Table 3.

Factors to consider in periodontitis therapy, if chlorhexidine is to be used adjunctively to mechanical debridement.^55,62

•	It is not clear whether this should be a general recommendation for initial therapy.
•	Optimised mechanical plaque control may be necessary before considering the adjunctive use of chlorhexidine to mechanical debridement.
•	Specific recommendations can be made by the clinician when used in conjunction with full mouth disinfection approaches and/or systemic antimicrobials.
•	The medical status of the patient should be considered, especially if the patient has hypertension or cardiovascular disease. Chlorhexidine appears to increase systolic blood pressure and could have detrimental effects on the healthy microbiome and therefore cardiovascular health.
•	Adverse effects, especially staining.
•	Economic status of the patient as well as additional costs of treatment.