I just had my teeth pulled and am wearing temporary dentures.  My teeth were pulled on 10/25.  I was given  chlorhexidine gluconate oral rinse.  I have been out of that medication for a week.  My tongue turned a chocolate milk color during using the rinse.  Now that I havent used it for a week, my tongue is still turning that color.  Infection or side effect?
Hello, Yes. It is one of the side of chlorhexidine gluconate mouth wash. It is not due to infection. Some other usual side effects.1. Tooth/tongue staining 2. Increased tartar3. Mouth/throat irritation4. Change in taste of food/ Chat Doctor. 1. To decrease staining of teeth and mouth surfaces, brush with toothpaste 3 times daily, brushing more on the stained areas2. Use of a \"tartar control\" toothpaste and electric toothbrush may be more effective.3. To decrease the effect on how food tastes, eat first, followed by tooth brushing and then chlorhexidine rinse.4. See your dentist at least every 6 months for tooth cleaning/tartar removal.5. Staining from this medication that may occur on dental work (such as crowns or veneers) usually can only be removed by a dentist/hygienist. Wishing you good health.