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(CC BY-NC 4.0).
Background: Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a long-standing antimicrobial for caries prevention in pediatric dentistry, also
commonly used for the control of plaque and prevention of gingival inflammation in primary teeth. Its safety and clinical
effectiveness in children remain unclear even after numerous studies. Objective: This study was conducted to assess the
clinical efficacy of CHX mouthrinse on dental plaque accumulation and gingival health of children.
Methods: The systematic review aimed to assess the effect of CHX in children aged 6 to 10 years, using randomized
clinical trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analysis. Indices for plaque and gingivitis were measured at baseline and
after 2 weeks of CHX rinse. Reduction of number of microbes was also examined.
Results: The CHX mouthrinse reduced plaque accumulation and gingivitis significantly more than did placebo or control therapies. A notable decrease in microbial colony counts confirmed its antimicrobial efficacy.
Conclusions: CHX mouthrinse serves as an effective adjunct for improving oral hygiene and gingival health in pediatric populations and may be recommended as part of preventive dental care in young children.