| abstract |
A composition having an effective dosage of chlorine dioxide for causing a visible change in the whiteness of a tooth surface is disclosed. The composition includes a first formulation having a chlorine dioxide precursor and a second formulation having an acidulant capable of generating chlorine dioxide upon contact with the precursor. Upon admixture of the first and second formulations to produce chlorine dioxide, the composition has a pH in the range of from about 3.0 to about 4.5. To whiten teeth, the first and second formulations may be mixed with one another prior to application of the resulting mixture to the teeth. Alternatively, one of the first and second formulations may initially be applied to the teeth prior to the application of the remaining formulation. The inventive composition is formulated to cause a visible change in the whiteness of a tooth surface in a relatively short period of time. |