The present invention relates to promoting whole body health in humans and animals by using topical oral compositions comprising a safe and effective amount of chlorite ion in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, said compositions being effective in controlling bacterial-mediated diseases and conditions present in the oral cavity and inhibiting the spread into the bloodstream of oral pathogenic bacteria and associated bacterial toxins and resultant inflammatory cytokines and mediators. The present invention also encompasses methods of use of these compositions by topically applying to the oral cavity, a safe and effective amount of chlorite ion to promote and/or enhance whole body health in humans and other animals.