Curasept is one of the most well-known mouthwashes in Greece — available in pharmacies, with a range of products covering different concentrations of chlorhexidine. ProntOral® by B|Braun is a different class of antiseptic (polyhexanide / PHMB) that is increasingly entering Greek clinical practice.
In this article we objectively compare the two products — not as competitors but as tools with different indications — to help you understand which one suits your needs.
Note: All information about Curasept comes from publicly available data from the manufacturer (Curaden Healthcare). This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a dentist or pharmacist.
1. Summary — the essential difference in one sentence
- Curasept : a range of solutions with chlorhexidine (various concentrations 0.05% – 0.2%), for short-term targeted use.
- ProntOral® : oral solution with polyhexanide (PHMB) , for long-term daily use and MDRO decolonization .
It is not “better” or “worse” — it is different categories for different clinical needs.
2. Comparison table
| Agent | Curasept | ProntOral® | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Active | Chlorhexidine (0.05% / 0.12% / 0.2%) | Polyhexanide (PHMB) | |
| Antiseptic class | Biguanide dimer | Biguanide polymer | |
| Alcohol | No (in most versions) | No | |
| Volume | 200 ml / 250 ml | 250 ml | |
| Flavor | Mint | Peppermint | Peppermint |
| Manufacturer | Curaden (Switzerland) | B | |
| Availability | Pharmacies | Pharmacies + Traumacare (exclusively Greece) | |
| Indicative retail price | €9-15 (depending on concentration) | €17.96 (Traumacare) |
3. Action and spectrum
| Pathogen | Curasept | ProntOral® | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gram-positive (S. mutans, S. sanguinis) | +++ | +++ | ||||
| Gram-negative | ++ | +++ | ||||
| Candida | ++ | +++ | ||||
| MRSA | +++ | +++ | +++ | VRE | ++ | +++ |
| ESBL | ++ | +++ | ||||
| Enveloped viruses | ++ | ++ | ||||
| Biofilms | + | ++ |
Conclusion: Comparable spectrum among classic oral streptococci. Slightly broader spectrum of ProntOral® among Gram-negatives and MDROs.
4. Side effects
Curasept (chlorhexidine)
| Side effect | Frequency | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth staining | 30-50% in use > 7 days | Brown-yellow, requires professional cleaning |
| Dysgeusia | 20-30% | Alteration taste |
| Burning mouth | 5-10% | Especially at higher concentrations |
| Interaction with fluoride | 100% | Reverses the effect of toothpaste |
| Allergies | <1% | Rare but increasing reports |
ProntOral® (polyhexanide)
| Side effect | Frequency | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth staining | None | — |
| Dysgeusia | <5% | Usually mild |
| Burning | <2% | Very well tolerated |
| Interaction with fluoride | None | Adjunctive effect |
| Allergies | <0.1% | Very rare |
5. Duration of use
| Curasept | ProntOral® | |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended maximum duration | 7-14 days | Continuously (lifelong if necessary) |
| Daily preventive use | ❌ Not recommended | ✅ Yes |
| Prolonged treatment | ❌ Side effects | ✅ Good tolerance |
This is the most critical difference. Curasept is a “14-day treatment”. ProntOral® is a “daily preventive + therapeutic”.
6. When to choose Curasept
Chlorhexidine remains an excellent tool in specific short-term cases:
- After scaling & root planing (5-10 days)
- After dental surgery (extraction, implant — 5-7 days)
- Acute gingivitis (10-14 days)
- Powerful antimicrobial case where maximum activity is critical
- Short preventive pre-surgical preparation (in some protocols)
7. When to choose ProntOral®
Polyhexanide is superior in all long-term or sensitive use scenarios:
- Daily preventive use (plaque, caries, long-term gingivitis)
- Prolonged use > 2 weeks
- All oncology patients (chemo-/radiotherapy mucositis)
- Pre-surgical MDRO decolonization bundles (Prontoderm® Set)
- ICU patients (VAP prevention)
- Elderly bedridden at home
- Children > 4 years
- Pregnant women (with medical recommendation)
- Patients with orthodontics
- Canker sores and mucositis
- Prevention of tooth discoloration (aesthetics)
- Concurrent use with fluoride toothpaste
- Dry mouth or sensitive mucosa
8. Comparative costs of use
Curasept 0.12% (200 ml)
- Price ~€10
- Dosage 10 ml × 2 = 20 ml/day
- Bottle duration: 10 days
- Cost per day: €1.00
ProntOral® 250 ml
- Price €17.96
- Dosage 10 ml × 1 (daily prevention) = 10 ml/day
- Bottle duration: 25 days
- Cost per day: €0.72
Result: For daily prevention, ProntOral® is more economical in the long run despite the higher price per bottle.
9. How do we combine them
In some clinical situations, both products have a place:
- Acute phase (1-2 weeks): Curasept for maximum effect
- Maintenance phase (months-years): ProntOral® daily
This is particularly useful after: - Periodontal treatment (SRP) - Dental surgery - Severe gingivitis
10. What the guidelines say
- MASCC/ISOO (mucositis) : Chlorhexidine is not recommended for routine use. Alternatives with polyhexanide.
- EFP (periodontics) : Chlorhexidine strong recommendation for short-term use. Polyhexanide where intolerance exists.
- SHEA/IDSA (VAP) : With caution with chlorhexidine ICU. Increasing adoption of polyhexanide.
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Editor & Editor
Editor: Traumacare Medical Group — exclusive distributor of B|Braun in Greece.
Last updated: May 2026 · Disclaimer: Informative article, does not replace medical advice.
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The entire ProntOral® Cluster
- #00 — ProntOral®: complete user guide
- #01 — Polyhexanide (PHMB) in oral decolonization
- #02 — Pre-surgical MDRO decolonization bundle
- #03 — VAP prevention in the ICU
- #04 — Mucositis in oncology patients
- #05 — ProntOral® in home care
- #06 — ProntOral® vs chlorhexidine
- #07 — From dental prophylaxis to hospital-acquired infection
- #08 — Dental plaque
- #09 — Cervical cancer
- #10 — Gingivitis
- #11 — Periodontitis
- #12 — Oral thrush
- #13 — ProntOral® vs Curasept
- #14 — ProntOral® vs Elgydium & Hexoral