Do you have a love-hate relationship with your mouthwash? 

You know what we're talking about ... after the initial burn, your mouth feels pretty fresh. 

But an hour and two cups of coffee later, what happens? 

Yes, the terrible dry mouth and the "taste" of bad breath that creeps in. It's not okay!

What is stabilized chlorine dioxide?

We get it: chlorine dioxide is not exactly a name that evokes a feeling of warmth. You might be thinking: "Is it like bleach or what they pour into a swimming pool?"

The short answer is no. (If you want the long answer, see this article: The differences between chlorine and chlorine dioxide).

While both chlorine and chlorine dioxide are oxidising agents (an agent that 'accepts' or 'removes' electrons from other agents), their chemical structure and behaviour are different.

Unlike chlorine, which is highly reactive and corrosive, chlorine dioxide is a safe, environmentally friendly disinfectant. 

In fact, chlorine dioxide is used in many public drinking water systems to purify water from fungi, viruses and nasty bacteria, while sterilising it.

 (Nobody wants to drink stinky water!) 

And the term "stabilized" simply describes the way a formula is prepared, giving it the same properties as its active form.

How does stabilized chlorine dioxide work in the mouthwash?

In the mouthwash, the stabilized chlorine dioxide works in the same way as in water systems. 

Through the mild process of oxidation, it neutralizes bacteria that produce Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSC). 

This is remarkable because VSCs are the main cause of bad breath.

Chlorine dioxide is also renowned for its ability to easily penetrate, remove and prevent biofilm (plaque). 

Plaque is the starting point of common dental problems such as gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease. 

With 75% of adults showing signs of gingivitis, using a mouthwash with stabilized chlorine dioxide is a simple way to keep plaque and tartar buildup under control to protect your smile.

What happens if you swallow a mouthwash with chlorine dioxide?

Um, to be clear, we don't 100% condone mouthwash, but if you accidentally swallow some mouthwash with stabilized chlorine dioxide, you don't have to worry. 

Remember - chlorine dioxide is safe, non-toxic and is used as a purifier in many municipal water systems. 

(Note, however, that any mouthwash containing fluoride can cause stomach upset if you swallow too much).

Alcoholic mouthwash, on the other hand, can be a concern if swallowed due to its high alcohol content (about 26.9%). 

This is particularly worrying for children, as even 1 ounce of ethanol can cause poisoning or intoxication. 

That's why the ADA recommends that children under the age of six avoid mouthwash altogether, and you should keep those bottles of alcoholic mouthwash out of the reach of children.

What if you're a DIY guy and want to make a mouthwash with hydrogen peroxide? You need to be extremely careful. 

Side effects of hydrogen peroxide mouthwash include vomiting, nausea and burning of your digestive system if you swallow too much.

5 reasons why dentists recommend a stabilized chlorine dioxide mouthwash.

Wondering if the chlorine dioxide mouthwash is worth it? Check out these key reasons why dentists recommend this new-school way of brushing ...

1. Better long-term control of breathing

People with halitosis (chronic bad breath) have many reasons to be excited when it comes to mouthwash with stabilized chlorine dioxide.

In a randomized study of chlorine dioxide mouthwash, participants who brushed twice daily with a flavourless chlorine dioxide mouthwash showed over 196% improvement in breath freshness after eight weeks, as measured by three calibrated sensory judges.

Participants' breathing was measured at baseline (0.224) and at weeks six, seven and eight. 

From week six (0.120) to week 7 (0.004) to week 8 (0.0002), the amount of odor detected decreased steadily, suggesting that long-term use of stabilized chlorine dioxide mouthwash is beneficial for overall breath management. 

And remember - the study used an unflavored chlorine dioxide mouthwash. There is no peppermint masking!

2. Does not dry out the mouth like alcohol

Without knowing it, people often find themselves in a vicious cycle of bad breath when using alcohol mouthwash. 

This is because alcohol is a drying agent in the mouth.

A dry mouth encourages the rapid growth of volatile sulphur compounds. While there is an initial (yet hot) burst of freshness, once dryness sets in, VSCs will begin to form, ironically making breathing bad again. 

Fortunately, chlorine dioxide has no drying effect ... and bonus, it doesn't burn like alcohol either!

3. Same cleansing power as CHX ... minus the side effects

In patients with severe gum disease, chlorhexidine oral solutions (CHX) are often prescribed after oral surgery to control bacteria, inflammation and swelling. 

Because it is a strong antiseptic, CHX is also commonly used as a wash before surgery.

The problem with CHX mouthwash is that it is not intended for long-term use because it causes staining of the teeth and tartar build-up. 

And because it tastes awful (often described as a "metallic taste" that lasts for hours), many patients do not follow their post-operative care.

This is why many dentists have switched to chlorine dioxide mouthwashes. 

Chlorine dioxide is tasteless and odorless, can be used long term, STOPping the stone and has the same cleaning power as CHX, without the unpleasant side effects. 

And in a four-month aerosol study, the chlorine dioxide mouthwash proved as effective as CHX as a pre-emptive rinse for reducing bacterial counts.

4. Freshens the breath, quickly

When chlorine dioxide encounters Sulphur Volatile Compounds, the molecules that cause stinky breath, it works in contact to render them inactive. 

Unlike mouthwashes that try to mask bad breath with strong menthol scents and masking agents, chlorine dioxide addresses the problem right at the source. 

Just 60 seconds of mopping will send these VSCs into the trash, instantly improving your breath.

5. Amazing plate fighter

Plaque is that sticky material that forms on the teeth after eating. 

Plaque that is not removed through good oral health habits will harden into tartar and cause gum problems and encourage tooth decay. 

Το διοξείδιο του χλωρίου θεωρείται ιδιαίτερα αξιόλογο για την ικανότητά του να κόβει την πλάκα και την πέτρα, παρέχοντας καλύτερο επίπεδο καθαριότητας σε σχέση με τα στοματικά διαλύματα χωρίς αυτό το πρωταγωνιστικό συστατικό.