title: Chlorhexidine mouthwash: a review of its pharmacological activity, clinical effects, uses and abuses.
abstract: Chlorhexidine, an antiseptic with a wide antimicrobial spectrum, was first introduced as a general disinfectant in medical use. In dentistry, it was first used for disinfecting surgical sites and in endodontics. Its anti-plaque effect was later discovered and this lead to its widespread use as a plaque control agent available over-the-counter without prescription. The author reviews its pharmacological activity, clinical effects, uses and abuses in dentistry.
authors.forename: Z A
authors.initials: ZA
authors.lastname: Yusof
mesh_terms: D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D009059:Mouth Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy*; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000494:pharmacology*
chemical_list: D009067:Mouthwashes; D002710:Chlorhexidine