The study concluded that “the application of CHX in the post-surgical antiseptic treatment of the oral cavity should be limited.” 11 (However, it should be noted in chlorhexidine’s defense that it was never meant to be used that way.) 10 A different study stated that the higher concentration (≥ 0.04%) of chlorhexidine inhibits cell proliferation and, to a certain extent, affects cell morphology. Chlorhexidine disrupted the healing process, causing the healing phase to take longer and decreasing the likelihood of a favorable outcome with therapy.Īnother study published in 2006 discussed the cytotoxic effect of chlorhexidine on cells and cautioned against using it following scaling and root-planing procedures (such as irrigation) due to its damaging cells that aid in the healing process (such as fibroblasts). Chlorhexidine was found to damage the fibroblasts, which are essential factors in reattachment, 9 which is the purpose of scaling and root planing. Alleyn, DDS, studied the reestablishment of lost connective tissue attachment to the root surface following periodontal therapy. The most alarming findings date back to 1991, when Charles D. The serious side effects of chlorhexidine also include its impact on fibroblast formation in the periodontal pocket. So does it really even make sense to use chlorhexidine at all? 7,8 How do we avoid saliva in the mouth? We can’t. There is also information that states saliva and blood inactivate chlorhexidine. 6 Furthermore, they must then avoid drinking, eating, and smoking for at least one hour after use. 6 So patients should not rinse immediately after brushing. It is deactivated by anionic compounds, including the anionic surfactants used in toothpaste. Because chlorhexidine is easily inactivated, it should be used 30 minutes after other dental products. However, studies and real-world cases show us we may want to reconsider.Įven with the treatment of gingivitis, there are unrealistic instructions and expectations for patients to follow. Clinicians may be willing to compromise in an effort to get better treatment results. Side effects such as staining and calculus aren’t ideal, but they aren’t dangerous. 4 In rare instances, permanent taste alteration is experienced after the treatment has run its course. 4 Some patients even experience an alteration in taste. In fact, water actually increases the bitterness! 3 After using, patients may complain of a “metallic” aftertaste that sticks around for several hours. They can’t rinse with water afterward because it renders the chlorhexidine ineffective. Patients struggle to stay compliant with chlorhexidine because of the taste. Neither side effect is something you’d logically want for patients after their scalings, prophies, or surgeries. We all know chlorhexidine stains teeth, and another common side effect is calculus buildup. The main reason many clinicians dislike chlorhexidine is because of its side effects. However, many dental professionals use chlorhexidine off-label, and this is where the contraindications and safety concerns come into play. 2 This is one of the reasons why chlorhexidine is not intended to be used longer than two weeks.Įven though chlorhexidine has many side effects, it can be safely used to treat gingivitis. However, it requires an incredibly high concentration to achieve positive results: 1,200 parts per million. There is no need to debate this, as study after study has confirmed it. 1 It was designed to be used temporarily to help patients reverse gingivitis.Ĭhlorhexidine is a great bacterial killer. The good: When used as designedĬhlorhexidine was introduced into dentistry in 1954 as a broad-spectrum biocide effective against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. For the clinicians who use it, if we asked why, they probably wouldn’t say, “Because I love it!” Instead, they’d likely say things such as “There’s no alternative” or “I use it because it’s what I learned in school.” Yet, there is an alternative to chlorhexidine and, as most of us know, doing something just because you learned it in school isn’t always good enough.įor us to understand this controversial chemical’s place in dentistry, as well as possible alternatives, let’s take a hard look at chlorhexidine-the good, the bad, and the ugly. There are those who hate it and refuse to use it, and there are those who use it and choose to overlook the side effects. Given these characteristics, it’s no surprise clinicians generally fall into two camps on chlorhexidine. When you hear the word chlorhexidine, these things probably come to mind:
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |