Used in toothpaste and mouth rinses to prevent dental cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and inhibiting bacterial activity. Added to public water supplies in controlled amounts to promote dental health and reduce tooth decay in communities. Employed in metallurgy for fluxes and in the production of aluminum to lower the melting point of raw materials. Utilized in cleaning products for removing stains and scale from metal surfaces. Also applied in the synthesis of fluorinated compounds and as a preservative in some biological samples.