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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

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:

• discolored teeth;
• weakened tooth enamel; or
• any changes in the appearance of your teeth.

Less serious side effects may include:

• stomach upset;
• headache; or
• weakness.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your dentist or doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect.

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.

Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluoride.