Sodium monofluorophosphate (also known as MFP) is a colourless, odourless salt used in some toothpastes as a source of fluoride. Its role in toothpaste is as an anticaries agent, to help in the prevention of dental cavities.

MFP is a synthetic ingredient created from minerals sodium metaphosphate (derived from phosphate rock) and sodium fluoride (derived from the mineral fluorite). It contains fluoride, which can found in nature as a trace mineral (fluorine) in water, fish, tea, and in the bones of our bodies. Fluoride is known to be toxic when ingested in high doses, however it is considered safe when topically applied in toothpaste at low concentrations (industry standard is 1,000 parts per million). When used in toothpaste, it interacts with calcium phosphates to reduce mineral loss in tooth enamel, while helping to strengthen potential weak spots. The New Zealand Ministry of Health Guidelines Group recommends 1,000 ppm fluoride toothpaste (equivalent to 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate) for all ages, used twice daily.

Other names: FH₂O₃P • 2Na; MFP; Phosphorofluoridic Acid, Sodium Salt; Sodium Phosphorofluoridate

Chemical class: Inorganic Salts; Phosphorus Compounds (Including salts)

REFERENCES

New Zealand Guidelines Group. Guidelines for the Use of Fluorides. (2009). Wellington: Ministry of Health.

National Center for Biotechnology Information (2021). PubChem Compound Summary for CID 24266, Sodium monofluorophosphate. Retrieved July 15, 2021 from https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-monofluorophosphate.