An oral care composition comprising a) an aqueous phase; b) stannous ions solvated in the aqueous phase; c) nitrates solvated in the aqueous phase; wherein the total content of said nitrates is such that the molar amount of nitrogen in the aqueous phase, measurable as nitrate, is less than 2 times the molar amount of solvated stannous ions; and d) a flavor substance, which is preferably solvated, dispersed or emulgated in the aqueous phase. Disclosed are also containers containing the composition; and processes and uses for stabilizing stannous ions against oxidation, using nitrates.