What is sodium fluoride?

sodium fluoride is a compound of sodium and fluorine elements with a chemical formula of NAF. In the past, NAF was used to fluoridate water, but was mostly replaced by other fluoridation compounds. Sodium fluoride is still common in toothpaste and is also used as a chemical agent in the production of fluorides. The other two are fluorosilic acid and sodium fluorosilicate. NAF is a dry substance that is added to water systems that supply only small populations. The compound is a soluble salt, and when used, the fluoride part of the molecule is divided to form a fluoride ion. This ion is easily absorbed by the body.

is mostly derived from fluorosilic acid, which uses phosphorite rock as a source. When fluorosilic acid is mixed with caustic soda, sodium fluoride is produced. Sometimes NAF is made of mixing caust soda with hydrogen fluoride.

sodium fluoride is widely used in the dental heel to prevent cavities. The compound is also available as an oral remedy from the samea reason. The fluoride ion, which is divided from NAF in the gastrointestinal tract, strengthens teeth and reduces the chance of disintegration. For example, the standard for fluoridation in the United States is from 0.7 mg per liter to 1.2 mg per liter. The difference in the optimal level stems from the fact that people in warmer areas tend to drink more water than people in colder areas.

ingestion of excessive fluoride may result in a condition known as dental fluorosis, where the teeth become spots and fading and the surface of the enamel becomes. Ingestion of more than 1 mg per liter of fluoride may result in dental fluorosis and accepting more than 4 mg per liter can lead to skeletal fluorosis, which can cause abnormal bones and joint pain. Although it has been proposed that water fluoridation increases the risk of cancer, the World Health Organization states that evidence does not prove that fluoridation causes cancer in humans.

sodium fluoride is also a chemical agent used as a source of fluoride ions to create DALaid fluoride compounds. This is due to a strong ability of fluoride ions attaching other ions and forming stable compounds. NAF also has several other industrial uses. The compound can be used to produce enamel, maintain wood and foam production. It is also part of the paper coating process and can help in the production of opal glass.