Chlorhexidine
Pronunciation: klor-HEX-ih-deen
A broad-spectrum antimicrobial chemical agent widely used in dentistry as a mouthrinse, gel, or varnish to reduce oral bacteria and plaque in research and clinical settings.
Full Definition
Chlorhexidine gluconate (commonly referred to simply as chlorhexidine) is the gold-standard chemical plaque-control agent in dental research, acting as a cationic antiseptic that disrupts bacterial cell membranes. It is a frequent active comparator or adjunctive treatment in periodontal, implant, and caries clinical trials. Editors encounter the term in study protocols, drug information tables, and adverse event records. Common misspellings include 'chlorohexidine' and 'chlorexidine'; the correct form is 'chlorhexidine'. Authors should also specify the concentration (e.g., 0.12% or 0.2%) and formulation (rinse, gel, chip) at first mention.
Usage
Usage note: Always verify spelling; 'chlorohexidine' and 'chlorexidine' are common author errors. Confirm concentration and formulation are stated in the Methods section.
In Context
- "Participants in the control group rinsed twice daily with 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthrinse for four weeks." — Methods section of a gingivitis intervention trial
- "The manuscript consistently misspelled chlorhexidine as 'chlorohexidine', requiring a global find-and-replace correction." — Copy-editing annotation on a dental research manuscript