Fluoride Fluorine: What do you mean?

FLUORIDE FLUORINE:WHAT DO YOU MEAN? 

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Have you ever heard of the terms fluoride and fluorine? Although they sound similar, they are in fact different! What makes them so different from one another? FLUORIDE is often found as sodium fluoride which is an inorganic compound that has a chemical formula of NaF, and is composed of negative fluoride ions (F-) and positive sodium ions (Na+) [3]. On the other hand, FLUORINE is an element (F) and exists as a highly toxic pale yellow gas [3]. 

Now that we have established the difference between FLUORIDE and FLUORINE why do we care? Sodium fluoride is a common chemical found in toothpaste, water, and it is even used in the manufacturing of some steel [1]. It is important to understand the chemical nature of sodium fluoride as it surrounds us on a daily basis. Understanding the proper use of any chemical is important to ensure any possible negative impacts on human any environmental health are minimal.

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Is Sodium Fluoride Safe?

Sodium fluoride is in fact safe in small doses. A toxic does can cause vomiting, nausea, burning of the digestive tract, and abdominal pain however sodium fluoride in our toothpaste and water is minimal and will not lead to toxic effects [3]. The LD50 = 52 mg/Kg in rat [2]. This means that 52mg/Kg would be required in one dose to cause death. Although that may seem scary, don't be afraid!! None of the products on the market contain anywhere close to that amount of fluoride, and any fluoride that is not used by the body will be excreted through the urine. Often toothpaste contains 0.15% sodium fluoride which is equivalent to 0.3 mg [4]. Treated water contains roughly 1.2 ppm or .12% which is also safe for consumption [4]. 

Toothpaste and Water Treatment

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Why would we want sodium fluoride in our toothpaste and water? Well, it is great for our teeth! How so? Sodium fluoride is a by product of treating calcium phosphate with sulphuric acid [3]. The main minerals that make up the outer layer of the teeth are calcium and phosphate [1]. Fluoride has the ability to help deposit these minerals on the tooth which helps prevent tooth decay due to acidic conditions that fluctuate in the oral cavity. In terms of water treatment, fluoride in the water has the ability to reach the general population. This allows fluoride to be distributed to everyone, including individuals who may not have the best oral hygiene practice or the resources to receive proper dental care. Water treatment can be controversial, however it does allow access to fluoride which may not be available to everyone otherwise. 

As a whole, sodium fluoride is a safe and reliable resource that can be used to help reduce tooth decay when used properly. Do not fear! Sodium fluoride will help keep your smile healthy and happy. 

References 
 [1]Common Uses of Sodium Fluoride. (2016). Retrieved from 
         http://www.livestrong.com/article/344745-   common-uses-of-sodium-fluoride/

[2]MSDS: Sodium Fluoride. (2013). Retrieved from http://www.sciencelab.com/msds.php?msdsId=9927595

[3] Sodium Fluoride. (2006). In N. Schlager, J. Weisblatt, & D. E. Newton (Eds.), Chemical Compounds (Vol. 3, pp. 747-751). Detroit: UXL. Retrieved from 
 http://library.mtroyal.ca:2200/ps/i.doid=GALE%7CCX3441700187&v=2.1&u=mtroyalc&it=r&p=GVRL&sw=w&asid=7dd19c355e338b776fdc9e86a67b49fa

[4]Oral Answers. (2011). Is there more fluoride in a peas sized amount of toothpaste or a litre of    
       water?. Retrieved from http://www.oralanswers.com/is-there-more-fluoride-in-a-pea-sized- 
       amount-of-toothpaste-or-a-liter-of-water/

Image Refernces 
[1]http://www.clker.com/cliparts/q/t/4/1/F/J/blue-toothbrush-hi.png
[2]http://ottawadowntowndentist.ca/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/toothpaste.jpg
[3]http://townofmorris.ca/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/tap-water.jpg