Clinical trial in mentally retarded of chlorhexidine dental gel: bacteriology

A dental gel containing 1 % chlorhexidine was applied daily to the teeth of mentally retarded patients for a period of 6 months. Although possible antimicrobial effects were noted, the gel had no practical value in reducing the numbers of different plaque bacteria. It is suggested that the lack of effect may be due to changes in susceptibility of the oral flora surviving in the mouth, allowing subsequent recolonization of the teeth.