1. [The use of chlorhexidine as a preventive and therapeutic means of plaque control in the handicapped. Review of the literature and definitive advise for application].
- Author
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Martens L, Marks L, and Kint J
- Subjects
- Aerosols, Anti-Infective Agents, Local administration & dosage, Attitude to Health, Caregivers, Chlorhexidine administration & dosage, Dental Calculus therapy, Dental Care for Persons with Disabilities, Dental Plaque drug therapy, Dental Plaque therapy, Dental Prophylaxis, Dental Prosthesis microbiology, Disinfection, Gels, Humans, Motivation, Mouthwashes, Oral Hygiene, Periodontal Diseases prevention & control, Anti-Infective Agents, Local therapeutic use, Chlorhexidine therapeutic use, Dental Plaque prevention & control, Persons with Disabilities
- Abstract
With respect to oral hygiene, most of the handicapped are very dependent. Moreover, it is shown that the higher the dexterity level, the poorer the oral hygiene. It's well documented that the use of Chlorhexidine (CHX) is an essential tool in oral care for the handicapped. The efficacy however, only becomes optimal after thorough plaque and calculus removal. From the literature, it becomes clear that the application of a 1% gel in prefabricated trays is the most efficient. Regarding mouthrinses, it's important to use big volumes in order to reach optimal contact with tooth surfaces. The use of a spray seems very handy but is quiet inefficient; no homogeneous diffusion of CHX can be obtained. The choice of any device for CHX application depends on the handicapping condition and on the knowledge and motivation of educators, and medical care takers. The present article summarizes the dental literature on the use of CHX in handicapped. An advice for well indicated use of CHX is proposed. more...
- Published
- 1997