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.