Authority source
Safety basis: FDA
FDA
Sodium Fluoride
NaFSodium Fluoride AnhydrousSodium Fluoride Dihydrate
Preservative
Sodium fluoride is a type of salt that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel. It's often used in toothpaste and mouthwash to help keep teeth healthy.
What it is
Sodium fluoride is a white crystalline powder that helps prevent tooth decay and strengthen tooth enamel.
Found in
toothpaste, mouthwash, dental varnishes
The concern
Excessive fluoride consumption can cause dental fluorosis or skeletal fluorosis, but this is rare with proper use.
Legal status
Approved by FDA for use in toothpaste and mouthwash at concentrations up to 1.1%, regulated by EU and other countries.
Low Concern
Generally recognized as safe for use in toothpaste and mouthwash at concentrations up to 1.1%.
Evidence & sources
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Article / explainer
Article / explainer
No highly relevant article explainer found yet.
Video explainer
Video explainer
No highly relevant video explainer found yet.
Community questions
Community questions
Community discussions are not used as safety evidence and no highly relevant discussion is shown for this ingredient.
Related ingredient guides
Compare this ingredient with related ingredients and common alternatives.
Fluoride
The broader fluoride category people compare with sodium fluoride labels.
Xylitol
Often checked alongside sodium fluoride in toothpaste formulas.
Stevia
Sometimes compared in oral-care or sweetener discussions.
Benzoyl Peroxide
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Benzyl Alcohol
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Citric Acid
Another preservative in the reviewed ingredient set.
Last updated: June 17, 2026