Antibacterial effect of virgin coconut oil on the viability of chromogenic bacteria that causes dental black stain in children

Abstract

Introduction: Virgin coconut oil (VCO) is a natural antibacterial agent with the ability to kill microorganisms whose cell membranes contain lipids, including Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, such as Actinomyces sp. and Prevotella spp. No study on the antibacterial effects of VCO on the chromogenic bacteria that causes dental black stains. Objective: To analyze the effects of VCO, which administered in various concentrations to Actinomyces sp. and Prevotella sp. Methods: Actinomyces sp. and Prevotella sp. were isolated from the dental plaque of a child diagnosed with black stain. Each streak of bacteria was cultured on a selective medium and confirmed visually and through Gram staining. Each bacterial culture was exposed to VCO in concentrations of 12.5%, 25%, 50%, and 100%. Afterward, viability testing with a methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay was conducted, and the results were read using an Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay reader. Results: The administration of 12.5% VCO reduced bacterial viability; however, 25% VCO significantly reduced the viability of Actinomyces sp. and 100% VCO significantly reduced the viability of Prevotella sp. Conclusion: Actinomyces sp. is more sensitive to VCO than Prevotella sp.