Effect of chlorhexidine and toothbrushing on the presence of bacteria on gingival and buccal epithelial cells. A short communication
In this study the investigators questioned whether chlorhexidine decreases bacterial adhesion to epithelial cells on the buccal mucosa and the gingival margin. It was concluded that there is an immediate effect, and a peak effect four hours later, with a lesser effect on the gingival margins. As stated by the investigators, "The results of this study support the view that the antibacterial effect of chlorhexidine is potentiated by its sustained binding to the oral mucosa." The study also showed that at day five an actual increase in the number of adherent bacteria occurs with chlorhexidine rinses and suggests that the method of swabbing tissues with cotton swabs and microscopic examination has unexpectedly found a need to further examine the efficacy of long-term use of chlorhexidine.
Vaahtoniemi L.H., S. Raisaren, and L.E.Stenfois, Oral Microbiol Immunol, 9:315,1994