Chlorhexidine oral rinse should be used after you have brushed and flossed your teeth. Rinse the toothpaste completely from your mouth with water before using the oral rinse. Do not eat or drink for several hours after using the oral rinse. Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Both stain and tartar can be removed by your dentist or hygienist. PerioGard® may cause permanent discoloration of some front-tooth fillings. Rosen P. and Levine W. A pilot study comparing a botanical rinse to chlorhexidine rinse in managing postsurgical inflammation around dental implants.

Chlorhexidine is usually a safe medicine if you follow the instructions that come with it. However, do not use more than the recommended dose. Some people get peeling skin inside their mouth when using chlorhexidine. If this happens to you, stop using the medicine and the side effect will usually clear up. Speak to your dentist or doctor, who may be able to recommend a different medicine. At Colgate, we make toothpaste that promotes healthy smiles. Not only because having a healthy smile is important to your overall health, but because when you have a healthy smile, you actually smile more – and that’s a powerful thing. Smiles are the simplest form of optimism, something we need now more than ever. That’s why we’re committed to raising oral healthcare standards everywhere. PerioGard Gum and Sensitivity Toothpaste Benefits Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. The most common side effects associated with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse USP, 0.12% are: (1) an increase in staining of teeth and other oral surfaces, (2) an increase in calculus formation, and (3) an alteration in taste perception; see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS. Oral irritation and local allergy-type symptoms have been spontaneously reported as side effects associated with use of chlorhexidine gluconate rinse. The following oral mucosal side effects were reported during placebo-controlled adult clinical trials: aphthous ulcer, grossly obvious gingivitis, trauma, ulceration, erythema, desquamation, coated tongue, keratinization, geographic tongue, mucocele, and short frenum. Each occurred at a frequency of less than 1.0%.If you develop allergic symptoms such as skin rash, itch, generalized swelling, breathing difficulties, lightheadedness, rapid heart rate, upset stomach or diarrhea, seek medical attention immediately. PerioGard® should not be used by persons who have a sensitivity to it or its components. For patients having coexisting gingivitis and periodontitis, see PRECAUTIONS. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Why rinsing? Rinsing is simple, fast and easy. Rinsing allows for a broad delivery system and can penetrate interdentally. Additionally, rinsing will deliver therapeutic agents, such as antiseptics, fluoride and anti-inflammatory agents) in a short period. The ideal rinsing product should have a combination effect of reducing bacterial load while delivering a therapeutic benefit to the tissue. The reduction of bacterial load should not be from the act of rinsing but the therapeutics in the rinsing liquid.

Chlorhexidine may change the way foods taste to you. Sometimes this effect may last up to 4 hours after you use the oral rinse. In most cases, this effect will become less noticeable as you continue to use the medicine. When you stop using chlorhexidine, your taste should return to normal. If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor or dentist has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Minor irritation and superficial desquamation of the oral mucosa have been noted in patients using chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinses. Store at 20° to 25°C (68° to 77°F) excursions permitted between 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature].

4. How and when to use chlorhexidine

Front-tooth fillings (especially those having rough surfaces)—Chlorhexidine may cause staining that, in some cases, may be impossible to remove and may require replacement of the filling If you are allergic to Periogard ( chlorhexidine gluconate (oral)); any part of Periogard (chlorhexidine gluconate (oral)); or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and Harokopakis E, Albzreh MH, Haase EM, et al. Inhibition of proinflammatory activities of major periodontal pathogens by aqueous extracts from elder flower (Sambucus nigra). J Periodontol. 2006;77(2):271-279 Serious heart symptoms such as fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeats; fluttering in your chest; shortness of breath; and sudden dizziness, lightheartedness, or passing out; Use your dental treatment at a different time of day to when you brush your teeth. This is because toothpaste can stop chlorhexidine working properly.