Abstract: Disclosed are oral care compositions, including therapeutic rinses, especially mouthrinses and methods of use to provide significantly enhanced antimicrobial activity, thereby reducing oral bacteria and promoting overall oral health. The present compositions are formulated to deliver increased bioavailable levels of cationic antimicrobials, particularly quaternary ammonium compounds such as cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and are useful for preventing and treating diseases or conditions of the oral cavity including dental plaque, caries, gingivitis, periodontal disease and breath malodor. The present compositions are formulated to be essentially free of anionic, nonionic or amphoteric surfactants, which have been found to have a negative effect on bioavailability of the quaternary ammonium compounds and thus, their antimicrobial efficacy.