The topical effect of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in the repair of oral wounds. A review.

Purpose: The aim of this paper was to review the current literature with regard to the use of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine in the treatment of oral wounds.

Background: Oral mucosa is continuously subjected to physical or chemical injuries, where it becomes a common site for the occurrence of ulcerated lesions. These lesions are susceptible to infections that may delay healing.

Materials and methods: A search of the medical and dental literature was conducted in Medline/Pubmed and Scielo using a combination of the terms oral ulcer, oral wound, wound healing, povidone-iodine and chlorhexidine, to review their mechanism of action and their use in the healing of oral wounds.

Results and conclusion: The use of chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine is effective in the control of local infection in a concentration-dependent manner, exerting a positive influence on the tissue repair process. Oral antiseptics appear be a good alternative in the management of these lesions, since there is a low risk of systemic toxicity and allergies, and less clinical evidence of bacterial resistance.