The present invention generally relates to oral compositions such as toothpastes, toothpowders, liquid dentrifices, mouthwashes, rinses, dental floss, denture cleansers, chewing gums, lozenges and the like. In particular, it relates to such oral compositions that include cesium and rubidium salts. In one aspect of the present invention, a composition for oral use is provided. The composition includes a cesium or rubidium salt and water having a surface tension ranging between 45 and 70 dynes per cm2. In another aspect of the present invention, a method for improving oral hygiene in a mammal is provided. The method involves taking a volume of a solution into the mammal's mouth, where the solution includes a cesium or rubidium salt and water having a surface tension ranging between 45 and 70 dynes per cm2, swishing the solution around and expelling the solution.