Overview
Fluoride protects teeth from the bacteria in plaque. It also promotes new bone formation. This is different than most medicines used for weak bones (osteoporosis), which fight osteoporosis by keeping bone from being broken down.
People commonly use fluoride to prevent cavities. It is also used for tooth plaque, a mild form of gum disease (gingivitis), osteoporosis, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of its other uses.
The FDA warns that swallowing too much toothpaste can increase the risk for tooth staining. But this is likely more of a concern with long-term use rather than accidentally swallowing it just once. Also, starting June 2022, fluoride levels in bottled water cannot exceed 0.7 mg per liter and must be declared on the label.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Effective for
- Cavities. Using fluoride in toothpaste, mouthwash, and other dental products, or consuming it in drinking water, reduces the risk of cavities in both baby teeth and permanent teeth. But it's not clear if taking fluoride supplements by mouth offers these benefits.
Possibly Effective for
- Tooth plaque.Using toothpaste containing fluoride, especially when it also contains tin (stannous fluoride), seems to reduce the amount of plaque build-up on teeth.
- A mild form of gum disease (gingivitis). Using toothpaste containing fluoride, especially when it also contains tin (stannous fluoride), seems to reduce bleeding and swelling of the gums.
- Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis). Taking fluoride by mouth seems to increase bone mineral density, which is an indicator of bone strength. But it's not clear if it helps reduce the risk of fractures.
Side Effects
When applied to the teeth: Fluoride is likely safe when used in toothpastes and mouthwashes, and when applied by dentists.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When applied to the teeth: Fluoride is likely safe when used in toothpastes and mouthwashes, and when applied by dentists.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fluoride is commonly consumed in public drinking water. It is likely safe when consumed in doses below the upper tolerable intake level of 10 mg daily and when applied directly to the teeth in toothpastes and mouthwashes while pregnant or breast-feeding. But using higher doses is possibly unsafe and can weaken bones and ligaments, and cause muscle weakness and nervous system problems.
Children: Fluoride is commonly consumed in public water supplies. It is likely safe when consumed in doses below the daily upper tolerable intake level. These doses are set by age: 0.7 mg for 0-6 months, 0.9 mg for 7-12 months, 1.3 mg for 1-3 years, 2.2 mg for 4-8 years, and 10 mg for children 8 years and older. It is also likely safe when applied directly to the teeth in toothpastes and mouthwashes. But consuming higher amounts of fluoride is possibly unsafe. Children under six should only use a pea-sized amount of fluoride-containing toothpaste, just in case they swallow some. For infants under 6 months of age, drinking water that is high in natural fluoride should not be mixed with infant formula.
Interactions ?
We currently have no information for FLUORIDE overview.
Dosing
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