Sodium Fluoride dental paste (2024)

What is this medication?

SODIUM FLUORIDE (SOE dee um FLOOR ide) prevents tooth decay. It may also be used to reduce gum and tooth sensitivity. It works by making your teeth stronger. Fluoride is a mineral that plays an important role in the health of your teeth and bones.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): biotene Dry Mouth, biotene PBF Dry Mouth, Blank, Denta 5000 Plus, EtheDent, Morning Fresh, PreviDent 5000 Booster, PreviDent 5000 Booster Plus, PreviDent 5000 Dry Mouth, PreviDent 5000 ORTHO DEFENSE, PreviDent 5000 Plus, SF 5000 Plus, Wentworth, Wentworth Sodium Fluoride, White Coral

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Kidney disease
  • Stained, mottled, or pitted teeth
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to fluoride, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is applied to the teeth. Follow these instructions unless otherwise instructed by your care team: Apply a thin ribbon of cream to a toothbrush. Brush thoroughly once daily for 2 minutes, preferably at bedtime. After using, adults should spit the paste out after use and not eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes for best results. Do not swallow the paste.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This paste has been used in children as young as 6 years; however, precautions do apply. Children 6 to 16 years of age should spit the paste out after use and rinse mouth thoroughly.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, use only that dose. Do not use double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress.

Do not swallow this paste. Prolonged daily ingestion can cause abnormal tooth enamel. Enamel is the hard part on the outside of the tooth. Report any changes in tooth color, such as unusual staining or spotting of the teeth.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Change in tooth color

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Irritation inside the mouth or throat

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Sodium Fluoride dental paste (2024)

FAQs

What is sodium fluoride paste used for? ›

SODIUM FLUORIDE (SOE dee um FLOOR ide) prevents tooth decay. It may also be used to reduce gum and tooth sensitivity. It works by making your teeth stronger. Fluoride is a mineral that plays an important role in the health of your teeth and bones.

Is sodium fluoride toothpaste safe? ›

The bottom line. Fluoride toothpaste is generally safe and recommended for both children and adults. But it's important to use it correctly, especially for babies and young children. If you're worried about the safety of fluoride, there are plenty of fluoride-free options available.

What does fluoride paste do to your teeth? ›

Specifically, fluoride: Remineralizes your tooth enamel. Reverses early tooth decay. Slows down the process of demineralization.

What is sodium fluoride used for in dentistry? ›

Sodium fluoride varnish is used to prevent caries development, arrest early enamel and even soft dentine caries through promotion of remineralization of carious tooth substance. It is also used to treat tooth hypersensitivity.

Can I eat with fluoride paste on my teeth? ›

In general, patients are advised to wait 30 minutes after a fluoride treatment before eating or drinking. This 30-minutes allows time for the fluoride treatment to seal to the teeth. Additionally, you may want to think more about what you are eating after a fluoride treatment.

How long does fluoride paste stay on teeth? ›

For maximum fluoride uptake, the varnish can remain on the teeth overnight and can be brushed off in the morning. It is recommended that the patient be instructed to only eat soft foods and drink cold liquids for 4 hours after treatment.

Why do people avoid fluoride toothpaste? ›

A 2019 CDC study found that fluoride is linked to the development of dental fluorosis. This is a dental defect that causes tooth enamel to become hypomineralized. While mostly cosmetic — causing unsightly discoloration of the teeth — in severe cases, it may also weaken the tooth's structure and lead to physical damage.

What are the negatives of sodium fluoride? ›

may cause bronchitis to develop with coughing, phlegm, and/or shortness of breath. twitching, tremors, convulsions, coma and even death. deposit of Fluoride in the bones and teeth, a condition called Fluorosis. This may cause pain, disability and mottling of the teeth.

Why do dentists push fluoride? ›

Plaque deposits on your tooth and erodes it, causing the development of cavities. However, during the early stages of cavities, fluoride reverses the cavities and hardens your tooth enamel. Fluoride is proven to protect your teeth from decay by rebuilding your eroded teeth surfaces through remineralization.

Is it okay to swallow fluoride paste? ›

If you swallow a small amount, it's generally safe. But if you've consumed too much, it may increase fluoride levels in your blood supply and result in an upset stomach, vomiting, and nausea. For children ages 8 and below, too much fluoride can also cause white lines or spots to appear on their teeth.

Is it OK to leave fluoride on your teeth? ›

Typically, fluoride varnish should be left on your teeth for at least 6 hours after application. This allows the fluoride to penetrate the enamel and provide full protection against tooth decay. It's important not to eat, drink, or brush your teeth for at least 30 minutes after fluoride varnish has been applied.

Is it safe to use fluoride toothpaste everyday? ›

Too much fluoride can pose risks to health, but the amount of fluoride in toothpaste is generally safe if a person uses the toothpaste as advised. Fluoride is a naturally occuring mineral that people add to water, food, and other products. Toothpaste is an important part of good oral hygiene.

Does sodium fluoride repair teeth? ›

Fluoride (and sodium fluoride in particular) is added to toothpastes to strengthen the tooth enamel, the layer of hardened outer shell that surrounds and protect the tooth's softer layers and nerve endings.

Does sodium fluoride remove plaque? ›

Toothbrushing or mouth rinsing with sodium fluoride alone decreases plaque accumulation and improves gingival health. 3. The combined method (toothbrushing and rinsing with sodium fluoride) is the most effective.

What is the difference between fluoride and sodium fluoride? ›

Fluorine is the pure form of fluoride. Fluorine is a toxic gas and should always be bound with another substance before use in food or other products. This can be a metal (such as tin) or a salt. Sodium fluoride (NaF) is an ionic compound between sodium and fluoride.

What is the purpose of adding sodium fluoride? ›

Sodium fluoride protects the teeth from acid demineralization while preventing tooth decay by bacteria while strengthening tooth enamel. It is important to note that excess fluoride exposure during tooth mineralization, especially in children 1-3 years old, may cause fluorosis.

What does sodium fluoride do to your body? ›

► Exposure to Sodium Fluoride can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

Is fluoride paste good for teeth? ›

Fluoride protects teeth against decay by helping strengthen developing enamel and slowing acid production of bacteria caused by plaque. Fluoride protects teeth against a process called demineralization. This occurs when bacteria combine with sugars to create acid that erodes the tooth.

Does sodium fluoride reverse cavities? ›

Fluoride is a mineral that can prevent tooth decay from progressing. It can even reverse, or stop, early tooth decay.

References

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