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Sodium fluoride is taken by mouth and often used in children to help reduce the risk of dental cavities, especially in areas without fluoridated water. There are multiple forms of sodium fluoride, including liquids and chewable tablets. Taking sodium fluoride with calcium or dairy products may decrease how much is absorbed. Sodium fluoride should be taken at least two hours before or after eating or drinking foods or drinks with calcium, such as milk, yogurt, or other dairy products. If you have any questions about how to use sodium fluoride, ask your health care provider.

Uses

What is sodium fluoride used for?

Sodium fluoride is commonly used in certain children to help reduce the risk of dental cavities. 

Sodium fluoride may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Other forms of fluoride are used on the teeth, such as mouthwashes or toothpastes. See: Fluoride dental for more information.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed oral sodium fluoride supplements for safety and effectiveness, and these products are not approved by the FDA. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

Note: The FDA is initiating action to remove concentrated ingestible fluoride prescription drug products for children from the market. See more here.

How does sodium fluoride work (mechanism of action)?

Fluoride is a mineral that helps strengthen the outer layer of your teeth (enamel). Certain bacteria in your mouth can react with food to make acids, which can lead to the formation of dental plaque. The acids in plaque can wear down enamel and cause cavities. Sodium fluoride can help prevent cavities by making the enamel more resistant to acid. Sodium fluoride may also help teeth with early enamel damage get stronger.

The amount of fluoride you need varies based on age and sex. Most people get enough fluoride from tap water that has fluoride in it, foods and drinks made with fluoridated water, and the use of certain dental products with fluoride, such as toothpaste and some mouth rinses. 

How is sodium fluoride supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Epiflur
  • Fluorabon
  • Fluor-A-Day
  • Flura-Drops
  • Ludent
  • Luride
  • Sodiphluor
  • SoluVita

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1 mg chewable tablets
  • 0.5 mg/mL oral liquid

How should I store sodium fluoride?

Sodium fluoride should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Avoid exposing it to moisture, sunlight, or excessive heat. Keep the lid tightly closed.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of sodium fluoride?

Sodium fluoride is usually well tolerated. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of sodium fluoride?

While less common, the most serious side effects of sodium fluoride are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Sodium fluoride may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking sodium fluoride and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use sodium fluoride?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take sodium fluoride.

  • Epiflur
  • Fluorabon
  • Fluor-A-Day
  • Fluoride
  • Flura-Drops
  • Ludent
  • Luride
  • Sodiphluor
  • Sodium fluoride
  • SoluVita
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific sodium fluoride products they stock.

Water Source. Sodium fluoride should not be taken if your local water supply has enough fluoride in it. The amount of fluoride you need each day can vary based on your age and your local water supply. Follow your health care provider’s recommendations. If you are not sure if your water is fluoridated, you can contact your local water provider or visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) “My Water’s Fluoride” website at nccd.cdc.gov/doh_mwf/default/default.aspx.

Young Children. Sodium fluoride liquid should not be taken by children younger than 6 months. Sodium fluoride chewable tablets should not be taken by certain young children, usually younger than 3 or 4 years, due to the risk of choking. There may be other age limitations based on the specific sodium fluoride product. If you have questions, ask your health care provider. 

What should I know about sodium fluoride before using it?

Do not take sodium fluoride unless it has been prescribed by your health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not take more than prescribed. Over time, taking too much sodium fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis. 

Do not share sodium fluoride with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep sodium fluoride out of the reach of children.

Some liquid sodium fluoride products may need to be shaken well before you measure the dose. This helps make sure you get the right amount of medicine. If you are not sure if you should shake the sodium fluoride product you have, check with your pharmacist. 

Liquid sodium fluoride products should come with a dropper to use as a measuring device. If you do not have the dropper that came with your product or it did not come with one, ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Chewable sodium fluoride tablets should be chewed completely or dissolved in the mouth before swallowing. Follow the directions for your product. Do not swallow them whole. 

Follow any other advice from your dentist or other health care provider about how to care for your teeth and gums, such as flossing.

What should I tell my health care provider before using sodium fluoride?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if sodium fluoride is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually prescribed sodium fluoride. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. People who can breastfeed are not usually prescribed sodium fluoride. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does sodium fluoride interact with foods or drinks?

Taking sodium fluoride with calcium or dairy products can decrease the amount of sodium fluoride absorbed. This can keep the medicine from working well. You should take sodium fluoride at least two hours before or after eating or drinking things with calcium, such as milk, yogurt, or other dairy products. If you have any questions about how to take sodium fluoride, ask your health care provider. 

Does sodium fluoride interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Sodium fluoride may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much sodium fluoride?

If you or someone else has used too much sodium fluoride, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of sodium fluoride?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.