Why is sodium fluoride prescribed?

Sodium fluoride makes teeth more resistant to decay and bacteria that cause cavities. This medication is used to prevent cavities.

What are fluoride pills for?

Overview. Fluoride is a form of the chemical element fluorine. It is used as medicine. Fluoride is most commonly used to prevent cavities, and to treat tooth plaque, a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis), and weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis).

When should you take fluoride tablets?

The chewable tablet may be chewed or dissolved in your mouth before you swallow it. It is best to take this medicine at bedtime after brushing your teeth. Do not rinse your mouth, and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking fluoride. Take fluoride regularly to get the most benefit.

What happens if you eat sodium fluoride?

Symptoms of overdose may include: burning in the mouth, sore tongue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased saliva, stomach pain/cramping, muscle weakness, shaking, seizures.

Can adults take fluoride tablets?

Oral fluoride supplement guidelines don’t exist for adults because adult teeth are already fully formed, though the CDC notes that more research is needed in this area. Children and teens who get fluoride in their water or food supply generally shouldn’t take supplements.

Why do kids take fluoride pills?

For optimal prevention of decay for the developing and erupted teeth, it is recommended that children be exposed to fluoride at age six months. Supplementation in the form of tablets, mouth rinses, pastes, or gels is generally continued until age 16.

Who needs fluoride?

When Is Fluoride Intake Most Critical? It is certainly important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years to be exposed to fluoride. This is the timeframe during which the primary and permanent teeth come in. However, adults benefit from fluoride, too.

What is the deficiency of fluoride?

Fluoride or fluorine deficiency is a disorder which may cause increased dental caries (or tooth decay, is the breakdown of dental tissues by the acidic products released by the “bacterial fermentation of dietary carbohydrates.”) and possibly osteoporosis (a bone disorder which leads to a decrease in bone mass, and an …

How does fluoride help with sensitivity?

Fluoride is well-known for its benefits to oral health. Applied topically to the teeth, it remineralizes the tooth enamel (i.e. makes the teeth harder and stronger) to prevent sensitivity and tooth decay.

Which is better sodium monofluorophosphate vs sodium fluoride?

In a recent study it has been shown that sodium fluoride (NaF) is more effective in caries prevention than sodium monofluorophosphate but this study did not include amine fluoride [5].