Chlorhexidine: Its Properties and Effects

Headnote

ABSTRACT:

Aim : To make a review on Chlorhexidine ,its properties and its effects.

Objective : To have a clear idea about properties and effects of chlorhexidine.

Background : Chlorhexidine is an antibacterial used as an antiseptic and for other applications. It is a cationic polybiguanide. It is used primarily as its salts. Chlorhexidine has its own effects on various parts of the body. Generally Chlorhexidine is a disinfectant. Chlorhexidine is an active component of mouthwash. It acts longer than any other mouthwash in the oral cavity, its action is blocked by deactivation.

KEYWORDS: Chlorhexidine, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Disinfectant, Mouthwash.

INTRODUCTION:

Complete debridement, disinfection of the pulpal space are considered to be essential for predictable longterm success in endodontic treatment. Residual pulpal tissue, bacteria and dentin debris may persist in the irregularities of root canal systems, even after meticulous mechanical preparation (1,2). Hence , several irrigating substances have been recommended for use in combination with canal preparation, including sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl), chlorhexidine, 17% EDTA, citric acid, MTAD and 37% phosphoric acid solution. These substances might affect the penetration of the resin sealer in dentin and its polymerization too, They might also degenerate dentin if they have a negative effect on the collagen fibers (3,4). Antibacterial effects of Chemomechanical procedures can be enhanced by the subsequent placement of an antimicrobial intracanal medication, particularly in those cases of exudation, haemorrhage, perforation, root resorption, trauma or incomplete root formation (5-7).

Chlorhexidine can be applied clinically as antimicrobial agent during all phases of the root canal preparation, including the disinfection of the operatory field; enlargement of the canals orifices; removal of necrotic tissues before working length determination; in the Chemomechanical preparation prior to the foraminal patency and enlargement; as an intracanal medicament; in the disinfection of obturation cones; for modeling the main gutta-percha cone; in the removal of gutta-percha cones during retreatment; in the disinfection of prosthetic space; among others.

General Uses:

Chlorhexidine is used in disinfectants, cosmetics , and pharmaceutical product.(8)

1 It is used to kill bacteria that cause infections.

2 It is found in many medicines that are applied directly to the affected area of the body.

3 It is an antiseptic treatment.

4 It is used to treat and prevent infections.

5 Chlorhexidine has...