Sodium Fluoride Chemistry Properties Structure and Uses

Sodium fluoride is used for cavity prevention. This makes the teeth healthier and more resistant to acid and bacteria causing decay. Used for the treatment of osteoporosis and otospongiosis in adults, its use is controversial and further studies are expected. Sodium fluoride is a white, crystalline solid or powder. It is best known for its role in the prevention of tooth decay. For this reason, toothpaste or mouthwashes or municipal water sources can be added.

Sodium fluoride formula – NaF

Molecular weight of fluorine = 18.998403 u

Who Discovered Sodium Fluoride

Around the turn of the 20th century, Colorado dentist Dr Frederick S. McKay found that many of his patients had something known as dental fluorosis, which causes staining of their teeth.

How is it Made?

Sodium fluoride, or fluoride chemical formula F − (also written [F] − ), occurs naturally as a villiaumite mineral, but the compound is not commercially produced from that source. Some sodium fluoride is produced as a by-product of the manufacture of phosphate fertilizers. In this process, apatite (a type of calcium phosphate that also contains fluoride and/or chloride) is crushed and treated with sulphuric acid ( H2SO4). The products of this reaction include phosphoric acid (H3PO4), calcium sulfate (CaSO4), hydrogen fluoride (HF), and silicon tetrafluoride (SiF4). Fluoride hydrogen and tetrafluoride silicon can then be converted to sodium fluoride. The compound can also be produced by the treatment of sodium carbonate fluoride hydrogen (Na2CO3) -

2HF + Na2CO3 + 2NaF + H2O + CO2

Physical Properties of Sodium Chloride

The cheapest chemical used for fluoridation is sodium fluorosilicate, also known as sodium silicofluoride. Sodium fluoride solutions are used for the production of hard water-insoluble calcium and magnesium fluoride compounds. It is a dry chemical used in the fluoridation of drinking water, which should be weighed manually and added to the mixing tank.

Part of the resistance to water fluoridation is based on a lack of understanding of the distinction between fluorine, the element, and fluorides, fluorine compounds such as sodium fluoride and potassium fluoride. Fluorides have very different physical, chemical, and biological properties from the fluorine element. For example, fluorine gas is a highly toxic gas that responds violently to most substances, including water. Fluorides, on the other hand, are fairly inert (unreactive) and safe to eat in limited amounts.

Fluorine's molar mass is 18.9984032 g/mol. Fluorine's molar mass effectively rounds to 19 g/mol.

Chemical Properties of Sodium Chloride

Sodium fluoride is an inorganic chemical substance that is a source of fluoride ion in many applications, including dental and radiographic imaging, as it is used as a Fluoride ion F-18.17. Sodium fluoride benefit to dental health was first noticed in the 1930s, as individuals in areas with fluoridated drinking water reported less tooth decay than those without fluoridated water. The use of fluoride in dental practice began in the 1940s. Sodium fluoride can now be found in a variety of dental care gels, varnishes, rinses, toothpaste products, and fluoride treatments.

When was Water Fluoridation Introduced?

In 1945, Grand Rapids, Michigan, changed the water supply fluoride content to 1.0 ppm and thus became the first city to introduce water fluoridation in the world.

Sodium Fluoride Uses

In addition to those related to dental safety, sodium fluoride has a range of commercial and industrial applications. These uses shall include -

• As a wood preservation agent

• In the production of certain types of pesticides and as an ant and roach control insecticide

• In the preparation of other salts of fluoride

• In the operation of electroplating

• Degassing (removal of gas pockets) during the manufacture of steel

• For the manufacture of glass and glass (glass-like) enamels

• In ultraviolet and infrared radiation detection devices of the electromagnetic spectrum

• For the disinfection of machinery used in breweries and wineries.

Non-Dental Fluoride Sources Include -

• Drugs containing perfluorinated compounds

• Food and drink made from water that contains fluoride

• pesticide use

• waterproof and stain-resistant PFC products

Excess Fluoride Exposure May Come From -

• public water fluoridation

• high concentrations of fluoride in natural freshwater

• fluoridated mouth rinse or toothpaste

• untested bottled water

• inappropriate use of fluoride supplements

• some foods

Health Effects of Sodium Fluoride

Sodium  Fluoride is toxic and corrosive. If swallowed, it can cause abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhoea, seizures, collapse, and even lead to death. Inhalation can cause serious irritation to the respiratory tract. Skin or eye contact with solid NaF may cause severe discomfort or burns to the skin and eyes, severe injury, or even death.