Fluoride topical

Generic name: fluoride topical [ FLOOR-ide-TOP-i-kal ]
Brand names: ACT Fluoride Rinse, Biotene, Dentagel, Fluorigard, Gel-Kam, ... show all 64 brands Neutragard, Neutral Sodium Fluoride Rinse, Omnii Gel Just For Kids, Perio Med, PreviDent, Oral B Anti-Cavity, Prevident, Phos-Flur, Stanimax Gel, Stop, Perfect Choice, Gel-Kam Dental Therapy Pak, Omni-Med, Stanimax Perio Rinse, PreviDent 5000 Plus, Thera-Flur-N, Acid Phos Fluor Rinse, Phosphate Fluoride, Gel-Kam Dentinbloc, Neutracare Gel, Gel-Kam Sensitivity Therapy, SF, Omnii Gel, APF Gel, SF 5000 Plus, Nafrinse Solution, Control Rx, Ethedent, Fluorinse, Prevident Dental Rinse, Liqui-Flur, Denta 5000 Plus, Prevident 500 Plus Boost, Fluoridex Daily Defense Enhanced Whitening, PreviDent 5000 Dry Mouth, ACT Kids Fluoride Rinse, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Mint, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Spearmint, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Cinnamon, ACT Restoring Mouthwash Vanilla Mint, NaFrinse Daily/Neutral, NaFrinse Daily/Acidulated, NaFrinse Weekly, PreviDent 5000 Booster, Fluoridex Daily Defense Sensitivity Relief, Fluoridex Daily Defense, Neutragard Advanced, Clinpro 5000, ACT Anticavity Kids Fluoride Rinse, OrthoWash, TheraBreath Healthy Smile Rinse, Sodium Fluoride 5000 Plus, PreviDent Ortho Defense, ACT Anticavity Fluoride Rinse Mint, Enamelast, Colgate Total, Colgate Total Whitening, Salivea Dry Mouth Care, PreviDent 5000 Kids
Dosage forms: mucous membrane powder for reconstitution (0.2%), mucous membrane solution (0.2%), topical cream (1.1%), ... show all 7 dosage forms topical gel (0.4%; 1.1%), topical kit (5%), topical paste (0.14%; 0.15%; 1.1%), topical solution (0.05%; 0.63%)
Drug class: Mouth and throat products

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 11, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is fluoride topical?

Fluoride topical is used in adults and children at least 6 years old to help prevent dental cavities and gum disease. Fluoride topical can also help decrease tooth sensitivity and remove plaque bacteria from teeth and gums.

There are many brand forms of fluoride topical available. Not all brands are listed on this leaflet.

Fluoride topical may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Fluoride topical side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your dentist or doctor if your teeth sensitivity does not improve, or if it gets worse.

Less serious side effects may be more likely, or you may have none at all.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your dentist or doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your dentist or doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use fluoride topical if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Do not use fluoride topical buccal rinse if you have difficulty swallowing. Ask your dentist or doctor about other treatment options.

If you are receiving fluoride topical in the clinical setting, tell your dentist or doctor if you have or have ever had ulcerative gingivitis or stomatitis.

If you are using a certain brand form of prescription fluoride topical, tell your dentist or doctor if you have kidney disease.

Tell your dentist or doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Some brand forms of fluoride topical are not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 years old.

Do not allow a young child to use fluoride topical without help from an adult.

How should I use fluoride topical?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Do not use this medicine in larger amount or longer than recommended.

Fluoride topical comes in many different forms (paste, gel, cream, rinse, and others).

Certain formulations of fluoride should be given only in a dentist's office or other clinic setting.

Your dose needs or treatment time may change if you switch to a different brand, strength, or form of this medicine. Avoid medication errors by using exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your dentist or doctor.

Read and carefully follow all Instructions for Use on the label of your fluoride topical product. Ask your dentist or call the product manufacturer if you do not understand these instructions.

Do not take by mouth. Fluoride topical is for use only on your teeth and gums.

Some forms of fluoride topical should not be used as toothpaste for regular brushing, and others can be used like regular toothpaste.

Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after using fluoride topical. Use fluoride topical preferably at bedtime.

Stop using fluoride topical and call your dentist or doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Fluoride topical dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Prevention of Dental Caries:

Apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to a toothbrush and brush thoroughly on all tooth surfaces for at least one minute.

After use, expectorate.

For best results, do not eat, drink, or rinse for 30 minutes.

Use twice daily as your normal dentifrice or as directed by your dental professional.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Prevention of Dental Caries:

Less than 6 years of age: Do not use unless recommended by a dentist or physician.

Age 6 to 17:
Apply a small amount of fluoride toothpaste to a toothbrush and brush thoroughly on all tooth surfaces for at least one minute.

Expectorate after use and rinse mouth thoroughly.

Use twice daily as your normal dentifrice or as directed by your dental professional.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222 if anyone has accidentally swallowed the medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, burning in the mouth, fluorosis, sore tongue, increased salivation, coughing up blood, and stomach pain and cramps.

What should I avoid while using fluoride topical?

Avoid swallowing fluoride topical. Spit it out after use.

Do not use other fluoride topical medicine on the same day of using fluoride topical kit. Avoid using oral fluoride medications for at least 4 days after you are treated with fluoride topical kit.

What other drugs will affect fluoride topical?

It is unlikely that fluoride topical wil interact with other medications. Tell your dentist or doctor about all your current medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Further information

• Your dentist, doctor, or pharmacist can provide more information about fluoride topical.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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