Efficacy of Chlorhexidine Mouthwash in Preventing Dry Socket: A Prospective Comparative Study in Taiz City, Yemen
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Abstract
Background: One of the most frequent postoperative complications following teeth removal is the development of the so-called dry socket (alveolar osteitis), which is characterized by severe pain and impaired healing. Chlorhexidine has been recommended as a form of preventative treatment.
Objective: To determine the efficacy of 0.12% chlorhexidine mouthwash in the prevention of dry socket and to identify potential risk factors among patients undergoing tooth extraction in Taiz, Yemen.
Methods: A prospective comparative study was done at the University of Science and Technology, Taiz, Yemen, from October 2023 to May 2025. Eighty patients undergoing simple tooth extraction were randomly allocated to one of the two groups, i.e., the chlorhexidine group (n=40) or the control group (n=40). Such data were obtained as age, sex, smoking, qat chewing status, and oral hygiene status. Dry socket was the main outcome, measured at 3- and 7-day follow-ups after the extraction. Chi-square and logistic regression were used in statistical analysis.
Results: There was a smaller occurrence of dry socket in the chlorhexidine group (5.0%) in contrast to the control group (12.5%), but this was not significant (p>0.05). The association of poor oral hygiene, smoking, and qat chewing with higher risk of dry socket was significant (p<0.05).
Conclusion: There was a preventive dry socket effect when using chlorhexidine mouthwash, but the results were not statistically significant. Significant associations were identified between dry socket and smoking, qat chewing, and poor oral hygiene. Despite the non-significant result, chlorhexidine may be a beneficial and low-cost adjunct to postoperative care in Yemen.
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Dry socket, alveolar osteitis, chlorhexidine, tooth extraction, Yemen
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