The most
common side effects associated with chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinses
are: 1) an increase in staining of teeth and other oral surfaces;
2) an increase in calculus formation; and 3) an alteration in taste
perception; see WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS. Oral irritation and local
allergy-type symptoms have been spontaneously reported as side effects
associated with use of chlorhexidine gluconate rinse. The following
oral mucosal side effects were reported during placebo-controlled
adult clinical trials: aphthous ulcer, grossly obvious gingivitis,
trauma, ulceration, erythema, desquamation, coated tongue, keratinization,
geographic tongue, mucocele, and short frenum. Each occurred at a
frequency of less than 1.0%. Among post marketing reports, the most
frequently reported oral mucosal symptoms associated with Chlorhexidine
Gluconate Oral Rinse are stomatitis, gingivitis, glossitis, ulcer,
dry mouth, hypesthesia, glossal edema, and paresthesia. Minor irritation
and superficial desquamation of the oral mucosa have been noted in
patients using Chlorhexidine Gluconate Oral Rinse. There have been
cases of parotid gland swelling and inflammation of the salivary glands
(sialadenitis) reported in patients using Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Oral Rinse.