Dataset The Effect of Medium-Chain Triglycerides on Streptococcus mutans Single-Species Biofilm Formation Using Hydroxyapatite Discs

Dental caries are driven by acidogenic and aciduric biofilms in which <i>Streptococcus mutans</i> plays a key role; therefore, adjunctive strategies that disrupt cariogenic biofilms are of interest. This <i>in vitro</i> study evaluated medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) oil against <i>S. mutans </i>under planktonic and biofilm conditions. In the planktonic model, <i>S. mutans</i> was exposed to graded MCT concentrations (0–100%), and samples collected at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 20 h were analyzed for CFU and pH in planktonic solution. The most effective concentrations of MCT oil (100%) were advanced to a single species biofilm model in which biofilms were formed on saliva-coated hydroxyapatite disc and grown up to 72 h under sucrose challenge. MCT oil treatment groups included one-time MCT daily application, two-time MCT daily application, and two-time MCT daily application start on dry disc. Biofilms were assessed for CFU, pH in culture medium, dry weight biomass, and structure of bacteria and exopolysaccharides (EPS) matrix via confocal microscopy. In the biofilm model, quantification CFU, biomass and pH showed limited differences among control and treatment groups. In contrast, confocal microscopy revealed that MCT oil treatment disrupted biofilm architecture and EPS organization, most pronounced in two-time MCT daily application start on dry disc. In summary, MCT oil treatment was associated with consistent structural alterations in <i>S. mutans</i> biofilm, resulting in potentially reduced carcinogenicity. This study supports the potential of using MCT oil rinse to prevent dental caries, which warrants future investigation <i>in vivo</i>.