Table 2.

Classification of chemical plaque control

First generation antiplaque agents	Second generation antiplaque agents	Third generation antiplaque agents
This may reduce the plaque to 20-50%. They have low mouth retention.	The plaque decrease is about 70-90% overall and is better preserved than the first generation. They demonstrate improved oral tissue retention and slow release characteristics	They block microorganisms’ binding on or against the tooth. In contrast to second generation chlorhexidine, they have low retention capability.
E.g., Antibiotics, phenols, quaternary ammonium compounds and sanguanarine.	E.g.,. Bisbiguanides (chlorhexidine).	E.g., Delmopinol.