History of Dental White & Fresh™

Active Chlorine Dioxide Oral Rinse

Chlorine Dioxide (CLO₂) was discovered by Sir Humphrey Davy in 1811. He produced it by acidifying potassium chlorate with sulfuric acid. In 1940 M. C. Taylor produced CLO₂ by adding an acid or chlorine to Sodium Chlorite. It is by the formation of CLO₂ from Chlorite that drinking water treatment is currently practiced. CLO₂ has been used as a mouthwash, by the acidification of Chlorite since the 1980s, and by the reaction of Chlorine (Clorox™) with Chlorite since the early 1990s. In the mid 1990s Dr. George discovered a method of forming CLO₂ by the reaction of Potassium Iodide with Chlorite.

CLO₂ is probably the most extensively tested disinfectant in history. This is because not much was known about it, where as experience with chlorine extended in practice for over a hundred years. It is a safe and effective biocide, and has been used for disinfecting, and eliminating odors in water for about 70 years; and nearly as long for whitening in the paper making industry. It has also been used for biofilm control in commercial water cooling towers.