Fluorides are minerals that are usually found naturally in water, but in low concentrations. For its part , sodium fluoride is a chemical compound that appears as a white or crystalline powder. It is a fairly inexpensive element so it is very common that it is a substitute for potassium fluoride, generally used for the manufacture of personal hygiene products, especially those related to oral hygiene, fluoridated salt and is part of the compound of some medicine like antidepressants. It should be noted that the administration of this compound should be supervised by a doctor. At FastlyHealwe show you the uses and side effects of sodium fluoride
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Uses of sodium fluoride
Among the uses of sodium fluoride we have:
- Pharmacological use : they are used for the compositions of toothpastes to prevent cavities . Sodium fluoride acts on the remineralization of tooth enamel, helping to stop the proliferation of bacteria from dental plaque. It is widely used in children, as they are more prone to cavities .
- Other uses : Sodium fluoride is used in other areas of industries and in different states, as a gas to fill tennis balls, in metallurgy, to treat glass surfaces and make them opaque, to obtain aluminum and to separate other chemical elements .
The presentations in which sodium fluoride can be found for pharmacological use are, oral and topical, through toothpastes. On the other hand, this compound can have interactions with some minerals such as calcium, magnesium and aluminum, so if you find yourself taking a supplement that contains these elements it is preferable to consult your doctor and take it 2 hours after consuming sodium fluoride. , through the water.
Recommended dosage
It should be noted that very high concentrations of this element are toxic , so great care must be taken when administering it. The recommended dosages for sodium fluoride are:
- Topical : brush your teeth three times a day with the cream recommended by the dentist.
- Oral : in solution form, it will depend on the amount found in the water. In children from the age of two it is recommended not to exceed 0.25 mg per day, from 0 to 3 years it is recommended up to 0.5 mg and from 3 to 13 years old up to 1 mg of sodium fluoride per day.
Side effects of sodium fluoride
Sodium fluoride can cause the following side effects :
- Headache.
- Gastric discomfort, generally produced by the consumption of very high doses.
- Cardiac arrhythmias.
Too much sodium fluoride can cause:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Pain in the bones, since fluoride accumulates in them.
- Brown discoloration of teeth.
- Weightloss.
- Diarrhea.
- Fainting.
When NOT to use sodium fluoride
Among the contraindications of sodium fluoride are:
- Avoid it during pregnancy and lactation as it can cross the placenta and can be excreted in breast milk.
- Do not administer it to children under 1 year of age.
- Avoid its consumption if you have kidney or liver problems.
- Never consume doses of 1 g of sodium fluoride as it is deadly .
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Sodium fluoride: uses and side effects , we recommend that you enter our category of Medication and medical tests .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.