Sodium Fluoride
Sodium fluoride is a dental medication that prevents tooth decay and reduces tooth sensitivity, commonly found in toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Sodium fluoride is a dental treatment that prevents cavities and strengthens tooth enamel by making it more resistant to acid attacks.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A01AA01
- RxNorm
- 18681
- Generic
- Sodium Fluoride
- Class
- atc-a01
- Brands
- Clinpro 5000, Listerine, Crest, FluoriSHIELD, Neutramaxx, Zooby Fluoride Foam, Duraflor, PCxx Neutral Foam, CTx3 Rinse, ProDenRx Rinse, PCxx Neutral Rinse, Florical, ACT Fluoride Rinse, Fluorabon, Phos-Flur
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- safe
- Half-life (h)
- 6
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 0
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- toothpaste, mouth rinse, foam, gel, varnish, solution
- Regions
- United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, India, Europe
- Monitoring
- dental check-ups
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteruse lowest effective dose
avoid excessive fluoride exposure during pregnancy, use dental products as directed
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
second trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue standard dental hygiene with fluoride toothpaste
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimesteruse lowest effective dose
continue standard fluoride use for oral health
routine prenatal care
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedingno adjustment needed
standard fluoride use is compatible with breastfeeding
none required
pediatric_age
children under 6use pea-sized amount under supervision
supervise brushing to prevent swallowing of toothpaste, use child-strength products
monitor for signs of fluorosis
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 6 12standard pediatric dose
use under adult supervision, pea-sized fluoride toothpaste
regular dental checkups
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed for topical use
beneficial for root caries prevention in elderly
regular dental examinations
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment for topical use
standard dental fluoride products safe
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severemonitor systemic fluoride levels
use topical fluoride products as directed, avoid high-dose supplements unless prescribed
consider serum fluoride monitoring in severe impairment
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
anyno adjustment needed
standard fluoride products safe as fluoride is not primarily metabolized by liver
none required
Statistics and clinical data
Commonly prescribed since
Fluoride supplements for dental caries prevention
Drug class
Dental caries preventive agent
Common uses
Prevention of tooth decay and cavities
Caries reduction
Effectiveness in reducing dental caries
Sodium fluoride is used to prevent dental caries (tooth decay), treat dentinal hypersensitivity, and provide fluoride supplementation in communities with low fluoride in drinking water. It is suitable for both children and adults as a preventive dental treatment.
Fluoride ions incorporate into tooth enamel, forming fluorapatite which is more resistant to acid erosion from bacteria and sugars. It also inhibits bacterial growth and promotes remineralization of early carious lesions.
Available as toothpaste, mouthwash, varnish, tablets, and drops. Do not swallow toothpaste or mouthwash. Keep out of reach of young children. Overdose can cause fluorosis or toxicity—follow dosage instructions carefully based on age and local water fluoride levels.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
WellAlly may earn a referral fee from linked resources at no extra cost to you. Editorial content is never influenced by commercial relationships.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy