What if the fluoride in your toothpaste is not all the same, and the form you choose could change how well it works?

In this episode of Dental Formulator’s Playbook, Dr. Rob and co host Tami break down the chemistry, formulation challenges, and clinical performance of the three fluoride salts approved for use in the United States: sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate, and stannous fluoride. They explain why each compound behaves differently, how abrasives influence stability, and how manufacturing history shaped which toothpaste formulas became global standards. The conversation also includes new research confirming the safety of community water fluoridation and debunks long standing myths about cognitive effects. This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants to understand why fluoride choice matters and how formulation truly determines efficacy.

🔍 Highlights ↠

• How sodium fluoride differs from sodium monofluorophosphate in activation and availability

 • Why MFP requires plaque enzymes and saliva to release active fluoride

 • Why MFP performs poorly for people with dry mouth

 • The real reason MFP dominated formulas in the 60s and 70s

 • How calcium carbonate abrasives blocked early sodium fluoride formulas

 • How sodium MFP is made using a water free fusion process at 900 degrees Celsius

 • The surprising global history of MFP and why early records are often wrong

 • Why stannous fluoride made a major comeback for gingivitis and sensitivity

 • The difference between fluoride uptake testing and enamel solubility reduction

 • Why sodium fluoride excels in fluoride uptake but stannous fluoride excels in acid resistance

 • How abrasives, zinc salts, pyrophosphates, and calcium ingredients can reduce free fluoride

 • Why many modern “fluoride toothpastes” fail availability tests

 • The importance of choosing the right fluoride salt for cavities, sensitivity, or gum health

 • New 2025 research showing no cognitive harm from regulated water fluoridation

💡 Key Takeaways

• Not all fluoride compounds work the same, and their efficacy depends heavily on formulation.

 • MFP is stable with calcium abrasives but requires saliva activation, which reduces performance for dry mouth users.

 • Sodium fluoride offers the strongest fluoride uptake but is sensitive to competing ingredients.

 • Stannous fluoride provides superior acid resistance and gum health benefits when formulated correctly.

📲 Connect with Dr. Rob (Robert L. Karlinsey, PhD)

🌐 Website: customdentalformulations.com

 📄 Research Profile: Robert Karlinsey on ResearchGate