chlorhexidine digluconate at a glance
Medicine class
Local oral antiseptic and antimicrobial.
Main dental roles
Controls plaque and supports treatment of gingivitis, selected mouth infections and periodontal disease.
Administration
Mouthwash is rinsed and spat out; gel may be brushed on or applied locally. A dental professional places the periodontal insert.
What is chlorhexidine digluconate used for?
Licensed uses vary by formulation.
Mouthwash and dental gel: plaque control, gingivitis management and oral hygiene, including when brushing is difficult.
Mouthwash and dental gel: support for gum healing after periodontal surgery or treatment.
Mouthwash: management of aphthous ulcers and oral candidal infections, including denture stomatitis.
Dental gel: management of recurrent aphthous ulcers and recurrent oral candidal infections; it may support caries prevention in high-risk people when used with fluoride under dental direction.
Periodontal insert: adjunctive treatment with scaling and root planing for adults with moderate to severe chronic periodontal disease and periodontal pockets.
How does chlorhexidine digluconate work?
Chlorhexidine binds to oral surfaces and disrupts microbial cell membranes, reducing susceptible bacteria and yeasts and limiting plaque formation. Oral absorption is very low. The biodegradable periodontal insert releases chlorhexidine locally.
chlorhexidine digluconate preparations and strengths
Gel
Route: Cutaneous
Strengths: 1% w/w
Mouthwash
Route: Oromucosal
Strengths: 0.2%, 0.2% w/v
How to take chlorhexidine digluconate
Follow the product leaflet and instructions from your dentist, doctor or pharmacist.
Rinse mouthwash around the mouth and spit it out; do not swallow it.
Dental gel may be used on a toothbrush or applied gently to the affected area with a clean fingertip or cotton bud. Spit out excess gel and do not rinse immediately.
Keep mouthwash and gel away from the eyes and ears; rinse thoroughly with water after accidental contact.
Separate mouthwash or gel from toothpaste because some toothpaste ingredients reduce chlorhexidine activity.
A dental professional must place a periodontal insert. Continue normal oral hygiene afterwards.
chlorhexidine digluconate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Temporary altered taste, burning, tingling or numbness in the mouth
- Dry mouth or a coated tongue
- Temporary staining of teeth, tongue, dentures or some restorations
- Peeling, soreness or irritation inside the mouth
- After periodontal-insert placement: toothache, gum swelling, pain or bleeding
Get urgent medical advice
- Sudden swelling, breathing difficulty, faintness or a widespread itchy rash suggesting anaphylaxis
- Marked or persistent mouth swelling, soreness or irritation
- After periodontal-insert placement: severe local pain, tissue damage, cellulitis or abscess
chlorhexidine digluconate in pregnancy
Chlorhexidine products are generally thought acceptable during pregnancy because absorption is low and harm is not expected, although data are limited. The periodontal insert should be avoided during pregnancy; discuss treatment with the dentist or prescriber.
chlorhexidine digluconate while breastfeeding
Chlorhexidine treatments are generally considered compatible with breastfeeding. However, the periodontal insert should not be administered while breastfeeding because infant risk cannot be excluded; seek formulation-specific advice.
chlorhexidine digluconate interactions
Systemic interactions are not generally expected because oral chlorhexidine is poorly absorbed, but local incompatibilities apply.
Anionic ingredients in conventional toothpaste
They can reduce the activity of chlorhexidine mouthwash or gel. Use toothpaste beforehand with thorough rinsing or separate the products.
Nystatin
Nystatin can oppose chlorhexidine activity; concurrent nystatin-containing products should be avoided with the periodontal insert.
Common questions about chlorhexidine digluconate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Can chlorhexidine digluconate replace toothbrushing?
Usually no. It supports oral care and may help when brushing is temporarily difficult, but mechanical cleaning should continue when possible.
Can I use it immediately after toothpaste?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.