Oral antiseptics can help to prevent recurrence of periodontitis—report

The report found that antiseptic agents are valuable adjuncts to mechanical plaque control during both preventive and therapeutic stages of periodontal care. It also found that the low cost of antiseptics makes them broadly accessible for at-home oral care. However, the report emphasises that clinicians should exercise caution in their use in specific groups, including in young children, pregnant or lactating women, and those with oral mucosal disease or xerostomia. 

Co-author of the report Dr Paula Matesanz, scientific coordinator for Principles for Oral Health, commented in a video interview that oral antiseptics are effective in the management of gingival inflammation and in the secondary prevention of periodontal disease. She pointed out that certain patients stand to benefit especially from their use, including those with a high level of gingival inflammation despite low levels of biofilms, those lacking dexterity or those with concomitant systemic disorders. 

Asked how they can benefit patients in practical terms, Dr Matesanz said: “The adjunctive use of antiseptics helps in the control of gingival inflammation and the reduction of plaque indices; therefore, it helps in managing gingivitis. Moreover, these same reasons justify their use during the supportive periodontal care step, as they can be considered in the prevention of periodontitis relapse.” 

Dr Matesanz pointed out that there is no direct evidence that antiseptics can prevent periodontal disease and that management of gingivitis remains a primary strategy for preventing periodontitis onset. Antiseptics may help to reduce the risk of periodontitis onset by reducing gingival inflammation, she said.  

The report outlines that at-home use of antiseptics can support the management of periodontitis in all three phases of therapy. In the initial phase, they help reduce gingival inflammation when paired with supragingival biofilm control—whether delivered by patients or dental professionals. During the second phase, short-term use of adjunctive antiseptics like chlorhexidine mouthwash may enhance outcomes, contributing to further reductions in probing depth and bleeding on probing. In the third phase, post-surgical use of antiseptics assists in subgingival re-instrumentation, especially when brushing is limited. Here, agents such as essential oils and chlorhexidine support wound healing and improve both clinical parameters and patient comfort. 

Co-author Prof. Iain Chapple summarised: “Oral antiseptics are safe for the general population and can provide oral health benefits for everybody. They are most recommended for patients trying to prevent the recurrence of periodontitis during supportive periodontal care, particularly if they suffer from gingival inflammation related to high biofilm levels or cleaning accessibility issues, or systemic factors such as a chronic disease, immune compromise, frailty or limited dexterity.” 

 

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