Introduction

Early childhood caries is defined as the presence of one or more decayed teeth, missing (due to caries) or filled teeth surface in a child 71 months of age or younger. The presence of Candida albicans will increase caries pathogenicity.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to analyze the antifungal effectiveness of virgin coconut oil (VCO) mousse against viability of C. albicans biofilm in children with early childhood caries.

Material and methods

In this experimental laboratory study, C. albicans biofilm was exposed to three concentrations of VCO mousse, namely 0.8%, 8% and 80%. C. albicans biofilm viability was tested using crystal violet 0.5% and a colony forming unit assay. Statistical analysis was conducted using 1-way ANOVA.

Results

VCO mousse 80% showed optical density and total viable colony count (CFU/ml) values significantly different compared to VCO mousse 0.8% and 8% (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

VCO mousse exhibited antifungal effect against viability of C. albicans biofilm in children with early childhood caries.