Chlorhexidine is one of the common oral hygiene products. An antiseptic drug helps fight microbes of a different nature, therefore it is used to treat many infections. It is also used for prevention, especially often in winter and spring, when there is a high risk of contracting viral diseases.
Most dentists, surgeons and otolaryngologists prescribe chlorhexidine to combat such diseases:
- oral infections;
- Inflammation of the gums and frenulum of the upper jaw;
- Fungal infections;
- Prevention of caries and periodontal disease;
- Tonsillitis of any stage;
- Gargling for colds or for prevention.
Chlorhexidine, although it belongs to drugs that are available without a prescription, still requires special rules for use, careless calculation can lead to serious problems.
Choosing the Type of Chlorhexidine Rinse
Only a small percentage of chlorhexidine is required for mouthwash. Options of 0.05% are optimal, products with higher rates can lead to severe burning, drying of the mouth, and even the appearance of cracks. Remember that alcohol chlorhexidine should not be used for rinsing.
When to use chlorhexidine mouthwash?
Proper timing will ensure that the drug works perfectly. Rinse your mouth and teeth with a solution after brushing your teeth after 45-60 minutes. Moreover, do not forget that the teeth should be well cleaned (it is better to use dental floss, rinse with a freshener to remove the smallest particles of food). The main thing is that the oral cavity does not contain active cleaning agents that can be found in most modern toothpastes belonging to the low and medium price category. Rinse your mouth thoroughly to avoid these problems.
How to rinse your teeth with chlorhexidine?
Chlorhexidine, like any medical drug, requires the use of all the rules. It is not worth breaking them, as this threatens to partially stop or completely stop the action of the active enzymes of the solution.
A small amount of chlorhexidine (about 2 tablespoons) must be taken into the mouth and rinsed for a minute. In no case should the solution be swallowed, however, if this happens, you need to drink a few tablets of activated charcoal and drink a large amount of liquid. When more than 2 tablespoons of chlorhexidine are inadvertently ingested into the body, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Rinsing with chlorhexidine is prescribed no more than 3 times a day, while the drug can be used for no more than 21 days (the course can be repeated after a month).
Chlorhexidine for dental problems
Chlorhexidine is often prescribed by dentists after tooth extraction. Remember that it is not worth using the drug actively during the first days: it will expose the open hole from the pulled out tooth, because of this, an infection can get into it.
There is no need to take active steps: just take a little chlorhexidine in your mouth and hold for 2 minutes. After the blood clot leaves the hole and the wound begins to heal, you can proceed to active rinsing.
Features of chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is active the first hour after rinsing, so try to refrain from drinking or eating during this time. Among the side effects are the occurrence of allergies in rare cases, burning of the oral cavity, staining of fillings. Only with the appointment of a doctor, chlorhexidine should be taken by children, pregnant and lactating women. There are cases where chlorhexidine has caused a temporary loss of taste.
Chlorhexidine analogues in pharmacies
If for some reason chlorhexidine does not suit you, then attention should be paid to its analogues, but with a wider spectrum of action - Mirimistin and Korsodil.
