This medication is applied to teeth to prevent cavities.
Fluoride is a mineral that works by making the teeth stronger and more
resistant to decay caused by acid and bacteria.
Do not use this medication in children younger than 6
years unless directed to do so by your doctor/dentist.
Use this rinse as directed by your dentist/doctor,
usually once weekly (at bedtime). After brushing your teeth, place 2
teaspoonfuls (10 milliliters) of the solution into your mouth, swish
vigorously for 1 minute, and spit it out. Do not swallow the
medication.
Carefully watch children during use and teach proper
rinsing habits to avoid swallowing.
To get the most benefit, you should not eat, drink, or
rinse your mouth for at least 30 minutes after using the
solution.
Dosage is based on age and the amount of fluoride in
your drinking water. Do not exceed the recommended dose without checking
with your dentist/doctor. Doing so will not do more to prevent cavities but
may lead to side effects instead.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day each week. Mark your
calendar with a reminder.
Do not treat this medication like a normal mouthwash: do
not use it more often than prescribed, or just to freshen your
breath.
Tell your dentist/doctor right away if you notice any
changes in the color or appearance of your teeth. These effects may be a
result of too much fluoride.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor or dentist has judged that the benefit to you is
greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do
not have serious side effects.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your dentist/doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using sodium fluoride, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- mouth problems (such as sores, mucositis)
- swallowing problems (dysphagia)
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug, especially if they swallow this medication.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant before using this
medication.
This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your
doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
burning in the mouth, sore tongue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased
saliva, stomach pain/cramping, muscle weakness, shaking,
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Using this medication does not replace good dental
habits. Continue to brush and floss your teeth regularly as directed by
your dentist, and have regular dental checkups.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature. Keep all medications away
from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.