Side effects of chlorhexidine mouth washes

Abstract

ABSTUCT-The side effects of chlorhexidine mouth washes have been evaluated in a group of 50 soldiers during a period of 4 months. Previous publications have shown the effects on plaque formation and gingival conditions. The present paper discusses urifavorable side effects. When rinsing with 0.2 and 0.1 yo chlorhexidine gluconate and acetate, some desquamations and soreness in the oral mucosa were observed. lwelve per cent of the tooth surfaces and 62 "/c of the silicate fillings were discolored, while 36 % of the test persons developed discolored tongues in the experimental period. Because of the side effects, there are some objections LO uncritical use of chlorhexidine in preventive dentistry. A close control is necessary; and until more information is gained, the use of chlorhexidine mouth washes is recommended for. short periods only. Other methods of application must be studied.

Tooth discolouration and staining: a review of the literature

“…For this reason most of the research into stain formation has been carried out on chlorhexidine, although there are other antiseptics which cause staining to a lesser extent and the mechanism proposed could be applicable to staining found with polyvalent metals. The characteristic staining of the tongue and teeth noted by Flotra and co-workers in 1971 42 is not peculiar to chlorhexidine, it has been reported in other cationic antiseptics, 53 the essential oil/phenolic mouthrinse 'Listerine' 52 and following prolonged use of delmopinol mouthrinses. 53 There is great individual variation in the degree of staining from person to person, this makes explanation more difficult as it may be caused by intrinsic factors, differences in extrinsic factors or both.…”

“…The agent is without colour or a different colour from the stain produced on the tooth surface. Interest in the mechanisms of extrinsic tooth staining was rekindled in 1971 with the observation by Flotra et al, 42 that tooth staining increases with the use of chlorhexidine.…”

Effects of chlorhexidine varnish on caries during orthodontic treatment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

“…The long-term use of CHX mouth rinses can cause staining of the teeth and tongue 28 . However, this side effect can be eliminated with the use of local CHX varnish application 29 .…”

Traumatic chemical oral ulceration: a case report and review of the literature

“…Mouthwashes are used in a variety of clinical situations and often misused by the public leading to oral mucosa injuries. 36 Some commercially available mouthwashes including Listerine 37 and chlorhexidine based mouthwashes 38 can result in mucosal lesions as a consequence of the presence and concentration of alcohol, additives and preservatives rather than the toxic effect of the agent itself. 39,40 Hydrogen peroxide has often been reported to cause chemical burns of the oral mucosa 41 when used as mouth rinse or via cotton swab as undiluted hydrogen peroxide solution 3% 42 or at concentrations as low as 1%.…”