A liquid composition that is applied to teeth in advance of a whitening gel or paste. The liquid composition is preferably in a viscous gel form, such that when the composition is applied to teeth, it does not flow quickly off the teeth. The composition contains ne diluent oxidizer buffering agent suspending agent emollient surface active agent germicide gelling agent optionally one or more flavoring components selected from flavor stabilizers, sweeteners, and taste enhancers and pH control agent.
