Chlorhexidine

Using Chlorhexidine in Dental Practice

• Endodontic Irrigation — Chlorhexidine 2% is used as a final canal irrigant for its substantivity against residual biofilm. Do not mix CHX directly with sodium hypochlorite -- the combination produces a parachloroaniline precipitate.
• Cavity Disinfection — CHX 2% applied to the cavity floor before bonding reduces residual bacterial count significantly. Allow to evaporate or gently air-dry before applying bonding agent -- excess moisture inhibits adhesive.
• Pre-Procedural Rinse — A 60-second pre-procedural CHX rinse reduces aerosol bacterial load at the start of the appointment. Recommended for aerosol-generating procedures as an infection control measure.
• Concentration Selection — 0.12% is standard for mouthrinse; 2% for endodontic irrigation and cavity disinfection. Higher concentrations are not more effective for rinsing and increase risk of staining and taste disturbance.
• CHX and NaOCl Interaction — Never mix chlorhexidine and sodium hypochlorite in the canal -- they form a brown precipitate. Use saline or distilled water to flush between NaOCl and CHX irrigations to prevent PCA precipitation.
• Substantivity Advantage — CHX binds to dentine and provides sustained antibacterial activity for up to 12 weeks. This substantivity makes CHX the preferred final irrigant in single-visit root canal treatment.

Chlorhexidine Products at a Glance

How to Use Chlorhexidine in Dentistry

1. Identify the use -- endodontic irrigation, cavity disinfection, or pre-procedural rinse.
2. Select 2% concentration for canal irrigation and cavity disinfection; 0.12% for mouthrinse.
3. For endodontics: flush with saline before CHX to prevent NaOCl-CHX precipitate.
4. For cavity disinfection: apply, allow 30 seconds, then air-dry before bonding.
5. For pre-procedural rinse: instruct patient to rinse actively for 60 seconds before the appointment.

Availability & Delivery in Egypt

MedSTA supplies chlorhexidine 2% to dental clinics across Egypt in single-dose and bulk pack sizes with EGP pricing and nationwide delivery. Store at room temperature away from direct sunlight.