
What is the dosage and administration of fluoride?
Fluoride Treatment Dosage and Administration. Suction may be used throughout treatment but is not necessary. Remove tray (s) from mouth and dispose of used trays in medical waste. Residual solution left in the mouth should be expectorated and/or adequately suctioned. Instruct the patient to avoid food, beverages, or oral rinses for 30 minutes.
What are fluoride treatments?
Dentists provide professional fluoride treatments in the form of a highly concentrated rinse, foam, gel, or varnish. The treatment may be applied with a swab, brush, tray, or mouthwash. These treatments have much more fluoride than what’s in your water or toothpaste.
How many times can you put fluoride in a gel?
Gels used by dentists are typically applied one to four times a year and can lead to ingestions of 1.3 to 31.2 mg fluoride each time; varnishes are least likely to produce a high bolus of fluoride [3]. Medications Medications can contain fluoride.
How often should fluoride be used to treat dental caries?
Recommendations for patients at moderate to high risk for caries include professional topical fluoride application every 3-6 months. 1 Colorless solution containing 2% sodium fluoride for delivery in a disposable tray Avoid use in patients with known hypersensitivity to fluoride. DO NOT SWALLOW.

How much fluoride do you need?
How much fluoride do I need?Life StageRecommended AmountAdult men 19+ years4 mgAdult women 19+ years3 mgPregnant teens and women3 mgBreastfeeding teens and women3 mg6 more rows•Mar 22, 2021
How much fluoride is too much?
Fluoride levels of 2.5 mg/L or higher may increase the risk of skeletal fluorosis (a condition that causes bones to break easily and causes calcium to build up in ligaments and tendons).
What percent fluoride should be in mouthwash?
0.2%One of the common ways of fluoride use is the use of a fluoride-containing mouthwash, the most important of which in use is 0.2% sodium fluoride mouthwash. School-based fluoride mouthwash programs have been used for delivering oral and dental health to children in recent years.
How much fluoride do you need in toothpaste?
Toothpastes containing 1,350 to 1,500ppm fluoride are the most effective. Your dentist may advise you to use higher-strength toothpaste if you or your child is at particular risk of tooth decay. Children under 3 years old should brush twice daily, with a smear of toothpaste containing at least 1,000ppm fluoride.
How much fluoride is recommended per day?
According to the EPA, typical daily fluoride intakes in the United States from foods and beverages (including fluoridated drinking water) are 1.2 to 1.6 mg for infants and toddlers younger than 4 years, 2.0 to 2.2 mg for children aged 4–11 years, 2.4 mg for those aged 11–14 years, and 2.9 mg for adults [10].
Can you over fluoride your teeth?
While low levels of fluoride help strengthen and protect tooth enamel, too much fluoride can cause dental fluorosis—a discoloration of teeth, usually with opaque white marks, lines, or mottled enamel and poor mineralization.
Which mouthwash has the highest fluoride?
ACT Mouth Rinses and Mouthwash We recommend ACT mouthwash because this brand contains the most fluoride.
How do you calculate fluoride?
Note: The AFI for the three commonly used fluorides are: NaF = 0.452 or 45.2% H2SiF6 = 0.792 or 79.2% Na2SiF2 = 0.607 or 60.7%...Optimal Fluoride Levels.Annual average of maximum daily air temperature - °FRecommended fluoride concentration in mg/L50.0 - 53.71.253.8 - 58.21.158.4 - 63.81.063.9 - 70.60.92 more rows
Can you use too much fluoride mouthwash?
Too much fluoride However, too much can cause problems, such as fluorosis. If you do use mouth wash with extra fluoride, be sure you have your dentist's approval and only use the recommended amount.
How do you use fluoride toothpaste as a prescription?
Prescription strength fluoride toothpaste should be used once daily in place of your regular toothpaste. Apply a thin ribbon of the prescription strength fluoride toothpaste to your toothbrush and brush thoroughly for two minutes, preferably at bedtime.
How much fluoride is in Sensodyne?
1,040 ppm fluorideS. R. Smith, VP, Global Dental Scientific and Professional Communications, R&D, GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare responds: Sensodyne Rapid Relief provides rapid and long lasting relief from the pain of dentine hypersensitivity. It contains 1,040 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride.
How do you use sodium fluoride 5000 ppm?
DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION:Adults and pediatric patients 6 years of age or older, apply a thin ribbon of Sodium Fluoride 5000 ppm to a toothbrush. Brush thoroughly once daily for at least two minutes, preferably at bedtime.After use, adults expectorate. For best results, do not eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes.
How much fluoride is retained in the body?
In adults, about 50% of absorbed fluoride is retained, and bones and teeth store about 99% of fluoride in the body [ 1, 3 ]. The other 50% is excreted in urine [ 1 ]. In young children, up to 80% of absorbed fluoride is retained because more is taken up by bones and teeth than in adults [ 1 ].
How much fluoride is in toothpaste?
Most toothpaste sold in the United States contains fluoride in the form of sodium fluoride or monofluorophosphate, most commonly at a level of 1,000 to 1,100 mg/L (about 1.3 mg in a quarter teaspoon, a typical amount of toothpaste used for one brushing) [ 3 ].
What are the two conditions in which fluoride might play a role?
Fluoride and Health. This section focuses on two conditions in which fluoride might play a role: dental caries and bone fractures. Dental cari es. Dental caries occurs when cariogenic bacteria in the mouth ferment foods and produce acids that dissolve tooth mineral [ 22 ].
How much fluoride is in milk?
Fluoride concentrations in cow’s milk are also very low, ranging from 0.007 to 0.086 mg/L [ 3 ]. Fluoride levels in infant formulas in the United States vary, depending on the type of formula and the fluoride content of the water used to prepare the formula [ 3 ].
What is the ionic form of fluoride?
Fluoride is the ionic form of the element fluorine, and it inhibits or reverses the initiation and progression of dental caries (tooth decay) and stimulates new bone formation [ 1 ]. Soil, water, plants, and foods contain trace amounts of fluoride.
Where does fluoride come from?
Most of the fluoride that people consume comes from fluoridated water, foods and beverages prepared with fluoridated water, and toothpaste and other dental products containing fluoride [ 2, 3 ]. Approximately 80% or more of orally ingested fluoride is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract [ 1 ]. In adults, about 50% of absorbed fluoride is ...
Does fluoride help with tooth decay?
The results showed that water fluoridation reduces the risk of decay and fillings, as well as of premature loss of primary (baby) teeth, by 35% and loss of permanent (adult) teeth by 26% in children receiving fluoridated water in comparison with children receiving unfluoridated water.
What is fluoride treatment?
Fluoride Treatment is a professionally-applied fluoride solution for delivery in a disposable tray for the prevention of dental caries. Each gram of solution contains fluoride (9 mg), xylitol, and tri-calcium phosphate in a neutral pH base.
How much fluoride should a 6 year old take?
If an average 6 year old child who weighs 22.6 kg (approximately 50 pounds) would swallow all the Fluoride Treatment contained in both upper and lower medium size trays, he or she would receive a fluoride dose equivalent to 1.9 mg/kg. This dose is 2.6 times less than the level that can begin to cause adverse effects.
Can fluoride cause tremors?
Ingestion of high levels of fluoride may cause abdominal pain, weakness, tremor, spasm, or convulsions. There have been no long term studies with this product to evaluate carcinogenic, mutagenic or impairment of fertility potential.
Can fluoride cause abdominal pain?
Ingestion of high levels of fluoride may result in abdominal pain, weakness, tremor, spasm, or convulsions. These symptoms may occur at overdosage of 5 mg/kg of body weight. Fluoride doses of 16 mg/kg have been fatal. 2
How much fluoride is in water?
According to the ADA, the recommended level of fluoride in water for dental health is 0.7 parts fluoride per million parts water . Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires public water systems to notify its customers if the natural occurring fluoride exceeds recommended levels.
How old do you have to be to take fluoride?
Fluoride supplements are recommended for children between 6 months and 16 years old living in areas where water is non-fluoridated areas and at high risk of developing tooth decay.
How old is too old to get fluorosis?
The chance of developing fluorosis exists until about age eight because teeth are still forming under the gums. Here are some helpful guidelines around safe fluoride use for babies and kids. Infant to three years old: Breastfed infants are unlikely to develop fluorosis, since breast milk is very low in fluoride.
Is fluorosis a medical condition?
In the developed world, fluorosis isn't associated with a medical condition that causes cavities or jeopardizes your child's health. Some dental fluorosis cases are minor enough that treatment isn't necessary, especially if it occurs on the back teeth. However, there are treatment options such as teeth whitening if you're concerned.
Is fluoride safe for kids?
All in all, fluoride is safe when used as directed and has major benefits for your child's dental health. Don't worry, while some parts of teaching proper oral care aren't easy, making sure your kids get the right amount of fluoride is pretty simple.
Is fluoride good for teeth?
The good news is that you've probably been getting the right amount of fluoride, and all its benefits, without even trying! Fluoride from water, food or supplements helps build strong tooth enamel, which is better able to resist decay.
Can breast milk cause fluorosis?
Breastfed infants are unlikely to develop fluorosis, since breast milk is very low in fluoride. Even if they're drinking fluoridated water, nursing moms and pregnant women don't pass large quantities of fluoride to their babies.
What happens during a professional fluoride treatment?
Fluoride treatment is quick and easy. The process takes no more than a few minutes and you can go on with your daily activities.
What happens after a professional fluoride treatment?
After treatment, do not eat or drink for at least 30 minutes. This allows your teeth to absorb the fluoride and repair microscopic areas of decay.
What are the benefits of fluoride treatment?
Protecting your smile is important. One of the best ways to keep your teeth and gums healthy is by using products that contain fluoride, such as toothpaste and mouthwashes.
Book a dental consultation
Find a dentist near you to tell you more about getting started on this procedure.
Are there side effects to fluoride?
Like anything, too much fluoride can result in negative side effects and complications. If you’ve been prescribed a fluoride medication or treatment, follow the dosing instructions.
How much does a fluoride treatment cost?
Your oral and dental health are priceless! The good news is that fluoride treatment is relatively inexpensive.
Take charge of your dental health today
Undergoing routine fluoride treatments at the dentist and practicing good dental hygiene at home are the best ways to protect your smile. Prevent cavities and decay by taking care of your teeth.
What percentage of fluoride is removed by reverse osmosis?
Reverse osmosis systems remove between 65 percent and 95 percent of the fluoride. On the other hand, water softeners and charcoal/carbon filters generally do not remove fluoride. One exception: some activated carbon filters contain activated alumina that may remove over 80 percent of the fluoride.
How old do you have to be to get fluoride?
Infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years certainly need to get an appropriate amount of fluoride to prevent tooth decay. Primary and permanent teeth come in during these years. However, the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends watching the intake of too much fluoride in infants and young children.
How does fluoride help teeth?
Fluoride helps prevent decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks. It also reverses early decay. Fluoride is incorporated into the developing permanent teeth, making it difficult for acids to demineralize the teeth.
Why is fluoride important?
New research indicates that topical fluorides – from toothpastes, mouth rinses, and fluoride treatments – are as important in fighting tooth decay as in strengthening developing teeth. Conditions that may put adults at higher risk of tooth decay and would benefit from additional fluoride include:
What is fluoride in water?
What is fluoride? Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water. Every day, a tooth’s enamel layers add and lose minerals. Minerals are lost (demineralization) when acids – formed from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth – attack the enamel.
How old do you have to be to swallow toothpaste?
Children under 6 years of age are more likely to swallow toothpaste instead of spitting it out. Keep in mind, however, that it’s very difficult to reach hazardous levels given the low levels of fluoride in home-based fluoride-containing products.
Is fluorosis a mineral?
Fluorosis is more typically associated with naturally occurring fluoride, such as that found in well water. If you use well water and are uncertain about the mineral (especially fluoride) content, a water sample should be tested.
What are the benefits of fluoride?
Fluoride benefits children and adults throughout their lives. For children younger than age 8, fluoride helps strengthen the adult (permanent) teeth that are developing under the gums. For adults, drinking water with fluoride supports tooth enamel, keeping teeth strong and healthy. The health benefits of fluoride include having: 1 Fewer cavities. 2 Less severe cavities. 3 Less need for fillings and removing teeth. 4 Less pain and suffering because of tooth decay.
How many people in the US have fluoride in their water?
Fluoride in the Water Today. In 2018, community water systems that contain enough fluoride to protect teeth served more than 200 million people or 73% of the US population. Because it is so beneficial, the United States has a national goal for 77% of Americans to have water with enough fluoride to prevent tooth decay by 2030.
How does fluoride help teeth?
Fluoride helps to rebuild and strengthen the tooth’s surface, or enamel. Water fluoridation prevents tooth decay by providing frequent and consistent contact with low levels of fluoride. By keeping the tooth strong and solid, fluoride stops cavities from forming and can even rebuild the tooth’s surface. Community water fluoridation is the process ...
Why was it important to study the relationship between tooth decay and fluoride in drinking water?
The study found that children who drank water with naturally high levels of fluoride had less tooth decay. 2 This discovery was important because during that time most children and adults in the United States were affected by tooth decay. Many suffered from toothaches and painful extractions—often losing permanent teeth, including molars, even as teenagers.
What is community water fluoridation?
Community water fluoridation is the process of adjusting the amount of fluoride in drinking water to a level recommended for preventing tooth decay. Although other fluoride-containing products, such as toothpaste, mouth rinses, and dietary supplements are available and contribute to the prevention and control of tooth decay, ...
What is the process of testing water for fluoride?
This process of testing the water supply for fluoride and adjusting it to the right amount to prevent cavities is called community water fluoridation. Since 1945, hundreds of cities have started community water fluoridation and in 2016, nearly 73% of the United States served by community water systems had access to fluoridated water.
Where does fluoride come from?
The mineral fluoride occurs naturally on earth and is released from rocks into the so il, water, and air. All water contains some fluoride. Usually, the fluoride level in water is not enough to prevent tooth decay; however, some groundwater and natural springs can have naturally high levels of fluoride.

Introduction
Recommended Intakes
- Intake recommendations for fluoride and other nutrients are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [1]. DRIs is the general term for a set of reference values used for planning and assessing nutrient intakes of healthy people. These values, which vary by …
Sources of Fluoride
- Food Brewed tea typically contains higher levels of fluoride than most foods, depending on the type of tea and its source, because tea plants take up fluoride from soil [1,3]. Fluoride levels can range from 0.3 to 6.5 mg/L (0.07 to 1.5 mg/cup) in brewed tea made with distilled water [3]. Fluoride concentrations in breast milk are so low that they cannot always be detected; when the…
Fluoride Intakes and Status
- Most people in the United States consume adequate amounts of fluoride through foods containing naturally occurring fluoride, fluoridated tap water, and food products made with fluoridated tap water. According to the EPA, typical daily fluoride intakes in the United States from foods and beverages (including fluoridated drinking water) are 1.2 to 1....
Fluoride and Health
- This section focuses on two conditions in which fluoride might play a role: dental caries and bone fractures. Dental caries Dental caries occurs when cariogenic bacteria in the mouth ferment foods and produce acids that dissolve tooth mineral [22]. Over time, this tooth decay can cause pain and tooth loss. Without treatment, dental caries can cause infections, impair growth, lead to weight …
Health Risks from Excessive Fluoride
- Long-term ingestion of excess fluoride in infancy and childhood, when the teeth are being formed, can lead to dental fluorosis [41]. The characteristics of this chronic condition usually vary from almost imperceptible white lines or flecks to white or brown stains on teeth [2]. Severe dental fluorosis can lead to pitting in tooth enamel. The risk of dental fluorosis increases with fluoride i…
Fluoride and Healthful Diets
- The federal government’s 2020–2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americansnotes that “Because foods provide an array of nutrients and other components that have benefits for health, nutritional needs should be met primarily through foods. … In some cases, fortified foods and dietary supplements are useful when it is not possible otherwise to meet needs for one or more nutrients (e.g., durin…
Indications and Usage For Fluoride Treatment
Fluoride Treatment Dosage and Administration
- Instruct patient to open mouth. Insert the tray(s) into the patient's mouth, seating the solution portion of the tray over the teeth. Ensure tray adequately covers patient's dentition. Instruct the...
- Instruct the patient to gently bite down for up to 4 minutes. Suction may be used throughout treatment but is not necessary.
- Instruct patient to open mouth. Insert the tray(s) into the patient's mouth, seating the solution portion of the tray over the teeth. Ensure tray adequately covers patient's dentition. Instruct the...
- Instruct the patient to gently bite down for up to 4 minutes. Suction may be used throughout treatment but is not necessary.
- Remove tray(s) from mouth and dispose of used trays in medical waste. Residual solution left in the mouth should be expectorated and/or adequately suctioned.
- Instruct the patient to avoid food, beverages, or oral rinses for 30 minutes.
Warnings and Precautions
- DO NOT SWALLOW.
- Ingestion of high levels of fluoride may cause abdominal pain, weakness, tremor, spasm, or convulsions.
- There have been no long term studies with this product to evaluate carcinogenic, mutagenic or impairment of fertility potential.
Adverse Reactions
- Allergic reactions and other idiosyncrasies have been rarely reported.
- Developing teeth of children under age 6 may become permanently discolored if excessive amounts of fluoride are repeatedly swallowed.
Use in Specific Populations
- No studies of Fluoride Treatment have been conducted to determine whether pediatric, geriatric, pregnant, or nursing mothers respond differently from other subjects.
Overdosage
- Ingestion of high levels of fluoride may result in abdominal pain, weakness, tremor, spasm, or convulsions. These symptoms may occur at overdosage of 5 mg/kg of body weight. Fluoride doses of 16 mg/kg have been fatal.2 One upper and one lower medium size tray filled with Fluoride Treatment contain a total of 42.9 mg of fluoride. If an average 6 year old child who weig…
Fluoride Treatment Description
- Fluoride Treatment is a professionally-applied fluoride solution for delivery in a disposable tray for the prevention of dental caries. Each gram of solution contains fluoride (9 mg), xylitol, and tri-calcium phosphate in a neutral pH base.
Fluoride Treatment - Clinical Pharmacology
- Fluoride delivered from Fluoride Treatment inhibits caries formation by reducing enamel solubility and enhancing remineralization.
References
- ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Professionally applied topical fluoride: Executive summary of evidence-based clinical recommendations. JADA 2006 or www.ada.org/goto/ebd
- Poisindex. Toxicologic Management – Fluoride. Thomson Micromedex.
How Supplied/Storage and Handling
- Fluoride Treatment is supplied as a colorless solution for delivery in a disposable tray. Fluoride Treatment is available in Bubble Gum Flavor (NDC 48878-3160-2). Storage This product is designed to be stored and used at room temperature. Do not freeze or expose to extreme heat. See outer package for expiration date. Manufactured by: 3M ESPE Dental Products 2510 Conwa…
Dental Health with Fluoride
- To keep your teeth healthy, it’s important to include fluoride in your daily oral hygiene routine. For many people, fluoride is added to their drinking water by their communities. In addition, people also use toothpaste that contains fluoride. Both of these methods are effective ways to apply fluoride to your teeth. However, your dentist may suggest a dental fluoride treatment option if yo…
Procedure
- While there are over-the-counter (OTC) fluoride treatments for adults and children, your dentist may suggest an in-office fluoride treatment. These include:2 1. Fluoride mouth rinsesare a concentrated solution that you swish in your mouth and around your teeth as directed, typically once a day or weekly. 2. Fluoride supplements are available as a tablet or lozenge and are consu…
Cost
- The cost for a dental fluoride treatment varies based on the type, but they typically start at around $25.4If you have dental insurance, your policy may cover certain dental fluoride treatments. It’s important to discuss these treatments with your insurance provider before you get one at the dentist's office.
How Much Fluoride Is needed?
- For healthy teeth, brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Most toothpaste has a range of 1,000–1,500 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride.5 Parents with children younger than 2 should consult with their healthcare provider, pediatrician, or dentist before starting a fluoride toothpaste. However, when your child cuts their first tooth, the Ameri...
Benefits
- Fluoride is essential for a healthy mouth and teeth. The benefits of fluoride include building strong teeth, protecting tooth enamel, and fighting tooth decay. Fluoride also reduces the amount of acid on your teeth caused by bacteria.7
Side Effects
- Like many other minerals, fluoride can be toxic if you consume it in high doses. However, if you brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, the amount of it is too small to present a risk. If your dentist prescribes additional fluoride treatments, it’s important to use them as directed. Children ages 8 and younger are at risk for developing dental fluorosis, or discoloratio…
Summary
- Good dental hygiene includes fluoride in your toothpaste and/or drinking water to help prevent tooth decay. If necessary, your dentist may recommend additional dental fluoride treatments. These treatments are a quick and easy way to help ward off tooth decay and gum disease. To keep your teeth healthy, it's important to brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste.
A Word from Verywell
- Brushing your teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day goes a long way in keeping your teeth healthy and strong. Be sure to get a dental cleaning and checkup at least once a year, and speak with the dentist about fluoride treatments.