What is the most important information I should know about fluoride?
You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater
than 0.7 parts per million (ppm).
Before using fluoride, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt free
diet. You may not be able to use fluoride, or you may need special tests while you are using it.
Do not take fluoride with milk, other dairy products, or calcium supplements.
Calcium can make it harder for your body to absorb fluoride.
Avoid using antacids without your doctor's advice. Use only the specific type of antacid
your doctor recommends. Many antacids contain calcium, which can interfere with fluoride
absorption.
What is fluoride?
Fluoride is a substance that strengthens tooth enamel. This helps to prevent dental
cavities.
Fluoride is used as a medication to prevent tooth decay in people that have a low level of
fluoride in their drinking water. Fluoride is also used to prevent tooth decay in people who
undergo radiation of the head and/or neck, which may cause dryness of the mouth and an
increased incidence of tooth decay.
Fluoride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluoride?
You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater
than 0.7 parts per million (ppm).
Before using fluoride, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt free
diet. You may not be able to use fluoride, or you may need special tests while you are using it.
Talk to your doctor and dentist before taking fluoride if you are pregnant or could
become pregnant during treatment.
Talk to your doctor and dentist before taking fluoride if you are breast-feeding.
The American Dental Association's Council on Dental Therapeutics recommends the
use of fluoride by children up to 13 years of age; the American Academy of Pediatrics
recommends fluoride supplementation by children until the age of 16 years of age. Do not give a
1-mg tablet to a child younger than 3 years old, or when your drinking
water fluoride content is
equal to or greater than 0.3 ppm.
How should I take fluoride?
Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do
not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended.
Take this medicine with a full glass of water.
Do not take fluoride with milk or other dairy products. Calcium can make it harder
for your body to absorb fluoride.
The chewable forms of fluoride can be chewed, swallowed, dissolved in the mouth, added
to drinking water or fruit juice, or added to water for use in infant formula or other food.
The fluoride drops can be taken by mouth undiluted, or mixed with fluid or food.
If you mix fluoride with food or water, drink or eat this mixture right away. Do not save
it for later use.
It is important to take fluoride regularly to get the most benefit.
Store fluoride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra
medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this
medicine.
Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, drooling,
numbness or tingling, loss of feeling anywhere in your body, muscle stiffness, or seizure
(convulsions).
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