An oral care composition is provided wherein the composition comprises an ionic liquid, wherein the ionic liquid comprises: a) a quaternary ammonium cation of the formula wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each an organic moiety and may be the same or different, and at least one of R1, R2, R3 and R4 includes a hydroxyl; and b) an anion selected from the group consisting of salicylate, alkylsulfate, sulfate, acetate, halide, phosphate, alkyl phosphate and tosylate; wherein the oral care composition is a mouth rinse, toothpaste, toothpowder, oral bead or strip, fluid-encased dental strip, irrigation fluid, plaque removal liquid, dental floss, hard candy, soft candy, lozenge, chewing gum, or lollipop.