Your doctor may have prescribed fluoride drops for you or your little one to help strengthen their teeth and prevent cavities. When you see this bottle of medicine, you may have a few questions in your mind, such as, "What is this?", "Is this safe for my child?", "How exactly do I use it?" Don't worry, it's very common. Today, we're going to talk about it in a simple way to clear up any questions you may have.
Simply put, what is Sodium Fluoride?
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that is very important for our bodies, especially the health of our teeth and bones. Just as we need calcium to build strong bones, fluoride helps strengthen the outer covering of our teeth, the enamel, and protect them from decay.
Doctors prescribe this sodium fluoride liquid (drops) for two main reasons:
1. Prevents cavities: Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and reduces the damage caused to teeth by acids produced in the mouth when you eat things like sugar. This greatly reduces the risk of cavities.
2. As a treatment for those with low fluoride levels in the body: Some people may have low fluoride levels in their body. This is also prescribed in such cases.
This medicine may come under different brand names, but they all contain the same sodium fluoride.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting this medication
Before you or your child starts taking this medication, you should definitely discuss these things with your doctor, as the dose your doctor prescribes may change based on this information.
| Information you need to provide | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Does the drinking water you use contain fluoride? | In some areas of Sri Lanka, fluoride is added to tap water. However, some well water may naturally contain high levels of fluoride. Once the doctor knows this, it is easier to calculate the total amount of fluoride the body receives and determine the amount of medication to prescribe. |
| If you have a stomach or intestinal condition. | Some gastrointestinal diseases may prevent the body from absorbing the medicine properly, so it is important to inform the doctor about this in advance. |
| If you are allergic to fluoride, tartrazine, other medications, foods, or preservatives. | It is essential to inform the doctor about any allergies. This can help avoid unnecessary complications. |
| If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding. | It is very important to seek medical advice when using any medication during these times. |
How exactly do you use this medicine?
The method of using this is very simple, but it is very important to follow it exactly.
- Correct dosage: Measure the exact amount prescribed by your doctor. Use the dropper that comes with the medicine.
- How to take: Place the medicine directly into your mouth using the dropper.
- Best time: It's best to take this after brushing your teeth at night, as this gives the fluoride time to work on your teeth throughout the night.
- Most importantly: Do not eat or drink anything dairy like milk, yogurt, cheese, or anything else for at least an hour after taking this medicine. Doing so will reduce the body's ability to absorb the fluoride properly.
- Take it on time: Try to take it at about the same time every day. Do not take more than your doctor tells you to.
When giving this medicine to young children, follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Sometimes it is prescribed for babies as young as 6 months, but only in special cases.
What to do if you overdose?
This is very important. If you think you or your child has taken too much of this medicine, don't delay.
Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately. Or call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose (e.g., within a few hours), skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Never take a double dose.
What other things can interact with this medicine?
Some foods and medications can interfere with the body's absorption of fluoride.
| What can collide | What to do? |
|---|---|
| Dairy foods (milk, yogurt, cheese) | Avoid taking fluoride drops for one hour after taking them. |
| Antacids (medicines for gastritis) | Leave at least a two-hour gap between fluoride drops and antacids. |
| Supplements containing calcium or magnesium. | These also interfere with fluoride absorption. So if you take these, do not take them at the same time as fluoride drops, and leave a gap of at least two hours between them . |
It is very important to inform your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, and traditional medicines you are using.
What are the possible side effects?
Most people don't experience any significant side effects, but sometimes you can see things like this.
| If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Tooth discoloration | White spots or brown spots on the teeth (this usually happens if you get too much fluoride over a long period of time). |
| Fluoride toxicity | Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, feeling unusually tired (this happens when you take an overdose). |
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned in this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How to keep medicine safe?
- Keep away from children and pets. This is very important.
- Store at room temperature (between 20-25 degrees Celsius).
- Close the bottle cap tightly.
- Discard after expiration.
Take-Home Message
- Use the dosage exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never increase or decrease it.
- Avoid dairy products for one hour after taking fluoride drops.
- If you are taking antacids or calcium or magnesium supplements, do not take them at the same time as fluoride drops and leave a gap of at least two hours between them.
- In case of overdose, immediately call the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) or the National Poisons Information Center.
- Always keep this medicine bottle safely out of the reach of small children.
- If you have any further questions about this medication, never be afraid to ask your doctor.
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