Oral hygiene

Prescribing Notes:

• There is some evidence that chlorhexidine has a specific effect in inhibiting the formation of plaque on teeth. A chlorhexidine mouthwash may be useful as an adjunct to other oral hygiene measures for oral infection or when tooth brushing is not possible.
• A saline mouthwash is prepared by dissolving half a teaspoonful of salt in a glassful of warm water.
• Chlorhexidine is an effective antiseptic which inhibits plaque formation on the teeth and is used in the treatment of denture stomatitis, controlling gingivitis and also for the prevention of oral candidiasis in immunocompromised patients.
• Chlorhexidine may cause temporary brown staining of teeth. Chlorhexidine is incompatible with some ingredients in toothpastes. A 30-minute interval should be left between use of chlorhexidine and use of toothpaste.