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.
Prevention of cavities (tooth decay)
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.
Source: DailyMed
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
drowsiness
faintness
increased watering of the mouth
nausea or vomiting
shallow breathing
stomach cramps or pain
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.
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
Risk of swallowing in children
Products with similar names can be confusing.
Young children require supervision.
Prescription required for higher strengths
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.
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.
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.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
51g of 1.1% | 1 tube | $9.19 | $9.19 |
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.
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.
Prevention of cavities (tooth decay)
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