Chlorine Dioxide

Stabilized Chlorine dioxide destroys organic debris and kills harmful oral pathogens, which cause damage and destruction to tissues in the mouth. If these antigens are left untreated, they cause cavities and eventually gum disease and tooth loss. Recent research has shown an association between gum disease and heart disease, diabetes and premature babies. Stabilized chlorine dioxide mouthwash and toothpaste are useful in fighting gum disease.

Chlorine dioxide breaks the valence bonds around the sulfur atom and oxidatively consumes methionine and cysteine. These are the precursors to the volatile sulfur compunds (VSCs), hydrogen sulfide and methyl mercaptan, which are the CAUSE of halitosis. In other words, stabilized ClO2 stops these VSCs from being formed in the mouth by destroying them at the molecular level - not just covering them up.

It also acts as an oxidizing agent, NOT a chlorinating agent, so it doesn't have the harmful effects that chlorine does. It goes to the CAUSE of the problem by penetrating the cell wall and reacting with amino acids to kill the offending organism.