Is Sodium Monofluorophosphate Harmful to Human Health?

Sodium monofluorophosphate is a common inorganic compound in daily life, appearing as white powder or white crystals. It is easily soluble in water and has strong hygroscopicity. Typically, sodium monofluorophosphate is used as a substitute for sodium fluoride in toothpaste, providing antibacterial and anti-caries effects. However, it also poses certain hazards to human health. Excessive fluoride absorbed by the body can lead to softening and deformation of teeth.

Sodium monofluorophosphate is a compound commonly found in toothpaste, serving as an excellent anti-caries agent and tooth desensitizer. The typical content of sodium monofluorophosphate in toothpaste ranges from 0.7-0.8%. In drinking water, the regular fluoride content is 1.0mg/L. The aqueous solution of sodium monofluorophosphate exhibits significant antibacterial properties, effectively inhibiting Aspergillus niger, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella, and other microorganisms.

Sodium monofluorophosphate poses certain hazards due to the toxic nature of fluoride, which accumulates in the body. When using toothpaste containing sodium monofluorophosphate, excessive fluoride can be absorbed by the body, leading to deformed and softened teeth, loss of enamel luster with yellow spots, and in severe cases, incomplete tooth development and loss of normal morphology. If toothpaste is accidentally swallowed during brushing, although the amount swallowed each time is small, long-term accumulation can result in mild to moderate fluoride poisoning. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid using toothpaste containing sodium monofluorophosphate.