Fluoride is a form of the chemical element fluorine. In dentistry, fluoride is used to prevent and treat tooth decay. It protects the teeth from decay by binding with dissolved minerals and repairing the damaged tooth.
In Hong Kong and many cities, a small amount of fluoride is added to the water supply to prevent tooth decay in the community. Most kinds of toothpaste and mouthwashes include fluoride as one of the active ingredients. Typically, toothpaste has a minimal fluoride concentration of 1000 ppm.
Fluoride is available as toothpaste and mouthwash for the prevention of tooth decay. It is recommended to brush your teeth twice daily with fluoride toothpaste.
Mouthwash is recommended for adults and children over 8 years old who have tooth decay. Mouthwash should be used every day at a different time for teeth brushing to avoid washing the fluoride from your toothpaste off your teeth. Rinse your mouth with 20ml of mouthwash for 30 seconds and spit out the mouthwash.
For those with insufficient intake of fluoride, the doctor may prescribe chewable fluoride tablets. Chew the tablet thoroughly and swallow, usually once daily or as directed.
Common side effects of Fluoride include teeth discoloration, hypersensitivity and rash.
Common dosing schedule:
Brush your teeth once in the morning and once at night.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Fluoride may interact with:
In Hong Kong, Fluoride is an over-the-counter medicine and can be purchased without a prescription from any retail outlet in Hong Kong. This includes grocery stores, convenience stores, medicine shops, and pharmacies. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Fluoride in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
Healthy Matters is Hong Kong’s leading health resource. Our mission is to help you make better health decisions and take control of your health.
Our team of experts is committed to producing reliable health content that is accurate, engaging and relevant, to cover your health & wellness journey from prevention to treatment.
Whether you are looking for trusted information on health conditions, wellbeing or looking for the right doctor or service in Hong Kong, we’re here to help!
Your health matters. Begin your health journey with Healthy Matters today!