Chlorhexidine is known for its many uses with the prevention of infection topping the list. However, the fact that Chlorhexidine is very effective at killing viruses, bacteria, and fungi, doesn’t guarantee against side effects as the product is linked with causing allergic reactions.
Apart from its many side effects, people also wonder, “Does Chlorhexidine stain? If yes, are Chlorhexidine stains permanent? How can I remove Chlorhexidine stains from my clothes? Here in this article, details will be provided on how Chlorhexidine stains can be removed from surfaces with emphasis on clothing fabric. We will also show you 4 methods to prevent Chlorhexidine stains.
What is the active ingredient in Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine contains about 0.12%of Chlorhexidine Gluconate and it is the only active ingredient found in the antiseptic.
Is Chlorhexidine an Antiseptic
Yes, Chlorhexidine is an antiseptic. Antiseptics helps control the growth of microorganisms in the body and also helps to prevent infection. Chlorhexidine also helps to reduce the number of bacteria both in the mouth and on the skin, therefore, it is safe to call it an antiseptic.
Does Chlorhexidine stain clothes
Yes, Chlorhexidine stains clothes. Chlorhexidine, especially when chlorine is present usually leaves brown discoloration on clothing surfaces. Although at first, when the stain appears on the cloth it may look like nothing serious, it is when you start the cleaning process that you would realize that the stain wouldn’t budge ordinarily by regular washing.
Some Chlorhexidine comes with cleaning directions on their package for washing fabrics in case of a spill, so if you are lucky to see one on your medicine kindly follow as instructed. However, if yours doesn’t have such instruction, your best bet is to use a non-chlorine cleaning product or bleach.
Does Chlorhexidine stain teeth
Yes, Chlorhexidine stains teeth. Chlorhexidine can cause yellow or brown discoloration on the teeth, and when this happens, they are not easy to remove. The best you can do is find ways to prevent the product from staining your teeth at all.
How does Chlorhexidine stain teeth
This is because Chlorhexidine, as it can remove stains and get rid of bacteria from the teeth, can also cause an increase in tartar buildup which could trap stains on your teeth, leading to more stains.
Does Chlorhexidine stain skin
Yes, Chlorhexidine does stain skin. Chlorhexidine is not only used as a mouthwash, it can also be used to clean the skin to prevent infection. However, applying Chlorhexidine to the skin can cause irritation or stain.
Can Chlorhexidine stain the tongue
Yes, Chlorhexidine can stain the tongue. When you use Chlorhexidine as a mouthwash, it will not only stain your teeth, it will also stain your tongue as well.
Does Chlorhexidine stain Veneers
Yes, Chlorhexidine stains Veneers. Although porcelain veneers are meant to improve the appearance of the teeth, however, when you use Chlorhexidine while you have them on, they can get stained. But the good news is, you can easily remove the stains with the help of a hygienist.
Are Chlorhexidine stains permanent
No, Chlorhexidine stains are not permanent. Although it may be hard to remove Chlorhexidine stains from surfaces, with the right method coupled with the right cleaner, the stains should be gone in no time.
Can Chlorhexidine stains be removed
Yes, Chlorhexidine stains can be removed as long as you have the know the right cleaning method, you should be good to go.
How to remove stains caused by Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine can stain any surface but the skin and the teeth are the most common, and the stain requires different treatment on these surfaces. Check the next sections for details on Chlorhexidine stains that can be removed from both surfaces.
How to remove Chlorhexidine from teeth
To remove Chlorhexidine stains from your teeth, make sure to brush your teeth combined with adequate flossing using a toothpaste containing baking soda at least twice a day for 2 minutes. Or you can just pay your dentist a visit for the best cleaning option for you.
How to get rid of Chlorhexidine stains on clothes
Chlorhexidine stain is tough especially when it happens to be on clothing fabric, therefore, to treat Chlorhexidine stain on your cloth, make use of an acidic detergent composition ( phosphoric acid and surfactant) in a flush cycle of a cleaning machine capable of performing, flush, wash and bleach cycles distinctively.
How to prevent Chlorhexidine staining
1. Make sure to brush your teeth at least twice a day after use
When you are using Chlorhexidine, you should brush your teeth after each meal or twice a day to help prevent bacteria buildup, plague, and tartar that could cause your teeth to discolor. For best results, it is recommended that you use toothpaste that contains baking soda or an electric brush.
2. Use Chlorhexidine for a limited time
It is best to use Chlorhexidine for just a week or 2 at max unless your dentist recommends otherwise. Ordinarily, Chlorhexidine is meant to be a temporary solution to teeth, gum, and tissue problems, so your dentist is not likely to recommend more than the time frame. Failure to abide by the suggested time frame may lead to staining side effects.
3. Minimise or stop the rate at which you consume coffee, tea, red wine, or any teeth-staining food.
During the period when you are using Chlorhexidine, it is better to stay away from food or beverages that cause teeth stains. If you know that you cannot completely abstain from taking such drinks, especially the ones with tannins, you can minimize their direct contact with your teeth by taking them with a straw.
4. Quit smoking
Although smoking has always been linked to kidney and lungs problems, it can also impact negatively your oral health. Cigarettes contain about 6 milligrams of nicotine, a substance that causes stains on its own. When you smoke after using Chlorhexidine, they both combine to cause further stains on your teeth. Therefore, you should stay away from smoking while using Chlorhexidine or quit smoking altogether.
“Your home is a representation of yourself, and it should only be filled with clean items that you enjoy and use”
Professional cleaning expert