Effect of chlorhexidine on acidogenicity of dental plaque in vivo

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of chlorhexidine on the acidogenicity of [human] dental plaque, pH changes in plaque were measured in situ after sucrose applications. A 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthrinse inhibited acid production for a period of 24 h, whereas a 0.05% chlorhexidine rinse showed an inhibitory effect for 4 h. The mechanism involved may be related to the retention of chlorhexidine in the mouth and in plaque providing a bacteriostatic milieu which may be of importance in the observed long-term effect.