[Mouth-rinsing with chlorhexidine for prevention of pneumonia].
Oral decontamination with chlorhexidine prevents accumulation of pathogens in the oral cavity, and can thereby reduce the risk of translocation to and colonization of the lungs. The antiseptic agent chlorhexidine has been widely used in dentistry, it has an excellent record of safety and efficacy and a broad antimicrobial spectrum. Mouth-rinsing with chlorhexidine may result in 90 % reduction of oral microbes. Cooperation between physicians and dentists is important in this area on the borderline between the two professions.
Løkken
Per
P
Seksjon for odontologisk farmakologi, og farmakoterapi, Universitetet i Oslo, Postboks 1119 Blindern, 0317 Oslo, Norway. per.lokken@odont.uio.no
Olsen
Ingar
I
Spigset
Olav
O
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002710:Chlorhexidine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000008:administration & dosage; D009910:Oral Hygiene; D018410:Pneumonia, Bacterial / Q000517:prevention & control*
D000891:Anti-Infective Agents, Local; D004202:Disinfectants; D009067:Mouthwashes; D002710:Chlorhexidine