Chlorhexidine mouthrinse: Reduced plaque and gingivitis when used as adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene procedures

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51 studies were included in this Cochrane review of chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct to mechanical oral hygiene measures. The review provides high quality evidence for a large reduction in the build-up of plaque at 4 to 6 weeks or 6 months. There is also high quality evidence of a moderate reduction in gingivitis in patients with mild gingivitis which may not be clinically important.

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Oral mucositis in cancer patients: no benefit from chlorhexidine mouthwash

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This review of chlorhexidine (CHX) for prevention & treatment of oral mucositis included 12 RCTs with 9 contribution to the meta-analysis. CHX was not significantly effective in preventing mucositis or reducing its severity.

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Chlorhexidine gels and rinses reduce dry socket after third molar extraction

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This review of the effectiveness of chlorhexidine for prevention of dry socket after third molar removal includes 18 RCTs. The finding suggest a 47% (95%CI,38-55) reduction in cases following its use.

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Oral care for critically ill ventilated patients

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38 RCTs were included in this Cochrane review update of oral health care in ventilated patients. High quality evidence was found to show that chlorhexidine mouthwash or gel reduces the risk of developing ventilator-associated pneumonia in critically ill patients from 25% to about 19%.

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Anti-plaque agents: do they help reduce plaque levels?

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63 RCTs contributed to this network meta-analysis of the effectiveness of anti-plaque agents. Results suggested that toothpastes containing triclosan-copolymer or chlorhexidine and mouthrinses containing essential oils or chlorhexidine had the most effect on plaque indicies at 6 months.

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Periodontal treatment and prevention in Down syndrome patients

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Only 9 small studies were identified for this review of the prevention and treatment of periodontal disease in patients with Down’s syndrome. More high quality studies are needed to help inform clinical practice

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Neem-based mouthwash –little evidence available

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This review of the effectiveness of neem-based mouthwash for improving plaque control and gingival health only identified 3 low quality RCTs of short duration providing little evidence to assess its effectiveness.

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Irrigants for pulpectomy in primary teeth- little evidence available

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This review of irrigants for pulpectomy in primary teeth only identified 7 small RCTs providing little conclusive evidence. More high quality studies are needed.

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Root canal disinfection –sodium hypochlorite or chlorhexidine as an irrigant?

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This review only identified 5 small studies that provided insufficient evidence to compare outcomes using sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine for root canal disinfection. Additional high quality RCTs are required.

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Weak evidence for an effect of chlorhexidine varnish on mutans streptococci in patients with fixed orthodontic appliances

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11 studies were included in this review of chlorhexidine varnish to reduce mutans streptococcus in patients having a fixed orthodontic treatment. A majority of the studies demonstrated a positive effect but the quality of the evidence was weak.

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