Which compound is an acceptable alternative to sodium fluoride for water fluoridation?

Which compound is an acceptable alternative to sodium fluoride for water fluoridation?

• A. Sodium chloride
• B. Sodium hexafluorosilicate
• C. Sodium sulfate
• D. Potassium iodide

Answer: (B)

Fluoridation works by adding fluoride ions to the water, so the source must supply fluoride in a form that dissolves and releases those ions. Sodium hexafluorosilicate fits this role as a stable fluoride compound that dissolves in water and releases fluoride ions, allowing control of the fluoride concentration to the desired level. The other options don’t provide fluoride: sodium chloride adds only sodium and chloride, sodium sulfate adds sulfate, and potassium iodide adds iodide.

Fluoridation works by adding fluoride ions to the water, so the source must supply fluoride in a form that dissolves and releases those ions. Sodium hexafluorosilicate fits this role as a stable fluoride compound that dissolves in water and releases fluoride ions, allowing control of the fluoride concentration to the desired level. The other options don’t provide fluoride: sodium chloride adds only sodium and chloride, sodium sulfate adds sulfate, and potassium iodide adds iodide.