Assessing pre-procedural subgingival irrigation and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthrinse to reduce bacteremia.

In this controlled clinical study, the authors examined the effect of subgingival irrigation and rinsing with an antiseptic mouthrinse before ultrasonic scaling of a quadrant containing inflamed gingivae. The results showed that pre-procedural subgingival irrigation and rinsing can significantly reduce the level of bacteremia associated with ultrasonic scaling. These results support the American Heart Association's recommendation of adjunctive subgingival irrigation prior to invasive procedures in patients at risk of developing bacterial endocarditis.