Sodium Fluoride

Sodium fluoride is a source of inorganic fluoride which is used topically to prevent dental caries. Sodium Fluoride is an inorganic salt of fluoride used topically or in municipal water fluoridation systems to prevent dental caries. Fluoride appears to bind to calcium ions in the hydroxyapatite of surface tooth enamel, preventing corrosion of tooth enamel by acids. This agent may also inhibit acid production by commensal oral bacteria. Sodium fluoride is a colorless crystalline solid or white powder, or the solid dissolved in a liquid. It is soluble in water. It is noncombustible. It is corrosive to aluminum. It is used as an insecticide. It is also used to fluorinate water supplies, as a wood preservative, in cleaning compounds, manufacture of glass, and for many other uses.