Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride

Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride Brand Names

60 Second | APF | Carles 60 Second APF | Dental Resources APF | Fluorident | FluoroCare Dual Rinse Part A | Fluorofoam | Minute-Gel | Nupro APF Gel | Perfect Choice APF | Perfect Choice One Minute APF | Protect APF | Quik-Set | Topex 00:60 Second APF

What is Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride

Acidulated phosphate fluoride is a topical mixture of sodium fluoride and phosphoric acid.

Although water contains fluoride ions, natural water in some areas has a very low fluoride concentration.

Topical fluorides, such as toothpastes, mouth rinses, gels, and foams, strengthen teeth already present in the mouth by making them more decay-resistant.

In contrast, systemic fluorides, such as tablets, fluoridated water, lozenges, and drops, are ingested, incorporated into forming teeth, and distributed into saliva, which continually bathes the teeth.

In addition to acidulated phosphate fluoride, sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride are commercially available topical fluoride preparations. Products vary in the percentage of fluoride ion provided per unit of measure.

Fluoride, an important mineral, is the ionic form of fluorine.

The negatively charged fluoride combines with positively charged calcium or sodium ions to form stable compounds. Fluoride reduces cavity development in both children and adults.

Fluoride also helps repair the early stages of tooth decay even before the decay becomes visible.

Acidulated phosphate fluoride preparations have an acidic pH and unlike neutral sodium fluoride formulations, the low pH favors fluorhydroxyapatite formation.

In November of 1996, the FDA granted permission to market acidulated phosphate fluoride rinse in a nonprescription form (e.g., Phos-Flur® Rinse).

Indications

• dental caries prophylaxis

Side Effects

1. abdominal pain
2. anemia
3. asthenia
4. atopic dermatitis
5. dental fluorosis
6. diarrhea
7. exfoliative dermatitis
8. headache
9. hematemesis
10. nausea
11. stomatitis
12. tooth discoloration
13. urticaria
14. vomiting
15. weakness

Monitoring Parameters

• laboratory monitoring not necessary

Contraindications

• breast-feeding
• children
• dental fluorosis
• dental work
• GI disease
• infants
• neonates
• pregnancy
• Sjogren’s syndrome

Interactions

There are no drug interactions associated with Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride products.