stages of periodontitis

Introduction

Mouthwash is an antiseptic liquid preparation for cleaning the mouth and teeth or freshening the breath. There are 2 types:

  • Cosmetic mouth wash may temporarily control bad breath and leave behind a pleasant taste but has no chemical or biological application beyond its temporary benefit.
  • Therapeutic mouth wash helps reduce or control plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay.

 

Chlorhexidine Mouthwash

Chlorhexidine is another antiseptic that is used in dentistry to clean the mouth and teeth. It’s a cationic antiseptic with a bisbiguanide base activity and a broad-spectrum antibiotic with topical antibacterial activity.

Chlorhexidine is found in three forms:

  • Chlorhexidine Digluconate
  • Chlorhexidine Hydrochloride
  • Chlorhexidine Acetate.

 

How Does Chlorhexidine Work?

The reason chlorhexidine works is that it’s positively charged and reacts with the negatively charged microbial cell surface, thereby destroying the integrity of the cell membrane. Subsequently, it penetrates the cell of the microbe, causes leakage of intracellular components, leading to microbial cell death.

 

Chlorhexidine solution

One form of chlorhexidine which is widely used in dentistry is chlorhexidine gluconate, available in several forms, including oral rinse, mouthwash, and solution.  The oral rinse and mouthwash can be used to reduce plaque and gingivitis and can be used as an adjunctive therapy in the treatment of adult periodontitis.

Chlorhexidine gluconate solution is often used to help treat and reduce periodontitis and periodontal gingivitis. It works by killing bacteria and other microorganisms in the mouth and helps to reduce the inflammation and swelling of your gums and to reduce gum bleeding. Chlorhexidine gluconate is effective against a wide range of oral pathogens, including Streptococcus mutans, which is a major contributor to tooth decay and plaque formation.

It is often used as a preoperative mouthwash, oral rinse, or as an ingredient in other oral care products such as toothpaste and mouthwash. It’s also possible to mix it into other base oral rinses like OraVital ® CX620 Base Oral Rinse to achieve enhanced antiseptic properties.   

Chlorhexidine gluconate solution is sometimes used for surgical hand scrubs and preoperative skin preparation. Antiseptic chlorhexidine is a topical antiseptic that is used to prevent infection in minor cuts, scrapes, and burns.

 

What different forms can you buy it in?

Chlorhexidine solution can be found in different concentrations, such as 0.12%, 0.2% and 2%. The 0.12% solution is typically used as a preoperative mouthwash and oral rinse, while the 0.2% solution is used for longer-term treatment of periodontal diseases.

Buying it in a concentrated solution is a wise consumer thing to do, but you’ll have to make sure to dilute it.

The 2% solution is used for cleansing, removal of residues, irrigation and disinfection of the root canal in root canal treatments. But be forewarned, overuse or misuse of chlorhexidine can lead to tooth staining or other harmful and possibly lethal side effects.

 

ADVANTAGES:

  • effective antiseptic mouthwash.
  • reduces inflammation, swelling, and bleeding due to gingivitis.
  • reduces the risk of forming dental caries.
  • It reduces plaque built up.

 

DISADVANTAGES:

  • may cause staining.
  • may alter your taste perception.
  • may cause temporary oral irritation and tooth pain.
  • may cause build-up of tartar.

 

What are the side effects of chlorhexidine?

There are few common side effects seen on prolonged or overdose of chlorhexidine such as:

  • Change in taste.
  • increase in tartar (calculus) on teeth.
  • staining of teeth.
  • swollen glands on side of face or neck.
  • tongue tip irritation.

 

How to use chlorhexidine mouthwash?

After brushing their teeth, patients usually use it twice daily or as directed by their dentist and/or dental hygienist.

The dental professional will measure 1/2 ounce (15 millilitres) of the solution using the supplied measuring cup, ask the patient to swish the solution in their mouth, rinse their mouth with the solution for 30 seconds, and then spit it out.

Patients should not swallow the solution or mix it with any other substance themselves. After using chlorhexidine, they must wait at least 30 minutes before rinsing their mouth with water or mouthwash, brushing your teeth, eating, or drinking.

Dosage is based on the medical condition and response to treatment.

 

Can I buy chlorhexidine over the counter?

No, chlorhexidine products used orally, such as mouthwashes, are available by prescription only.

When not to use topical chlorhexidine?  

For certain situations, use of chlorhexidine should be limited or prohibited, such as:

  • Breast feeding women, as it may cause severe irritation or burns to children.
  • Pregnancy
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Anterior tooth restorations, dentures
  • Open wounds

 

Can chlorhexidine damage gums?

No, some people may have irritated gums when using chlorhexidine mouthwashes, which is temporary and will fade away over time.

Can I use salt water instead of chlorhexidine?

Both have antimicrobial effects, but chlorhexidine has much more bactericidal effect on treating gingivitis than a common salt solution.

 

Conclusion

The main two uses of chlorhexidine gluconate are topical and intraoral. For topical uses, chlorhexidine is an excellent antiseptic, but should be used with caution and generally by professionals. Dentists and dental hygienists also use it for applications inside the mouth, as a way to reduce and treat gingivitis and periodontitis.   

If you’re looking for the everyday lowest price in oral care products like chlorhexidine, or other products that can be combined with chlorhexidine, you should look for a supplier that is also a manufacturer. Not having to pay middleman fees is how dentists are able to save money in their practice. Otherwise, you might end up doing free procedures. Providing dentistry supplies for over 30 years, maxill is a smart choice for chlorhexidine, because we manufacture it. Check out our website for the most transparent pricing for dental supplies online!