Overview
Chlorine dioxide kills bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Very small amounts are used in public water treatment facilities. At high doses, it can damage red blood cells and the lining of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Some people swish and spit mouthwash solutions containing small amounts of chlorine dioxide for bad breath, tooth plaque, and wound healing, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses. There is also no good evidence to support using chlorine dioxide for COVID-19.
The US FDA has warned consumers to avoid chlorine dioxide supplement products due to the risk for serious safety issues and death. These products often list another ingredient on the label called sodium chlorite and are marketed under names like Miracle Mineral Solution (MMS), Master Mineral Solution, and Miracle Mineral Supplement.
Uses & Effectiveness
Possibly Effective for
- Bad breath. Rinsing with a mouthwash containing 0.1% chlorine dioxide seems to improve bad breath.
Side Effects
When used as a mouthwash: Chlorine dioxide 0.01% to 0.8% solutions are possibly safe when swished around the mouth for 30-60 seconds and then spit out.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When used as a mouthwash: Chlorine dioxide 0.01% to 0.8% solutions are possibly safe when swished around the mouth for 30-60 seconds and then spit out.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Chlorine dioxide supplements are likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorine dioxide is safe to apply to the skin or use as a mouthwash. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Chlorine dioxide supplements are likely unsafe for children when taken by mouth. There isn't enough reliable information to know if chlorine dioxide is safe for children to apply to the skin or use as a mouthwash. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
An inherited disorder that causes red blood cells to break down in response to stress (G6PD deficiency): People with this condition who use chlorine dioxide may be at an increased risk for red blood cell rupture. Avoid using.
Long-term kidney disease (chronic kidney disease or CKD): Chlorine dioxide might increase the risk of anemia in people with this condition, even when used in small amounts. But it's not clear if this is a major concern.
Interactions
We currently have no information for CHLORINE DIOXIDE overview.
Dosing
As a mouthwash, chlorine dioxide 0.01% to 0.8% has most often been used by adults for up to 10 days. The solution is swished in the mouth for 30-60 seconds and then spit out.
CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.
This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.