In the oral cavity we naturally find a large number of microorganisms which, when they adhere to oral surfaces, formdental biofilm, formerly known as bacterial plaque, which is the main aetiological agent of caries and periodontal disease.Its control through the mechanical action of toothbrushing and the chemical action of toothpastes and mouthwashes is fundamental for the prevention of these diseases that we have to deal with every day in our practices.

We have a wide variety of chemical antimicrobial agents at our disposal, but if we look at the studies that support it and its characteristics, Chlorhexidineis the antiseptic of choice.is the antiseptic of choice.

KIN Laboratories has a wide variety of products available with different formulations that adapt to the needs of our patients and are available in different presentations.

What is Chlorhexidine and how does it work?

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent that is on the World Health Organisation's list of essential medicines.Essential Medicines List of the World Health OrganisationThe list contains the most important medicines required in a health system.health system. In dentistry, for use in oral hygiene products,it is used in concentrations of 0.20%, 0.12% and 0.05%and can be found in different forms: toothpaste, gel, mouthwash and spray.

The definitive study that introduced chlorhexidine into the world of periodontology was conducted byLöe and Schiottin 1970, showing that a 60-second rinse twice daily with a 0.20% chlorhexidine solution in the absence of brushing inhibited plaque formation and the development of gingivitis.

Chlorhexidine is one of the most effective chemical agents for the control of dental biofilm,gingivitis and periodontitis.According to several studies, it reduces the rate of dental biofilm formation by up to 60% and, together with proper brushing technique, it is the most common and effective recommendation for patients with periodontal disease.

Its antiseptic action is due to its ability to:

• Prevent adherence of micro-organisms to oral surfaces
• To stop and delay the proliferation of micro-organisms
• Disrupt dental biofilm formation

However, despite its good qualities, chlorhexidine can produce adverse effects that can be counteracted in a simple way. For example, the appearance of brown pigmentation on teeth and tongue, which is easily removed with appropriate dental prophylaxis and, in some cases, loss of taste, which recovers immediately after cessation of chlorhexidine use.However, the benefit to patients is much greater, as it does not produce bacterial resistance and has a broad microbial spectrum, high substantivity and chemical stability.

Chlorhexidine istherefore,without a doubt, the antiseptic of choice for us as hygienists.Among the variety of KIN Laboratories products, I recommend some that you can use depending on the difficulty of the case:

KIN Gingival Complex (paste and mouthwash)

0,12%CLX + CPC 0.05% + Allantoin panthenol complex.

Dosage: Use the paste for three daily brushings andrinse twice a day, for 30 seconds with 15 ml (morning and evening after brushing); for a period of 15 days to 1 month depending on the clinical picture.In oral irrigators it can be used diluted in water.

Recommended for oral hygiene in patients:

• With and without pathologies and with poor oral hygiene
• Physically or mentally disabled
• With periodontitis stage I and II
• With Gingivitis
• With peri-implantitis
• With mucositis
• Who have undergone periodontal surgery, implants and exodontic treatments

KIN Forte Gum (toothpaste and mouthwash)

0.05% CLX + CPC 0.05% + Allantoin Panthenol Complex.

Posology:Use the paste in the three daily brushings and rinse 2 times a day, for 30 seconds with 15 ml (morning and evening after brushing). Can be used long-term.

Recommended for oral hygiene in cases of:

• Maintenance in patients prone to develop gingivitis
• Maintenance in periodontal patients in non-active phase

PerioKIN Hyaluronic

1%(GEL) 0.20% CHLORHEXIDINE + 1% HYALURONIC ACID.

Dosage: Apply twice daily after rinsing.

Recommended for oral hygiene in patients with ulcers, gingivitis and localised periodontitis, or who have undergone surgical treatment in the dental clinic.

PerioKIN (mouthwash, gel and spray)

0.20% CLX

Dosage:Use the rinse 2 times a day, for 30 seconds with 15 ml (morning and evening after brushing); for a period of between 15 days and 1 month depending on the clinical picture.In oral irrigators it can be used diluted in water.

The spray is used for localised areas, making it more convenient to apply twice a day.

Recommended for oral hygiene in patients: 

• With stage III and IV periodontitis

As a hygienist, I believe that a large part of our role lies in accompanying the patient until they are fully recovered and discharged from the dental clinic, which is why we are key figures in recommending adjuvants to facilitate this process.