Hibitane in oral disease in handicapped patients

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Abstract
All the problems connected with conservative dental treatment for handicapped patients and the hazards to dental health which many handicaps represent, indicate that preventive measures are of special importance for these patients. Conventional toothcleaning techniques may be difficult or impossible to carry out for a large number of handicapped persons. In these cases chemical plaque control may be the only alternative.Chlorhexidine gluconate has so far proved to be the chemical agent best suited for removal of dental plaque. Different modes of chlorhexidine application have been tried. Mouthrinse with a 0.1 % or 0.2 % aqueous solution of Chlorhexidine twice a day has proved to give a good plaque‐inhibiting effect. Such mouthrinses are often the treatment of choice for short‐term plaque control for a wide variety of patient groups.Chlorhexidine‐containing toothpastes have been used in controlled clinical trials on handicapped children. This method of application may be indicated for long‐term use.Chlorhexidine gel in individually made applicators may be the only possible toothcleaning method in seriously handicapped, uncooperative adult patients.Side effects of Chlorhexidine application such as discolouration of teeth and fillings and temporary disturbance of taste has so far limited the use of Chlorhexidine in preventive dentistry. These side effects are, however, often overshadowed by the fact that the use of Chlorhexidine may be the only possible solution to the handicapped patient's oral health problems.