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Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% rinse
Also called: CHX, chlorhexidine, prescription mouth rinse
A prescription mouth rinse that fights gingivitis.
Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% is a prescription antimicrobial rinse for gingivitis. The label directs 15 mL of undiluted rinse for 30 seconds, twice a day after brushing, then spit it out. Common side effects are brown stain on teeth and tongue, a change in taste and more tartar above the gumline.
How to spot it
- A blue or clear rinse in a bottle with a measuring cup marked at 15 mL.
What it is used for
- Patients use it at home as prescribed; some offices use an antimicrobial rinse before procedures.
Safety and care
- It is not to be swallowed.
- Ask about allergy; rare serious allergic reactions have been reported.
- Patients should not rinse, brush or eat right after using it.
Related
Sources: DailyMed (NLM). Chlorhexidine gluconate 0.12% oral rinse, prescribing information (set id 27d81483-e58c-593d-e063-6394a90a0db4), Boyd LD, Mallonee LF, Wyche CJ. Wilkins' Clinical Practice of the Dental Hygienist, 14th ed. Jones & Bartlett, 2024