Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the antibacterial effects of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) and chlorhexidine on cariogenic oral bacteria, specifically Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species, in an in-vitro setting.

Materials and methods: Antimicrobial agents used in this study were chlorhexidine digluconate versus Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) against Streptococcus mutans (MS) and Lactobacillus species
. In this study, the relative antimicrobial efficacy of Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO), chlorhexidine against MS and Lactobacillus was tested. The MS and Lactobacillus was inoculated onto their specified culture media. Agar diffusion test is done. The inhibition zone diameters were measured. Mean inhibition zone diameters were recorded and statistically analyzed.
Result: For the effect of the tested antibacterial on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus, results showed that the mean diameter and standard deviation of inhibition zone (mm) for chlorhexidine (CHX) was 23.9 (2.04) mm, and Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) was 18.2 (1.3) mm, for MS while the result for chlorhexidine (CHX) was 16 (2.6) mm and VCO was 18.7 (1.8) mm for Lactobacillus.
Conclusion: Virgin Coconut Oil showed an antibacterial effect against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus species comparable to that of chlorhexidine, suggesting it could be a potential alternative to synthetic antimicrobials for oral hygiene.