Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine (pronounced klor-HEX-i-deen) is an antiseptic used for a variety of medical purposes. It is often used in dentistry for the prevention of gum disease, as well as in surgery for skin disinfection prior to procedures.
Etymology
The term "chlorhexidine" is derived from its chemical structure. It is a compound that contains both chlorine (chloro-) and six (hex-) carbon atoms (-idine).
Uses
Chlorhexidine is used in a variety of medical applications. It is commonly used in mouthwash to prevent gingivitis, and in wound care to prevent infection. It is also used in surgery to disinfect the skin prior to procedures.
Related Terms
- Antiseptic: A substance that inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms.
- Gingivitis: A form of gum disease that results in red, swollen, and bleeding gums.
- Mouthwash: A liquid used to rinse the mouth, often containing an antiseptic to kill bacteria and freshen breath.
- Wound care: The management and treatment of wounds, often involving disinfection and dressing of the wound.
- Surgery: A branch of medicine that involves the use of manual and instrumental techniques to investigate and treat diseases and injuries, and to improve bodily function or appearance.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Chlorhexidine
- Wikipedia's article - Chlorhexidine
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski