Evaluation of the Effect of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Blood Pressure: A Narrative Literature Review

Mayara Yonezaki; Pollyanna Almeida; Eduarda de Oliveira; Giovanna  Ramos; Giovanna Bezerra; Marcos Vinícius da Silva; Raphael Moutinho; Cláudia Lúcia Moreira; Adriana Cruz

doi:10.48797/sl.2025.280

Authors

Mayara Yonezaki Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0000-0235-8274
Pollyanna Almeida Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1727-4503
Eduarda de Oliveira Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0003-6680-2989
Giovanna Ramos Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0006-3861-0850
Giovanna Bezerra Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0005-2761-8569
Marcos Vinícius da Silva Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0006-6288-3461
Raphael Moutinho Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4463-490X
Cláudia Lúcia Moreira Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8007-3933
Adriana Cruz Centro Universitário Uniceplac, School of Dentistry, SIGA Área Especial para Indústria nº 02 Setor Leste, Gama, DF, 72445-020, Brazil https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1710-3164

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48797/sl.2025.280

Keywords:

chlorhexidine, mouthrinse, mouthwash, nitrate, blood pressure

Abstract

This article presents a narrative review investigating the use of chlorhexidine mouthwash and its impact on blood pressure and cardiovascular health. Chlorhexidine, a widely used antimicrobial in Dentistry, has been associated with risks, such as increased blood pressure. The bibliographic research included articles published between 2014 and 2024, using the PubMed, SciELO, and the Virtual Library of the Ministry of Health databases, with keywords including “chlorhexidine”, “mouthrinse”, “mouthwash”, “nitrate” and “blood pressure”. The results indicate that chlorhexidine may disrupt nitric oxide homeostasis, essential for blood pressure regulation, by inhibiting oral microbiota bacteria that reduce nitrate to nitrite. Although effective in reducing pathogenic microorganisms, chlorhexidine should be prescribed with caution, considering its potential hypertensive effects. The study concludes that further research is needed regarding the contexts of chlorhexidine use and prescription, as well as the development of oral hygiene protocols that balance the elimination of pathogenic microorganisms with the preservation of beneficial microbiota.

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