Have you ever heard of chlorhexidine mouthwash at your dentist’s office? Has your dentist prescribed it but you don’t know exactly what it is?
If so, in this article we are going to clear up all the doubts you may have about this component.
What is chlorhexidine?
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic substance with bactericidal and fungicidal action widely used in different dental specialties.
Although it is present in various products, such as toothpaste or gels, it is most commonly found in mouthwashes.
The World Health Organization includes chlorhexidine in its list of Essential Medicines, a document that brings together the most relevant drugs and components that should be included in a health system.
The purpose of this component is to eliminate and inhibit the growth of bacteria present in our oral cavity.
Chlorhexidine in rinses
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MOUTHWASH WITH CHLORHEXIDINE
In other words, we could say that chlorhexidine works just like any other disinfectant we know.
Therefore, it reduces the risk of infection of a wound without damaging the surface on which it is applied – gums and teeth, in this case.
Among its many applications, it can be used to treat periodontal diseases (gingivitis and periodontitis), prevent possible infections derived from oral surgery or heal small lesions in the soft tissues of the mouth.
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Cases in which its use is indicated
The dentist will prescribe chlorhexidine to the patient in different cases.
It is most commonly prescribed by this professional to complement or increase the success rate of treatments carried out in the specialties of Periodontics and Implantology.
In case you only want to enjoy fresh breath, a mouthwash without chlorhexidine is indicated.
Periodontal diseases
Chlorhexidine acts as an adjuvant substance in treatments to combat gingivitis and periodontitis.
In addition, it contributes to the correct maintenance of the gums to avoid the recurrence of periodontal pathologies.
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic substance that is normally present in mouthwashes.
Periodontal surgery, implants or extractions.
In case the patient is going to undergo a surgical intervention that carries a high risk of infection, the dentist will prescribe mouthwashes with chlorhexidine.
Such operations may be periodontal surgery, implant placement or tooth extractions.
Mild lesions on the oral mucosa
Although, in general, sores or canker sores heal without any treatment, it is not a bad idea to use a chlorhexidine rinse to speed up the healing of these wounds.
In addition, it prevents bacterial plaque from accumulating in damaged areas of the white tissue.
How chlorhexidine is applied
Chlorhexidine is an oral antiseptic that is applied locally, in this case, inside the mouth.
Moreover, since this application must be prescribed and controlled, it is essential that the treatment be prescribed by a dental professional.
The instructions prescribed by the dentist will vary according to each case, although normally the treatment with this type of substance usually lasts a maximum of 15 days.
Its use is very simple, just apply the amount indicated by the expert.
It should be taken into account that chlorhexidine mouthwashes should not be diluted with water, since these liquids are prepared with the appropriate proportion.
Properties of chlorhexidine
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CHLORHEXIDINE MOUTH RINSE
Generally, the patient should rinse his mouth with the mouthwash twice a day, for a time that varies from 30 seconds to one minute.
Its effect remains for about 12 hours.
In any case, the above are general considerations.
The most appropriate indications for your case will be provided by your dentist for your specific case.
Precautions when using chlorhexidine
Although we have highlighted the benefits of chlorhexidine and it seems to be a harmless antiseptic substance, an inappropriate application can have negative consequences for our oral health.
At first glance, this compound has no contraindications, but its excessive use can cause adverse effects in the oral cavity of the person.
Although chlorhexidine is readily available, it is recommended that you only use it if it has been prescribed by a dentist.
Among others, patients who use too much chlorhexidine come to experience pigmentation and darkening of their teeth and gums.
In addition, they may also suffer alterations in their sense of taste.
However, the positive aspect of these side effects is that they are reversible and stop when you stop using chlorhexidine.
In the case exemplified above, the pigmentation can disappear with professional dental prophylaxis.
Where to buy chlorhexidine products
Products used in dentistry treatments with chlorhexidine can be purchased in any pharmacy.
Therefore, it will not be difficult to find a mouthwash with these characteristics if your dentist has prescribed this substance.
There is a wide variety of commercial brands on the market with specific products containing chlorhexidine.
As we have said, chlorhexidine is usually administered as a mouthwash, although it can also come in the form of a gel, spray or toothpaste.
So, isn’t it enough to just use a toothbrush?
To achieve a deep and thorough oral hygiene at home, it is advisable to combine the use of the toothbrush with dental floss and mouthwashes.
Oral hygiene
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TOOTH BRUSHES
Although mouthwashes with chlorhexidine must be prescribed by a dentist, there are many others that can be used daily after brushing.
This action will help remove food debris completely and maintain healthy teeth and gums.
In addition to the routine care that the patient follows at home, it is necessary to visit the dentist at least once a year so that the professionals can assess the state of your mouth.
This is the only way to detect in time any problem or pathology present in the oral cavity and remedy it as soon as possible.
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