Should rinsing with chlorhexanate gluconate be followed by washing mouth?
Patient: I just rinsed with chlorhexanate gluconate prior to oral surgery tomorrow. Now I must swallow a pill.  Should I rinse out the dregs of the chlorhexanate or may I swallow the coating and rinse it down with water and the pill?  That is, should the germicidal rinse remain  in my mouth a while and not be rinsed away?  Is it dangerous to swallow? Ione Doctor: Hello, Thanks for your query.Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse provides antimicrobial activity during oral rinsing. Patients should be instructed to not rinse with water, or other mouthwashes, brush teeth, or eat immediately after using Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is not intended for ingestion and should be expectorated after rinsing. Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse is indicated for use between dental visits as part of professional program for the treatment of gingivitis as characterized by redness and swelling of the gingivae, including gingival bleeding upon probing. Some patients may experience an alteration in taste perception while undergoing treatment with Chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse.I do hope that you have found something helpful and I will be glad to answer any further query.Take care