Drug reference
sodium fluoride
Mineral · Dental agent
MineralDental agent
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Enhances osteoblast activity and increases bone volume (low doses stimulate, higher doses suppress osteoblasts). It can inhibit several enzyme systems and diminish tissue respiration and anaerobic glycolysis. Adequate incorporation into teeth hardens the outer layers of enamel and increases resistance to demineralization.
Indications
prophylaxis of dental cariesskeletal imaging (using radionuclide 18F)
Pharmacokinetics
Protein binding
absorption takes place largely in the intestine; inhalation of fluoride in dusts and gases also occurs
Metabolism
distributed widely in organs and tissues but concentrated in bone and teeth
Excretion
kidneys (major site), small amounts in sweat, milk, and intestinal secretions
Side effects
Common
salivation (acute poisoning)nausea (acute poisoning)abdominal pain (acute poisoning)vomiting (acute poisoning)diarrhea (acute poisoning)
Serious
- increased irritability of the CNS (acute poisoning, due to hypocalcemia)
- hypotension (acute poisoning)
- cardiotoxicity (acute poisoning)
- stimulation and then depression of respiration (acute poisoning)
- death (acute poisoning, from respiratory paralysis or cardiac failure)
- osteosclerosis (chronic poisoning)
- mottled enamel (dental fluorosis, chronic poisoning)
Related guidelines
Acute dental pain and intraoral swelling
ADA_DENTAL · Dentistry · 2019
Anticoagulant management for dental procedures
ADA_DENTAL · Dentistry · 2015
Infective endocarditis prevention
NICE · Cardiology / Dentistry · 2008
Infective endocarditis prevention
AHA · Cardiology / Dentistry · 2007
Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis
ASH · Haematology · 2018
Ask House about sodium fluoride
Continue into a citation-backed clinical answer with the drug context already attached.
Sources: Goodman & Gilman 14e·Verified: 2026-05-10 · House clinical team