Definition

1. Noun:
   • A colorless, crystalline, inorganic compound with the chemical formula NaF. It is a salt composed of sodium (Na⁺) and fluoride (F⁻) ions. Its primary uses are as a source of fluoride ions for the fluoridation of public water supplies and as an active ingredient in dental hygiene products to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent dental caries (tooth decay).

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Many municipalities add sodium fluoride to the drinking water to improve dental health.
  • This toothpaste contains sodium fluoride to help protect against cavities.
  • The laboratory reagent was a pure sample of sodium fluoride.

Advanced Usage

• In Public Health: The compound is used in controlled, low concentrations for community water fluoridation, a public health measure endorsed to reduce the prevalence of tooth decay across a population.
• In Toxicology: In much higher concentrations, is classified as a toxic substance, highlighting the principle that "the dose makes the poison." It is used in some insecticides and rodenticides.
• In Metallurgy and Chemistry: It serves as a flux in the production of aluminum and steel, and as a source of fluoride ions in various chemical synthesis and glass etching processes.

Variants and Related Words

• Fluoride (n): The anion (F⁻) or general term for compounds containing fluorine, which is the active component responsible for the dental benefits of .
• Fluoridation (n): The controlled addition of a fluoride compound, such as , to a public water supply.
• Stannous fluoride (n): Another fluoride compound (SnF₂) used in dental care products.

Synonyms

• NaF: The standard chemical abbreviation for .
• Fluoride salt: A more general term for ionic compounds containing the fluoride ion.

Related Phrases

• Water fluoridation: The public health practice of adjusting the fluoride concentration in a community's water supply to an optimal level for preventing tooth decay.
• Topical fluoride application: The direct application of fluoride gels, varnishes, or rinses (which may contain ) to the teeth by a dental professional.

Noun

1. a colorless crystalline salt of sodium (NaF) used in fluoridation of water and to prevent tooth decay