What is Gel-Kam (fluoride topical)? 

Fluoride is a substance  that strengthens tooth enamel. This helps to prevent dental cavities. 

Fluoride topical is  used as a medication to prevent tooth decay  in patients that have  a low level  of fluoride topical in their drinking water. Fluoride topical is also used to prevent tooth decay in patients who undergo radiation of the head and/or neck, which may cause dryness of the mouth  and an increased incidence of tooth decay.
Fluoride may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide. 

What is the most important information I should know about Gel-Kam (fluoride topical)? 

Fluoride topical should not be used if the level of fluoride  in the drinking water is greater than 0.7 parts per million (ppm). 

Before using fluoride topical, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt  or a salt free diet. You may  not be able to use fluoride topical, or you may need special tests while you are using it. 

Do not eat, drink, or rinse your mouth for 30 minutes after using a fluoride topical. Do not swallow fluoride topical. Spit it out after use. Do not allow a child to swallow fluoride topical or serious overdose symptoms could result. 

Overdose symptoms may result if you swallow large amounts  of fluoride while using it.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using Gel-Kam (fluoride topical)? 

Fluoride topical should not be used if  the level of fluoride in the drinking water is greater than 0.7 parts per million (ppm). 

Before using fluoride topical, tell your dentist and doctor if you are on a low salt or a salt free diet. You may not be able to use fluoride topical, or you may need special tests while you are using it. 

If you have gum disease, some forms  of fluoride topical may be irritating  to your gums. Talk to your dentist  or doctor if you have bothersome mouth irritation while using fluoride topical. 

Talk to your doctor and dentist before using fluoride topical if you are pregnant. Talk to your doctor and dentist before using fluoride topical if you are breast-feeding. The use of fluoride is particularly important  in children to protect against tooth decay. The American Dental Association's Council on Dental Therapeutics recommends  the use of fluoride by children up to 13 years of age. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends fluoride supplementation in children until the age of 16 years old. Do  not allow a child to swallow fluoride topical or serious overdose symptoms could result. 

How should I use Gel-Kam (fluoride topical)? 

Use this medication exactly as directed on the label, or as it was prescribed by your dentist or doctor. Do not use it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label. 

Fluoride topical should be used immediately  after brushing or flossing  your teeth. For best results, use the medication just before bedtime, unless  your doctor tells you otherwise. 

Swish this medication in your mouth without swallowing. Then  spit it out.

Do not eat, drink,  or rinse your mouth  for 30 minutes after using fluoride topical. Store fluoride topical at room temperature away from moisture and heat. 

What happens if I miss  a dose? 

Use the missed dose  as soon  as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait  until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up the missed dose. 

What happens if I overdose? 

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much  of this medicine. 

Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea, drooling, numbness or tingling, loss of feeling anywhere in your body, muscle stiffness, or seizure (convulsions). 

Overdose symptoms may result if you swallow large amounts of fluoride while  using it. 

What should I avoid while using Gel-Kam (fluoride topical)? 

Do not swallow fluoride topical. Spit it out after use. 

Gel-Kam (fluoride topical) side effects 

Get emergency medical help if you have any  of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue,  or throat. Call your doctor if you have any of the following side effects: 

• discolored teeth; 
• weakened tooth enamel; or 
• any changes in the appearance of your teeth. 
• Less  serious side effects may include: 
• stomach upset; 
• headache; or 
• weakness. 

• Your pharmacist can provide more information about fluoride topical. 
• Remember, keep  this and all other medicines  out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only  for the indication prescribed 
• Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein  may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside  of the United States  are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does  not endorse drugs, diagnose patients  or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to,  and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should  be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with  your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.