Eli5: Why is sodium fluoride added to the toothpaste when it’s calcium fluoride that is actually helping the teeth?

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I’ve read multiple journals on this subject, and I can’t seem to find a logical explanation as to why they substitute calcium fluoride for sodium fluoride. Matter of fact, all the research i’ve read highlights dangers with the use of the sodium fluoride version including reductions in intelligence (in mice ).

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Anonymous 0 Comments

The sodium fluoride (or stannous fluoride in many new toothpastes such as Crest Pro-Health), helps to replace the enamel mineral (hydroxyapatite) with a stronger mineral (fluorapatite). As for why sodium fluoride and not calcium fluoride? Simply, sodium fluoride is more water soluble, making it more effective in lower concentrations.

[This](https://youtube.com/watch?v=TyVV0UDQ_f4&feature=share9) video gives a quick explanation.

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