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.
Suck on the fluoride lozenge until it dissolves completely in your mouth. Do not chew the
lozenge or swallow it whole.
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 of fluoride?
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.
Where can I get more information about fluoride?
Your pharmacist has information about fluoride written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of fluoride?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor if you have any of the following side effects:
Less serious side effects may include:
-
stomach upset;
-
headache; or
-
weakness.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your
doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at
1-800-FDA-1088. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
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 should I avoid while taking fluoride?
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 other drugs will affect fluoride?
There may be other drugs that can interact with fluoride. Tell your doctor about all your
prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs
prescribed by other doctors. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of fluoride?