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 oral health and reduce tooth decay in communities. Employed in metallurgy for fluxes in aluminum production and in the refining of metals. Utilized in cleaning products for removing rust and scale from metal surfaces. Applied in the manufacturing of fluorocarbons and other fluorinated compounds. Used in laboratories as a preservative and enzyme inhibitor in biological samples. Also found in some pesticides and rodenticides due to its toxic effects on insects and small animals at higher concentrations.