Sodium fluoride (NaF) is a compound used in toothpaste and as a chemical reagent. It was previously used to fluoridate water but has been replaced by other compounds. NaF is derived from fluorosilicic acid and can cause dental fluorosis if ingested in excess. It is also used in various industrial processes.
Sodium fluoride is a compound of the elements sodium and fluorine with the chemical formula NaF. In the past, NaF was used to fluoridate water, but it has mostly been replaced by other fluorinating compounds. Sodium fluoride is still commonly found in toothpastes and is also used as a chemical reagent in the manufacture of fluorides.
NaF is one of three water additives used to fluoridate water systems. The other two are fluorosilicic acid and sodium fluorosilicate. NaF is a dry matter that is added to water systems that supply only small populations. The compound is a soluble salt, and when ingested, the fluorinated part of the molecule separates to form a fluoride ion. This ion is easily absorbed by the body.
NaF is mainly derived from fluorosilicic acid, which uses rock phosphorus as a source. When fluorosilicic acid is mixed with caustic soda, sodium fluoride is produced. Sometimes NaF is produced by mixing caustic soda with hydrofluoric acid.
Sodium fluoride is used extensively in toothpastes to prevent tooth decay. The compound is also available as an oral drug for the same reason. The fluoride ion, which separates from NaF in the gastrointestinal tract, strengthens teeth and reduces the chance of tooth decay. The standard for fluoridation in the United States, for example, ranges from 0.7 mg per liter to 1.2 mg per litre. The difference in optimal level comes from the fact that people in warmer areas tend to drink more water than those in cooler areas.
Ingesting excess fluoride can result in a condition known as dental fluorosis, in which the teeth become mottled and discolored and the enamel surface becomes pitted. Ingesting more than 1 mg per liter of fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis, and taking more than 4 mg per liter can lead to skeletal fluorosis, which can cause abnormal bones and joint pain. Although fluoridation of water has been suggested to increase the risk of cancer, the World Health Organization says the evidence does not prove that fluoridation causes cancer in humans.
Sodium fluoride is also a chemical reagent used as a source of fluoride ions to create other fluoride compounds. This is due to the strong ability of the fluoride ion to bind to other ions and form stable compounds. NaF also has many other industrial uses. The compound can be used to make glaze, preserve wood, and make foam. It is also part of a paper coating process and can assist in the production of opal glass.
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