Most bacteria present in the mouth are called anaerobic meaning they thrive in environments that lack ample amounts of oxygen. They thrive uncontrolled in mouths that are not brushed properly often leading to periodontal disease and tooth decay resulting in fallout. Chlorine is primarily a sanitizing agent but used as is can result in serious injury for it eats away tissue being caustic thus making it useless for dental use. Chlorine Dioxide on the other hand is a form of stabilized chlorine that reacts with the many gasses that results in bad breath neutralizing it thus eliminating the odor.
It also has the advantage of producing oxygen which is also an anti bacterial that kills off the bacteria as it oxidizes. It also makes the environment oxygen rich hence lessening the chances of bacteria to survive in the mouth. Used in toothpaste or as a gargle it really helps lower the bacterial levels while clearing away the odor. Mouthwash that contain chlorine dioxide also tends to be milder for with no alcohol, the sting is removed thus making the process of gargling recently brushed teeth and gums(that sometimes get bruised and scratched).
Jan
03