Dr. Perry Ratcliff, a periodontist and expert on dental health and gum disease, had a 50-year career that includes a prominent role in the development of dental products for older adults.

Before his death in 2008 in Scottsdale, Ariz. at the age of 93, Ratcliff worked with other dental professionals to create the CloSYS product line in 1991. The products include CloSYS Silver, a daily oral rinse for 55-and-up adults. Specially formulated for the changing needs of mature mouths, its germ-killing benefits promote oral and overall health. The special formula is dentist-recommended to help relieve dry mouth and contains fluoride to strengthen enamel and protect against cavities, according to Rowpar Pharmaceuticals, which markets it.

During his years of clinical practice, Ratcliff discovered that stabilized chlorine dioxide helped reduce the harmful bacteria in the mouths of his patients. That led him to create the patented formula Cloralstan, the active ingredient of CloSYS.

CloSYS products are available without a prescription through online sales at CloSYS.com, Amazon and Drugstore.com, and from retailers, including Walgreens, CVS Pharmacy and Walmart (select stores).