Final answer:
Chlorhexidine is commonly used as an oral rinse to treat gingivitis in children. It inhibits bacterial growth and can cause tooth surface discoloration as a side effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chlorhexidine is a bisbiguanide antiseptic that is used in various medical and dental applications. When it comes to pediatric considerations, chlorhexidine is commonly used as an oral rinse to treat gingivitis in children. It helps control plaque and prevent gum diseases.
Chlorhexidine is bacteriostatic at lower concentrations, meaning it inhibits the growth of bacteria, and it becomes bactericidal at higher concentrations, causing the death of bacteria. However, it is important to note that chlorhexidine may cause tooth surface discoloration as a side effect, which can affect a child's compliance with the treatment.