Chlorhexidine mouthrinse effective short-term adjunct for dental plaque reduction

There was high-quality evidence of a large reduction in dental plaque with chlorhexidine mouthrinse used as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures for 4 to 6 weeks and 6 months. There was also high-quality evidence of a reduction in gingivitis in individuals with mild gingival inflammation on average (mean score of 1 on the 0 to 3 Gingival Index scale), that was not considered to be clinically relevant. There was no evidence that one concentration of chlorhexidine mouthrinse was more effective than another. Rinsing with chlorhexidine mouthrinse for 4 weeks or longer causes extrinsic tooth staining. There were also other adverse effects, such as calculus build-up, transient taste disturbance and effects on the oral mucosa (soreness, irritation, mild desquamation and mucosal ulceration/erosions). Chlorhexidine mouthrinse is indicated in particular clinical situations for short periods of time.