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==Introduction==
==Introduction==
[[File:Applying mouthwash.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Homecare – applying a mouthwash with a syringe to the buccal surface of the teeth. <small>''© Lisa Milella 2013''</small>]]
Given the low compliance rate with brushing, other measures to maintain oral hygiene are often sought. [[Antiseptics for Oral Disease#Antiplaque Agents|Chlorhexidine mouth washes]] and gels are an excellent second best. '''Chlorhexidine''' is a synthetic cationic bisbiguanide antimicrobial agent which is the '''most effective chemical agent''' available for the '''prevention and reduction of plaque accumulation and [[gingivitis]]'''. It has a broad spectrum of activity which means it has a good killing effect on many of the bacteria present in the mouth. The main advantage of chlorhexidine is that it not only '''binds to the pellicle reducing further accumulation of plaque''' on the tooth surface, but also '''eliminates existing plaque'''. It has an ability to bind to the oral tissues as well as the teeth and some studies have shown that it remains active for up to 12 hours following application. Most other oral antiseptics are washed away by saliva. The concentration that should be used to achieve best results is 0.12% .
Given the low compliance rate with brushing, other measures to maintain oral hygiene are often sought. [[Antiseptics for Oral Disease#Antiplaque Agents|Chlorhexidine mouth washes]] and gels are an excellent second best. '''Chlorhexidine''' is a synthetic cationic bisbiguanide antimicrobial agent which is the '''most effective chemical agent''' available for the '''prevention and reduction of plaque accumulation and [[gingivitis]]'''. It has a broad spectrum of activity which means it has a good killing effect on many of the bacteria present in the mouth. The main advantage of chlorhexidine is that it not only '''binds to the pellicle reducing further accumulation of plaque''' on the tooth surface, but also '''eliminates existing plaque'''. It has an ability to bind to the oral tissues as well as the teeth and some studies have shown that it remains active for up to 12 hours following application. Most other oral antiseptics are washed away by saliva. The concentration that should be used to achieve best results is 0.12% .