Chlorhexidine has been shown to be effective in reducing plaque and controlling gingivitis but its use requires regular dental supervision, a problem for residents in LTC. Commercially available products (such as Lister-ine™, Scope™, Cepacol™,) offer limited anti-infective properties and are less costly than chlorhexidine,26 however, when used full strength, alcohol based products may exacerbate xerostomia and stomatitis due to their drying effect on oral mucosa.