Fluoride

Fluoride is a substance that makes tooth enamel stronger, which helps stop dental cavities.

Fluoride is used to prevent tooth decay in people who have drinking water with low levels of fluoride (less than 0.6 parts per million).

Fluoride may also be used for other reasons that are not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Fluoride doses depend on your age and the fluoride level in your water supply. Generally, you do not need to take fluoride if your water has more than 0.6 ppm of fluoride.

Carefully follow all dosing instructions when giving this medicine to a child.

Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).

Fluoride liquid (drops) can be taken undiluted or mixed with liquid or food. Drink or eat this mixture right away. Do not save it for later use.

The chewable tablet may be chewed or dissolved in your mouth before you swallow it. It is best to take this medicine at bedtime after brushing your teeth.

Do not rinse your mouth, and do not eat or drink anything for 30 minutes after taking fluoride.

Take fluoride regularly to get the most benefit.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater than 0.6 parts per million (ppm).

Carefully follow all dosing instructions when giving fluoride to a child.

You should not use fluoride if the level of fluoride in your drinking water is greater than 0.6 parts per million (ppm).

To find out how much fluoride is in your water supply, you can contact your local water company. You can also get information about water fluoride levels across the United States from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Tell your dentist or doctor if:

• you have ever had sores or ulcers in your mouth; or
• you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Fluoride can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• severe upset stomach;
• nausea and vomiting; or
• staining, pitting, or any other changes in how your teeth look.

Less serious side effects might happen more often, and you may not have any side effects at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at the same time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include sudden burning in your mouth, tongue pain, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, drooling, or vomiting blood.

Avoid eating or drinking dairy products such as milk or yogurt within 1 hour after you take fluoride. Also avoid calcium-fortified juice for 1 hour after taking fluoride.

Ask your doctor before using an antacid or laxative, and use only the type your doctor recommends. The ingredient in some antacids or laxatives can make it harder for your body to absorb fluoride.

Some medicines can reduce the effectiveness of fluoride when taken together. If you take any of the following medicines, take your fluoride dose 1 hour before taking the other medicine:

• an antacid;
• a laxative; or
• a multivitamin or mineral supplement that contains calcium, aluminum, or magnesium.

Other medications may also affect fluoride, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you begin or stop using.