some sodium fluoride dental gels and creams can be used with a mouthpiece. Long-term exposure with a mouthpiece (longer than one minute) might cause mouth irritation, such as burning.
Some rinses might cause temporary staining to your teeth. This should go away, but if you have questions or concerns speak to your dental provider.

Common questions about Sf 5000 Plus

You can typically use Sodium Fluoride once or twice a day, depending on which product you're using. If you're instructed to use it once a day, use it at bedtime. This gives your teeth more time to absorb the medication, and there's less risk of it being removed by food or drink since you'll be asleep. For Sodium Fluoride mouthwash or rinse, it's best to use it after brushing your teeth with toothpaste. If you're using it twice a day, it's recommended in the morning and before going to bed. Don't eat or drink for 30 minutes after use.

If you or your child accidentally swallows a large amount of Sodium Fluoride, it might result in a sudden burning feeling in the mouth and a sore tongue. Within 30 minutes of swallowing, you or your child might experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, and stomach cramps. These symptoms can last up to 24 hours. If you've discovered your child has swallowed Sodium Fluoride, call a poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 so they can advise you on what to do. In some cases, you'll need to get to a hospital for treatment.

No, not all Sodium Fluoride products work the same way. Different products contain different amounts of sodium fluoride, and some have additional ingredients. For example, Prevident 5000 Sensitive and Prevident 5000 Enamel Protect contain two active ingredients, sodium fluoride and potassium nitrate. Potassium nitrate is a desensitizing agent that's added to help people with sensitive teeth. Other Sodium Fluoride products contain only sodium fluoride as the active ingredient.

All of the Prevident products contain 1.1% of sodium fluoride, but they're made with a few differences. Prevident 5000 Sensitive and Prevident 5000 Enamel Protect contain an extra ingredient to help with sensitive teeth. Prevident 5000 Booster Plus allows you to absorb fluoride better and faster compared to other fluoride toothpastes. Prevident 5000 Dry Mouth doesn't contain ingredients that are known to cause dryness, so it might be a better option for people who have dry mouth.

Different Sodium Fluoride products are approved for different age groups. Toothpastes with a lower amount of sodium fluoride (e.g., 0.24%) can be purchased over the counter and used in adults and children over 2 years of age. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that children younger than 3 years old use toothpaste no larger than the size of a grain of rice. Toothpastes with a higher amount of sodium fluoride (e.g., 0.5%, 1.1%) are only available with a prescription. These prescription-only toothpastes are approved for adults, as well as children 6 or 12 years and older (depending on the strength). Mouthwashes are approved for people 6 years and older, but the directions on how to use them will depend on how much sodium fluoride is inside the product. Certain Sodium Fluoride products, such as gels used for mouth trays, are only available at your dental office. Speak with your provider regarding the health of your teeth to see which product is the best for you.

Risks and warnings for Sodium fluoride dental

Sodium fluoride dental can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

Teeth discoloration with long-term swallowing

Risk factors: Children under 6 years old

Children under 6 years old generally can't brush their teeth without swallowing. Swallowing sodium fluoride dental daily over time can cause dental fluorosis, which is when the tooth enamel changes color or appearance. If your provider recommends this medication for your child who's under the age of 6, your child will need special supervision to prevent them from swallowing the medication. All children under age 12 should be supervised when using sodium fluoride dental products.

Sodium fluoride dental dosage

The average cost for 1 tube of 51g of 1.1% of Sodium fluoride dental is $12.05 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 31.02% off the average retail price of $17.47.

Tube of paste

Dosage	Quantity	Price as low as	Price per unit
51g of 1.1%	1 tube	$12.05	$12.05

Typical dosage for Sodium fluoride dental

There are many different dental products available that contain sodium fluoride. These products can be used in different age groups, and the directions for use can vary among them. Make sure to read the directions on the product or use it as instructed by your provider. In general:

Mouthwash or rinse: For adults and children 6 years and older, swish 10 mL in your mouth for 1 minute, then spit out. Lower strengths (e.g., 0.02%, 0.05%) can be used at home once or twice daily after brushing your teeth with toothpaste, while higher strengths (e.g., 2%) are used under your provider’s care at their office.

Toothpaste: Apply a thin ribbon onto a toothbrush and brush teeth thoroughly. The amount of toothpaste you should apply, how long you should brush your teeth, and how often you should use it depends on your age and the product being used. Follow the directions on the product or ask your dental provider. After brushing, spit out and rinse your mouth per package directions.

foam or gel for mouth trays: Your provider will prepare your tray for you, which will be inserted into your mouth after the surfaces of your teeth are dried. Bite down lightly for 1 to 4 minutes, then spit out after the tray is removed. The gel can also be used at home if instructed by your provider. To do so, apply a thin layer of gel on a toothbrush, and brush for up to 4 minutes. Spit out and rinse well.

Interactions between Sodium fluoride dental and other drugs

Sodium fluoride dental may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Sodium fluoride dental. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.