Chemical plaque control agents have been proven as an

adjunct to mechanical click control procedures especially in

individuals with a defective host defence mechanism mentally
or physically challenged and in patients who have undergone
surgery

Ideal characteristics
Should significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis
Prevent growth of pathogenic bacteria
driven development of resistant bacteria
be compatible with oral tissue
Should not stained teeth or alter test
should exhibit good retentive property
inexpensive n feasible
first generation antiplaque agents :
capable of reducing plaque score 20 to 50%
Exhibition of Poor retention
Second generation :
capable of reducing plaque scores upto 70 %
Data retention by oral tissue.
Third generation agent :
Do not exhibit good retentive property as chlorohexidine.
 Triclosan is a phenol derivative. it is a first generation agent. it has got
broad spectrum of action including both gram positive and Gram Negative
bacteria, it includes mycobacterium sports and candida species.
it is used along with zinc citrate to enhance the retention in oral cavity.
unlike chlorhexidine,CPC it it is compatible with conventional dentifrices and does not
cause tooth staining.
Metallic ions :
example zinc and copper ions.
Mechanism of action :
it reduces glycolytic activity in bacteria and delays bacterial growth.
zinc ion also interfere with bacterial biochemical synthesis, metabolism and
aggregation.
they have got moderate substantivity .
Adverse effect :
Metallic taste ,short shelf life, formation of black lines on teeth.

Sanguinarine
it is most effective against Gram Negative bacteria
it is alkaloid derivative from rhizomes of sanguinaria
it alters bacterial Cell attachment
it has got low substantivity & moderate plaque and inflammation Inhibitory activity
adverse effects
burning sensation
Quaternary ammonium compounds :

it is most effective against gram positive

example--cetylpyridinium chloride CPC 0.1 %
it is cationic antiseptic positively charged molecules react with negatively
charged cell membrane phosphates disruption of cell wall of microorganism.
Adverse effects
Staining of teeth and burning of oral tissue

Phenolic antiseptics :
Listerine 26.9% alcohol ph 5.6 -- thymol ,menthol,Eucalyptus oil, methyl salicylate
in hydro alcohol vehicle.
it alters bacterial cell wall, it reduces bacterial endotoxin and reduces the
inflammation
it is an uncharged compound & it has got less substantivity..
Adverse effects
burning sensation less Stain than Chlorhexidine
2nd generation antiplaque agents
Example chlorhexidine gluconate, it is a cationic agent.acts against Gram Positive Gram Negative fungi east
and viruses, it has got both antiplaque and antibacterial properties.
Use -- 0.2% solution 10 ml per rinse with equal amount of water after 3245 minutes brush using
uploaded a toothpaste CHX is difficult to incorporate in a paste.
Adverse effects :
brownish staining, loss of Taste sensation, stenosis of parotid duct & rarely hypersensitivity.
3rd Generation antiplaque agents :

Delmopinol it is a morpholino ethanol derivative

if acts by interfering with plaque Matrix formation.&
reducing the bacterial adherence.
pre brushing mouth rinse advised 0.1 to 0.2%
adverse effects
Transitory numbness of tongue and teeth
tooth staining
taste disturbances
Delivery vehicles for antiplaque agents

factors dependent are

locally delivered,ensure user compliance,allow for stability,Bioavailability ,solubility of
chemo prophylactic agent
they are mouthrinses
Dentifrices
gels
Sprays
chewing gums...
Dentifrices