NIOM webinar: Chlorhexidine and the oral microbiome

Scientist Maria Pain presents how chlorhexidine mouthrinses influence the oral microbiome.

In the webinar Maria Pain describes effects that go beyond plaque reduction and anti-inflammatory action, including changes in biofilm composition, metabolism and local microenvironments. Drawing on recent in vivo and in vitro studies of chlorhexidine exposure, the webinar summarizes what is currently known about short term post rinse changes on microbial composition, pH, metabolites and salivary nitrite, and highlights where the evidence is still limited.

The webinar explains how biofilm structure and local conditions shape the response to chlorhexidine, and why repeated use can create more acid loaded sites and lower salivary nitrite through the nitrate to nitrite to NO pathway. It also reviews experimental data on biofilm tolerance to chlorhexidine, reduced susceptibility after repeated exposure, and metagenomic findings of the oral resistome and possible links to antibiotic resistance.

The webinar outlines:

  • How chlorhexidine interacts with oral biofilms and how biofilm structure influence its effects
  • Short term ecological and functional changes after chlorhexidine use, including salivary nitrite and pH
  • Current evidence and knowledge gaps on biofilm tolerance to chlorhexidine, reduced susceptibility and possible cross- and co-resistance after repeated exposure

Click to watch the webinar

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