Can I use a chlorhexidine 2% solution to clean my beardie's teeth?

[motherofalittledragon]

My beardie's teeth have a buildup of brown and I want to try what I can at home before taking him to the vet (if it was urgent I definitely would). I'd like to try out chlorhexidine because that sounds like a good potential solution, but I'm so confused on which one to use. I'd rather not get one through the vet because it would definitely be unnecessarily overpriced. Would this option on Amazon work and be safe? Although one review says they used it for their beardie's teeth, it just says it's for horses and dogs.

https://www.amazon.com/Durvet-B000HHSD8M-Chlorhexidine-Solution-fl/dp/B000HHSD8M/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Also, I keep hearing too that you need to dilute it, but saying that is so vague. How MUCH do I dilute it? And at what percent solution is right?

I'm going to try and contact my vet to see if I can get any advice without an appointment but any advice here would be wonderful.

 

[KarrieRee]

My beardie's teeth have a buildup of brown and I want to try what I can at home before taking him to the vet (if it was urgent I definitely would). I'd like to try out chlorhexidine because that sounds like a good potential solution, but I'm so confused on which one to use. I'd rather not get one through the vet because it would definitely be unnecessarily overpriced. Would this option on Amazon work and be safe? Although one review says they used it for their beardie's teeth, it just says it's for horses and dogs.

https://www.amazon.com/Durvet-B000HHSD8M-Chlorhexidine-Solution-fl/dp/B000HHSD8M/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Also, I keep hearing too that you need to dilute it, but saying that is so vague. How MUCH do I dilute it? And at what percent solution is right?

I'm going to try and contact my vet to see if I can get any advice without an appointment but any advice here would be wonderful.

I would not use that as I am not sure some others on here can help you but you can get some Maxi Guard to clean them -- @CooperDragon usually helps w/ gums and teeth issues --- if the vet says you can then do so but for now its better not to till you know for sure

 

[xp29]

The chlorhexidine delutes 10:1 ratio. You can get it at tractor supply, it's 20 bucks for a gallon. I found it in the horse section

 

[xp29]

I don't know about using it orally though, i use it to sanitize.

 

[CooperDragon]

Diluted chlorhexidine has been used as an oral antiseptic, but I probably wouldn't use it without guidance from a vet. The Maxiguard gel is probably a better/safer option to start out with and I've used it for cleaning teeth and gums at the advice of my vet.

 

[motherofalittledragon]

Thank you so much guys! I actually was able to call my vet today and was told that chlorhexidine 2% would be fine as long as I diluted it by half and used a tiny amount on the Q-tip. Maybe I'll check out Maxiguard though and just keep it as something to clean the tank with though from what you're saying.

 

[Drache613]

Hello,

Yes, it is safe for oral use as an antiseptic. As the vet suggested, just be sure to dilute it down to a
safe solution. You can essentially dilute it to a 2 to 1 ratio. Two parts water & 1 part chlorhexidine.
Dipping a swab into that solution will be fine.

Tracie

 

[Claudiusx]

As prevenative care too, try adding some harder shelled insects into the diet to help clean the teeth. Mealworms and superworms are good for this. Same with the mealworm/superworm beetles.

-Brandon

 

[CooperDragon]

Thank you so much guys! I actually was able to call my vet today and was told that chlorhexidine 2% would be fine as long as I diluted it by half and used a tiny amount on the Q-tip. Maybe I'll check out Maxiguard though and just keep it as something to clean the tank with though from what you're saying.

The Maxiguard is an oral cleanser, but it won't really work well to sanitize a tank. For that, I suggest picking up a veterinary disinfectant like F10 or Rescue.

 

[motherofalittledragon]

Thank you guys for the suggestions and information! I've been feeding him mealworms, superworms, and dubia roaches (primarily roaches now) since I got him, so he's already got that to help his teeth lol. I also realize I worded something confusingly, I meant to say I might use the chlorhexidine to clean his tank lol.

 

[Asper]

My beardie's teeth have a buildup of brown and I want to try what I can at home before taking him to the vet (if it was urgent I definitely would). I'd like to try out chlorhexidine because that sounds like a good potential solution, but I'm so confused on which one to use. I'd rather not get one through the vet because it would definitely be unnecessarily overpriced. Would this option on Amazon work and be safe? Although one review says they used it for their beardie's teeth, it just says it's for horses and dogs.

https://www.amazon.com/Durvet-B000HHSD8M-Chlorhexidine-Solution-fl/dp/B000HHSD8M/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Also, I keep hearing too that you need to dilute it, but saying that is so vague. How MUCH do I dilute it? And at what percent solution is right?

I'm going to try and contact my vet to see if I can get any advice without an appointment but any advice here would be wonderful.

My bearded dragon has stage 1 periodontal disease so I use this on her teeth 2 times a week (if she eats soft food I clean her teeth immediately after regardless of day).

Dilute it by half and monitor with a vet, it is safe to use orally and also good to use to help with shedding as well as any injuries !

 

[Flame2020]

The chlorhexidine delutes 10:1 ratio. You can get it at tractor supply, it's 20 bucks for a gallon. I found it in the horse section

A gallon !? You can buy less on Amazon. Fyi

 

[xp29]

I'm sure, but i absolutely HATE amazon and avoid it like a plague lol

 

[Asper]

I'm sure, but i absolutely HATE amazon and avoid it like a plague lol

$20 for a gallon that will last years is so much cheaper than like $12 + shipping for an 8 Oz bottle