Like other medicines, this gel may cause some side effects. If this happens to you, stop using the gel. Chlorhexidine treatments are generally very safe. Many people use them without having any side effects at all. Side effects with skin treatments Have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, HIV, or those on certain treatments, such as steroid treatment, or chemotherapy, as well as some treatments for inflammatory bowel disease and arthritis See a dentist or doctor if the sore areas in your mouth are bothering you, or if they do not heal. You may need a different treatment. If you forget to use it Make sure you see your GP if you don't see any improvement after using the oral gel for one week, if your oral thrush is severe or if you have pain when swallowing.

If your baby is having difficulty feeding, or appears uncomfortable with signs of thrush, they may need some simple treatment. If your child is over four months old, speak to your pharmacist who may recommend an oral gel if they judge that treatment is necessary.Give mouth care when the patient is semi-upright, to avoid choking. If that’s not possible, make sure fluid isn’t building up in their mouth as you give mouth care. Not rinsing after brushing can protect the teeth but it can also be drying and uncomfortable. Advise the patient to do what feels the most comfortable. About one in seven babies develop oral thrush during childhood. It's most common when they are under 12 weeks old.

Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes before having something to eat or drink. Dosage and how to use throat sprayIf you have been prescribed chlorhexidine and forget to take it or apply it on a regular basis, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for other ways to remember your medicine. What if I use too much? gently remove coatings and debris from the lips, tongue and lining of the mouth using a soft toothbrush.

If you forget your chlorhexidine dental or sore throat treatment, use it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In this case, just skip the missed dose and have your next one as normal. You are taking antibiotics called sulphonamides, for example co-trimoxazole, as benzocaine may prevent them from working well. Adults don't get oral thrush as often as young babies, but there are some who are more at risk such as people who: Ask the patient's GP, district nurse or specialist nurse about treatment. Physiotherapy can help with positioning and suctioning. Speech and language therapists can advise on safe swallowing techniques. When to ask for help

9. Common questions about chlorhexidine

The symptoms of thrush in adults can be similar to those in children, but you may only have red, sore patches on the inside surface (mucosa) of your mouth. Eating and drinking can become painful or uncomfortable with oral thrush. You may also find your sense of taste changes slightly. This is a medicine; Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have an underlying medical condition, are taking any other medication or complementary therapy, or if symptoms persist. If your child is younger than four months old, or if there is no improvement after one week of treatment with the oral gel, you should see your GP. Stop using the gel and seek immediate help if you get a serious allergic reaction. See possible side effects for more information

If your baby's tongue has a white coating that wipes off easily, or disappears between feeds, this is probably just milk coating it. This is completely harmless, and you don't need to worry about speaking to your doctor or pharmacist unless you're concerned. If the patient is conscious, moisten their mouth every 30 minutes with water from a spray or dropper, or by placing ice chips in their mouth. If the patient is unconscious, use a spray, dropper or ice chips every hour. We mention that this treatment option is best for those with patience because the tablets can be incredibly difficult to keep in place on your mouth ulcer, plus they take a long time to dissolve. If your mouth ulcer is in an awkward place, you’ll probably want to sit quietly with a mirror nearby so you can be sure the tablet is dissolving in the right place! However, the faff will be worth it because they are extremely efficient at clearing up mouth ulcers.

The patient’s GP, district nurse or specialist nurse can provide anti-viral treatment. You can also support the patient by encouraging good fluid intake, changing the toothbrush regularly , keeping the mouth moist and giving painkillers if appropriate. Bad breath (halitosis) If you have ever had an allergic reaction to chlorhexidine digluconate or any of the other ingredients (see further information).