Chlorhexidine Applications in Oral Health

Chlorhexidine is a cationic biguanide antiseptic that has become a cornerstone of oral hygiene and therapeutic protocols. Its broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microorganisms, coupled with a high degree of substantivity on mucosal and dental surfaces, underpins its widespread use in mouthwashes, gels, varnishes and local delivery systems. Clinically, chlorhexidine formulations are employed to manage plaque accumulation, gingivitis and periodontitis, to prevent secondary infections following oral surgery and to support peri-implant tissue health. The agent’s mechanism of action—disruption of microbial cell membranes followed by intracellular leakage—ensures rapid suppression of biofilm growth, while its sustained adherence to oral tissues confers prolonged protection. Despite its efficacy, routine use is limited by well-recognised side effects such as extrinsic tooth staining, transient taste disturbance and occasional mucosal irritation. Recent efforts in formulation science have sought to mitigate these drawbacks through innovative delivery systems—pH-responsive nanoparticles, anti-discolouration additives and three-dimensional tissue‐model compatibility testing—all aimed at optimising the therapeutic index of chlorhexidine. The global significance of chlorhexidine lies in its affordability, ease of integration into existing oral care regimens and its pivotal role in both preventive and adjunctive periodontal therapies.

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Chlorhexidine Applications in Oral Health publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in chlorhexidine applications in oral health across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Antiseptic: A chemical agent applied to living tissues to inhibit or destroy microorganisms.

Biofilm: A structured community of microorganisms embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix attached to a surface.

Transepithelial Electrical Resistance (TEER): A quantitative measure of the integrity and permeability of epithelial or endothelial cell layers.

pH-responsive delivery: A drug‐release strategy in which a carrier releases its payload under specific acidity conditions.

Anti-discolouration system (ADS): Additives incorporated into mouthwash to minimise staining associated with chlorhexidine use.

References

1. A 3D Model of Human Buccal Mucosa for Compatibility Testing of Mouth Rinsing Solutions. Pharmaceutics (2023).
2. Effect of pH-sensitive nanoparticles on inhibiting oral biofilms. Drug Delivery (2022).
3. Does chlorhexidine mouthwash, with an anti‐discoloration system, reduce tooth surface discoloration without losing its efficacy? A systematic review and meta‐analysis. International Journal of Dental Hygiene (2019).