Fluoride

Brand Names

ACT Fluoride Rinse, ACT Kids Fluoride Rinse, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Cinnamon, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Mint, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Spearmint, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Vanilla Mint, Control Rx, Denta 5000 Plus, Dentagel, Ethedent, Fluoridex, Fluoridex Daily Defense, Fluoridex Daily Defense Enhanced Whitening

What is Fluoride

Fluoride is a medicine that prevents tooth decay. It is taken up by teeth and helps to strengthen teeth, resist acid and block the cavity-forming action of bacteria. Fluoride usually is used by children and adults who have no fluoridated water at home.

Side effects of Fluoride

The most common side effects of Fluoride include the followings:

• staining of teeth
• unusual increase in saliva
• salty or soapy taste
• stomach pain
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• rash
• weakness
• tremor
• seizures

Indication

Fluoride is used to strengthen teeth and prevent cavities. You cannot use it for brushing or flossing. Fluoride is available as a liquid, tablet and chewable tablet, taken by mouth, once daily.

You may take fluoride liquid straight from the bottle or mix with cereal, fruit juice or other foods. You should use a dropper or an oral syringe in order to measure out your dose. Tablets may be dissolved in the mouth, chewed or added to drinking water or fruit juice. You also may add tablets to water for use in infant formulas or other food.

Precautions

It is very important to inform your doctor if you:

• Have an allergic reaction to fluoride, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs) or any other drugs
• Are taking any other prescription and non-prescription medications, including vitamins. It is not recommended to combine fluoride with calcium, magnesium or iron supplements
• Are pregnant, plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding
• Are on a low-sodium or sodium-free diet

Dosage forms

Usual adult dose for prevention of Dental caries:

You should apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to a toothbrush and brush thoroughly on all tooth surfaces for at least 1 minute. Then expectorate. It is not recommended to eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes. You should use it twice daily as your normal dentifrice.

Usual pediatric dose for prevention of Dental caries:

Children who are less than 6 years of age should not use fluoride unless recommended by their dentist.

Children at the age 6-17: Apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to a toothbrush and brush thoroughly on all tooth surfaces for at least 1 minute. Then they should expectorate and rinse mouth thoroughly. It is recommended to use it twice daily as your normal dentifrice.