Sodium fluoride and dentistry

Fluorine compounds are often used in medicine and other fields. In itself, fluorine is a substance in the gaseous state, therefore fluoride is a source of fluoride - fluorine compounds with various substances, including metals. Some of these compounds, most commonly used are sodium and aluminum fluoride.

Virtually all fluorides are substances that are quite toxic to the human body. The amount of fluoride, which is contained in only one tube of toothpaste, is enough to kill a small two-year-old child. In general, the concentration of fluoride in any natural environment is much lower than in one tube with toothpaste.

Sodium fluoride is a crystalline, colorless powder. The substance is sodium salt. Its melting point is 997 degrees. Boils at temperatures over 1700 degrees Celsius. Sodium fluoride is used in many areas, including in pharmacology and medicine. Especially in dentistry.

The pharmacological action of sodium fluoride basically consists in replenishing the lack of fluoride in the patient's body. Here we can mention the anti-caries effect of preparations based on the fluorine compound. Some doctors, in order to prevent the appearance of caries, children, whose age ranges from three to six years, are recommended to take sodium fluoride in an amount of up to 1.1 mg once a day. Take these medications after eating orally, with water. At such an early age, tooth enamel is formed , and if fluoride is included in its composition at this stage, the teeth will be much more resistant to the influence of microbes - pathogens of caries. The anti-caries effect of fluoride, which is part of the toothpaste, is that the ions of the substance get into the microorganisms of the carcinogenic agent, block the function of glucose processing - that is, thanks to which these bacteria live and reproduce. The bacterium, which is poisoned by fluoride, is killed, unable to process glucose and at the expense of it to exist. However, fluorine is so toxic that not only harmful microorganisms, but also other cells suffer from it.

Fluorine ions entering into sodium fluoride stabilize calcium during its mineralization in bone tissue. They are indispensable in the formation of dental tissues and tooth enamel. Preparations based on fluoride are also used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Drugs that contain sodium fluoride are absorbed when taken in.

In some cases, sodium fluoride at constant intake inward, can cause some health problems - digestive disorders or poisoning. Therefore, it is not necessary to decide independently whether to take the drug or not, but it is better to consult a medic. People with severe renal or hepatic impairment, exacerbation of duodenal or stomach disease, it is contraindicated to take sodium fluoride. It is also forbidden to use it during pregnancy, feeding, and also to children, whose age does not exceed 3 years, do not give drugs containing this substance.

Fluorides of different metals can have different properties. So, for example, if the sodium-fluorine compound is widely used in medicine and everyday life (toothpaste, fluoridated water, etc.) for the treatment and prevention of certain diseases, aluminum fluoride is practically not used in medicine. Apply it in production - in the electrolysis of aluminum and the manufacture of certain materials.

Aluminum fluoride is also a colorless crystal. When heated quickly ignites, not melting. Aluminum fluoride is slightly soluble, in contrast to sodium fluoride. Use it in the process of obtaining and cleaning the metal aluminum. Also aluminum fluoride is indispensable in the production of some materials - for example, enamels, fluxes, ceramics. It is part of the coatings of electrodes used for welding. It is also used as an antiseptic in the fermentation process.