Morningstar88
commented
2 days ago Certainly! The main difference lies in their chemical forms and effectiveness as disinfectants:
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Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl):
- Formed when chlorine gas dissolves in water.
- Weak acid with the chemical formula HOCl.
- Effective at breaking apart cell membranes, similar to bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
- Used in sanitizers and disinfectants due to its ability to kill bacteria and viruses.
- Leaves minimal residue on surfaces.
- EPA-approved as a food contact sanitizer.
- Neutral to slightly acidic pH range¹.
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Chlorine:
- Refers to "Free Available Chlorine" (FAC).
- Can exist as hypochlorous acid (HOCl) or hypochlorite (OCl⁻).
- Both forms are effective germ killers, but HOCl is more potent.
- Hypochlorite (OCl⁻) is the anionic form of chlorine with a negative charge.
- Hypochlorous acid (HOCl) penetrates cell walls better and is more efficient as a disinfectant²³.
In summary, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) is the active component in chlorine-based disinfectants, offering effective germ-killing properties while being gentle on surfaces. 😊🔬
Source: Conversation with Copilot, 7/5/2024 (1) The Truth About Hypochlorous Acid (HOCl) | CloroxPro. https://www.cloroxpro.com/blog/the-truth-about-hypochlorous-acid-hocl/. (2) What is the Difference Between Hypochlorite and Hypochlorous Acid. https://pediaa.com/what-is-the-difference-between-hypochlorite-and-hypochlorous-acid/. (3) Disinfection with Hypochlorous vs. Sodium Hypochlorite (traditional .... https://annihilare.com/disinfection-with-hypochlorous-vs-sodium-hypochlorite-traditional-bleach/. (4) Hypochlorous acid - Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hypochlorous_acid.
Peroxide is fine. Salt, baking soda, oils, etc. are all fine, but they are mere adjuncts to the mechanics of brushing, flossing and irrigating. If one brushed in the morning, after eating anything and especially before bed - thoroughly - for at least 2 minutes... included flossing at least once a day... kept the diet nutritious... one would not have gum disease to be concerned with. The magic bullet is NOT peroxide, fluoride, special tooth pastes, oils, etc., etc. It is the EFFORT you put into the thoroughness time spent brushing and flossing. Most people brush for only 37 seconds until the mouth fills will foam from the detergent in the toothpaste and only concentrate on the 'social surfaces' so they have a nice smile. That is hardly worth the little amount of effort.
One step omitted by all of these posts is 'ORAL IRRIGATION.' If you have gum disease (which is caused by acids excreted by certain bacteria) and this disease has caused your gums to seperate from the teeth creating pockets, it doesn't matter what you brush or rinse with, you are simply NOT getting to the bacterial colonies residing deep in those pockets. The best way you can attack this situation at HOME is to get an oral irrigator and get a medicated solution into those pockets - and if they are beyond 4mm deep, you'd need a special cannula tip so that you could get the solution deep enough into the pocket. (These tips are not available with all irrigators, so check before you invest. Forget about discount store irrigators - they'll last about 3 months if you use them like you are suppose to.)
Peroxide is great for drawing out the bacteria from their biofilms (colonies), but dilutes too quickly to kill them off once they are 'free-floating.' Salt and baking soda are the cheapest, most effective home remedy you could apply for that purpose. Brush, irrigate and rinse with it. If you are not allergic to it, iodized salt is the best.
If this is done, science shows that the connective tissue between the teeth and gums, which is being destroyed by the acids) will begin to grow back, the pocket will shrink, the tooth will firm back up, bleeding and pain will subside.
Watch your food intake. Quit eating junk and fast foods. Cut your sugar intake down and remember carbohydrates convert to sugar and the bugs love them too. Remember that this is an infection and can 1. compromise the immune system and 2. spread to the rest of the body via the circulatory system setting you up for heart disease, diabetes and a host of other systemic diseases. Neglecting your teeth will not just create some annoying bleeding and bad breath, it can kill you, OK?
Don't forget to brush or scrape your tongue in the process.
Want more info? Read whatever you can get your hands on by Dr. Robert O. Nara and/or Dr. Paul Keyes.
Oh yea, essential nutrients: Vit C, Vit. D, Co-Q10, Calcium and Phosphorus, Hyaluronic Acid. You need calcium and phosphorus in your saliva. It is your natural 'tooth bath' necessary for remineralization of your enamel - so if you are using medications or any street drugs which dry your mouth, double up on your health insurance. If you do have dry mouth due to lack of saliva flow, go to the drug store and get some Biotene rinse, which will stimulate saliva flow.