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Overview: Fluoride dental products are used to help prevent cavities and keep your teeth and gums healthy. Some products may also help with tooth sensitivity. There are multiple forms of fluoride dental products, including toothpastes and mouthwashes. They may have different ingredients and be used in different ways. Some fluoride dental products are available only by prescription and others are over-the-counter (OTC). If you are not sure which OTC fluoride dental product to use, talk to your dentist.

Uses

What is fluoride dental used for?

Fluoride dental products are commonly used in certain people for the following reasons.

  • To reduce the risk of dental cavities (products with sodium fluoride or stannous fluoride)
  • To help with tooth sensitivity (products with stannous fluoride, potassium nitrate, or calcium hydroxyapatite)
  • To help prevent gingivitis and reduce bleeding gums (products with stannous fluoride)

These uses may vary depending on the specific fluoride dental product prescribed or used.

Fluoride dental may also be used for other conditions as determined by your dentist or other health care provider.

Other forms of sodium fluoride are taken by mouth and swallowed. See: Sodium Fluoride[1]  for more information.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed some forms of this medicine for safety and effectiveness, and some labels are not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does fluoride dental 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. Fluoride dental products can help prevent cavities by making the enamel more resistant to acid. Fluoride dental may also help teeth with early enamel damage get stronger.

For tooth sensitivity, fluoride dental products may also contain other ingredients, such as potassium nitrate, which seem to help by calming the nerves in your teeth.

For gingivitis, some fluoride dental products may help in reducing plaque buildup that can cause puffy or bleeding gums.

How is fluoride dental supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Clinpro 5000
  • Fluoridex
  • FluoriMax
  • Fraiche
  • Gel-Kam
  • Neutracare
  • Phos-Flur
  • PreviDent
  • SF 5000

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 0.2%, 0.63% mouthwash
  • 0.4%, 0.454%, 1.1% toothpaste
  • 0.24%/5%, 0.25%/5%, 1.1%/3%, 1.1%/5% toothpaste

How should I store fluoride dental?

Most fluoride dental products should be stored at room temperature, between about 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). Some products may be able to be stored at slightly lower or higher temperatures. Follow the storage instructions on the fluoride dental product that you are using. If you are not sure how to store it, ask your pharmacist or dentist.

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of fluoride dental?

The most common side effects of fluoride dental are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the fluoride dental product you are using. Tell your dentist or another health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Mouth irritation
  • Temporary tooth stains (products that contain stannous fluoride)

There may be other side effects of fluoride dental that are not listed here. Contact your dentist or another 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 fluoride dental?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Fluoride dental may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using fluoride dental 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 fluoride dental?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use fluoride dental.

  • Fluoride
  • Sodium fluoride
  • Stannous fluoride
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

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

Young Children. Many dental fluoride products should not be used in young children. Age limits vary based on the specific product. Follow the age restrictions on the label or the recommendations made by your child’s dentist. If you have questions, ask your child’s dentist.

Trouble Swallowing. Some dental fluoride products should not be used if you have trouble swallowing. If you have any concerns, talk to your dentist.

What should I know about fluoride dental before using it?

If a fluoride dental product was prescribed to you by a dentist or another health care provider, use it as prescribed. If you are using an over-the-counter fluoride dental product, follow the instructions that come with the product. Do not use more than is recommended. Also, follow any other advice from your dentist or another health care provider about how to care for your teeth and gums, such as flossing.

There are multiple forms of fluoride dental products, including toothpastes and mouthwashes. They may have different ingredients and be used in different ways. If you are not sure which over-the-counter fluoride dental product to use, talk to your dentist.

Do not share fluoride dental that was prescribed for you by a dentist or another health care provider with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep fluoride dental out of the reach of children.

Do not swallow fluoride dental products. Spit them out after using them. Supervise children using dental fluoride products to make sure they are not swallowing these products or using them improperly. Swallowing too much fluoride can lead to a condition called fluorosis.

After using some products, you may need to either rinse your mouth with water or avoid rinsing with water. Follow the instructions for the specific fluoride dental product you are using.

Fluoride dental products that have stannous fluoride may cause short-term stains on the surface of your teeth. These stains are not harmful and can usually be prevented with regular toothbrushing, and your dentist can remove them. Talk to your dentist if you have any questions or concerns.

If you are using a fluoride dental mouthwash, follow any directions about mixing with water, shaking the mixture, and waiting to eat or drink after using it. Use the measuring device that comes with the product. If you have any questions about how to use a fluoride dental mouthwash, talk to your dentist or pharmacist.

What should I tell my dentist or other health care provider before using fluoride dental?

Tell your dentist or another 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 fluoride dental is right for you.

If you are using a fluoride dental product to help with tooth sensitivity, do not use it for longer than four weeks, unless recommended by your dentist or another health care provider. Sensitive teeth can be a sign of a more serious problem.

Stop using fluoride dental products and contact your dentist if you have any of the following.

  • Your tooth sensitivity continues or is getting worse instead of better 
  • You are having problems with red or bleeding gums for more than two weeks
  • Your gums hurt, seem puffy, or there is discharge where your teeth and gums meet
  • Your teeth are getting loose or spaces between teeth seem to be getting bigger

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

Mouth Sores. Tell your dentist if you have mouth sores. If you have mouth sores, you may be more sensitive to certain fluoride dental products.

Pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use fluoride dental products while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use fluoride dental products while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does fluoride dental interact with foods or drinks?

You may need to avoid eating or drinking for some time after using certain dental fluoride products. This helps these products stay on your teeth so they can work. Follow any instructions about eating and drinking for your specific fluoride dental product or ask your dentist if you are not sure.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect fluoride dental products.

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

There are no known interactions between fluoride dental products and other 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 fluoride dental?

If you or someone else has used or swallowed too much fluoride dental, 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 fluoride dental?

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