eng Oriental Scientific Publishing Company Biosciences Biotechnology Research Asia 0973-1245 2026-05-27 23 2 58987 article Shital Ajit Shinde 1 Kishor Vasant Otari 1 Ajay Yashwant Kale 1 Department of Pharmacology, Navsahyadri Institute of Pharmacy, Pune, India. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is one of the most widely used antiseptic agents in dentistry because of its broad antimicrobial activity and long-lasting substantivity. It is routinely used in mouth rinses, periodontal therapy, root canal irrigation, and surgical disinfection. However, increasing evidence suggests that chlorhexidine may exert cytotoxic effects on oral cells, including gingival fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and mesenchymal stem cells. Gingival mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) have attracted significant interest in regenerative dentistry due to their high proliferative capacity, multipotent differentiation potential, and immunomodulatory properties. These stem cells contribute to tissue repair and regeneration in periodontal tissues and are considered promising candidates for cell-based regenerative therapies. Despite its antimicrobial benefits, chlorhexidine exposure has been reported to impair stem cell viability, proliferation, migration, and differentiation. The cytotoxicity of chlorhexidine is believed to occur through multiple mechanisms, including oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis induction, and disruption of cellular membranes. These adverse cellular responses may negatively affect the regenerative potential of gingival stem cells and compromise periodontal healing after clinical procedures. The present review summarizes current scientific evidence regarding the cytotoxic effects of chlorhexidine on gingival mesenchymal stem cells and examines the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Furthermore, the review discusses the implications of chlorhexidine-induced cytotoxicity in regenerative dentistry and highlights potential strategies to minimize its harmful impact while maintaining antimicrobial efficacy. Understanding the balance between antimicrobial activity and cellular toxicity is essential for optimizing clinical protocols in regenerative dental therapies. https://www.biotech-asia.org/vol23no2/cytotoxic-effects-of-chlorhexidine-on-gingival-mesenchymal-stem-cells-and-their-implications-for-regenerative-dentistry/ Chlorhexidine; Cytotoxicity; Gingival Mesenchymal Stem Cells; Periodontal Regeneration; Regenerative Dentistry