Which of the following is NOT a recommended use for chlorhexidine?

Chlorhexidine is an antimicrobial agent commonly used in various dental and medical applications, but it does not have a role in the inspection of cavities. The primary function of chlorhexidine is to reduce bacteria in the mouth and prevent infection, making it effective for disinfection and antiseptic purposes.

In dental practice, chlorhexidine is often used for disinfection of the skin prior to procedures, as well as for surgical hand scrubs to ensure a sterile environment. It’s also frequently recommended for daily mouth rinsing in patients to help manage plaque and gingivitis, as it is effective in reducing oral bacteria.

However, when it comes to inspecting cavities, the process relies on visual and tactile examination using dental instruments such as explorers and mirrors. Chlorhexidine does not have any diagnostic properties that would aid in the assessment of dental caries, making its use inappropriate in this context. Therefore, stating that inspection of cavities is not a recommended use for chlorhexidine accurately reflects its limitations in clinical practice.