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Sodium fluoride, tin difluoride, and, most commonly, sodium monofluorophosphate, are used in toothpaste. In 1955, the first fluoride toothpaste was introduced in the United States. Now, almost all toothpaste in developed countries is fluoridated. For example, 95% of European toothpaste contains fluoride. [9]
Sodium fluoride (NaF) was the first compound used and is the reference standard. [40] It is a white, odorless powder or crystal; the crystalline form is preferred if manual handling is used, as it minimizes dust. [41] It is more expensive than the other compounds, but is easily handled and is usually used by smaller utility companies. [42]
Fluoride is sold in tablets for cavity prevention. Fluoride-containing compounds, such as sodium fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate are used in topical and systemic fluoride therapy for preventing tooth decay. They are used for water fluoridation and in many products associated with oral hygiene. [31]
A 2024 Cochrane review article found that adding fluoride to drinking water may lead to slightly less tooth decay among children, but concluded that the practice’s effects are less dramatic ...
In ancient times, only minor uses of fluorine-containing minerals existed. The industrial use of fluorite, fluorine's source mineral, was first described by early scientist Georgius Agricola in the 16th century, in the context of smelting. The name "fluorite" (and later "fluorine") derives from Agricola's invented Latin terminology.
Fluoride therapy is the use of fluoride for medical purposes. [2] Fluoride supplements are recommended to prevent tooth decay in children older than six months in areas where the drinking water is low in fluoride. [3] It is typically used as a liquid, pill, or paste by mouth. [4] Fluoride has also been used to treat a number of bone diseases. [5]
Grand Rapids, Michigan, became the first community in the world to add fluoride to its water supply in 1945. Within a decade, cavities among young children in the town had plummeted by 60% .
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral which is present in trace amounts in soil, plants, water and food, and at optimal levels helps to prevent cavities by keeping teeth strong.