Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Dentistry

Abstract

Chlorhexidine is a mouthwash used by dentist and the public for its anti-bacterial properties. It is used in dentistry for many years as an excellent anti-plaque agent to prevent the development of periodontal diseases. Chlorhexidine not only exhibits special property of substantivity, it also possesses a broad antimicrobial spectrum which makes its use in wide variety of oral diseases and conditions. It is often used as an ingredient in various mouth washes designed to reduce plaque and oral disease. It has been shown to have an immediate bactericidal and long-term bacteriostatic effect due to adsorption on the enamel surface covered with the pellicle. It’s used in almost all the fields of dentistry in various forms such as mouth –washes, sprays, gels and restorative materials. The usual dose is 10- 15 ml of undiluted chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse, swished in the mouth for 30 seconds, and expectorated.