Chlorhexidine Dental Rinse: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It

Chlorhexidine Dental Rinse: What It Is, How It Works, and When to Use It
When it comes to maintaining good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing are your first line of defense. But sometimes, your dentist may recommend an extra tool in your dental care routine — Chlorhexidine dental rinse. Let’s break down what this powerful mouthwash is all about, how it works, and when you should (and shouldn’t) use it.

What is Chlorhexidine Dental Rinse?
Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic mouthwash often prescribed by dentists to reduce bacteria in the mouth. Its most common form is a 0.12% or 0.2% solution used as a rinse to treat gum disease (gingivitis), post-surgical healing, and other oral infections.

How Does Chlorhexidine Work?
Chlorhexidine works by binding to the teeth, gums, and plaque, killing bacteria and preventing their growth for up to 12 hours. It disrupts the bacterial cell membrane, causing the contents to leak out — effectively stopping bacterial reproduction.

Unlike over-the-counter mouthwashes, it has prolonged antimicrobial activity, which means it continues to fight bacteria even after you've rinsed.

When is Chlorhexidine Recommended?
Your dentist may prescribe Chlorhexidine rinse for:

Gingivitis – To reduce swelling, redness, and bleeding gums.

Post-dental surgery – To aid healing and prevent infection.

Mouth ulcers – To control infection in inflamed areas.

Orthodontic care – Especially for patients with braces or other appliances where plaque control is challenging.

Halitosis (bad breath) – When caused by bacterial overgrowth.