The Effect of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Postprandial Glucose Response in Healthy Individuals

The digestion of carbohydrates begins in the mouth through the salivary enzyme amylase which breaks food starches into maltose and disaccharides. The mouth also has a large community of microorganisms which include bacteria, fungi, viruses and protozoa that can also assist in the digestion of carbohydrates. Mouthwashes containing antibacterial compounds such as chlorhexidine are used to kill oral bacteria, but current evidence indicates that a majority of these bacteria are essential for human health.

The aim of this study is to investigate whether chlorhexidine mouthwash can also affect the digestion of carbohydrates. At least 25 individuals will be recruited. Participants will visit the laboratory in two occasions. A saliva and blood sample (fingertip to measure blood glucose) will be taken at baseline. Then, using a randomized, cross-over and double-blind design, the participants will rinse their mouth for two minutes with a placebo or chlorhexidine mouthwash. Then, participants will eat 50 g of white bread and blood glucose will be measured (fingertips) every 30 min for the following 2 hours. Another saliva sample will be collected at the end of each test.