RT - Journal TY - JOUR A1 - Devan, Krishnapriya A1 - Peedikayil, Faizal A1 - Chandru, T A1 - Kottayi, Soni A1 - Dhanesh, N A1 - Suresh, K T1 - Antimicrobial efficacy of medium-chain fatty acids, 2% Chlorhexidine, and 5% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study YR - 2018/7/1 JF - Indian Journal of Oral Health and Research JO - Indian J Oral Health Res SP - 47 OP - 51 VO - 4 IS - 2 UL - https://www.ijohr.org/article.asp?issn=2393-8692;year=2018;volume=4;issue=2;spage=47;epage=51;aulast=Devan;t=5 DO - 10.4103/ijohr.ijohr_17_18 N2 - Background: The current trend globally is to “Go Natural.” Medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) are natural derivatives with proven antimicrobial properties. Enterococcus faecalis is a persistent microbe frequently associated with endodontic treatment failures. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare the antimicrobial efficacy of MCFAs, 2% chlorhexidine, and 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against E. faecalis. Materials and Methods: Lauric acid (LA), decanoic acid (DA), octanoic acid (OA), 2% chlorhexidine, 5% NaOCl, and ethanol were used against pure strains of E. faecalis. Six wells of approximately 10 mm were bored in Mueller-Hinton Agar medium using a well cutter and the different test solutions were added. The plates were then incubated at 37°C for 24 h. The antibacterial activity was assayed by measuring the diameter of the inhibition zone formed around the wells. Results: The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using analysis of variance and Tukey's post hoc tests. There was a statistically significant difference between the six groups compared. Maximum antibacterial activity was shown by 2% chlorhexidine (21.66 mm), followed by LA (17.66 mm) and NaOCl (16.33 mm). The mean zone of inhibition exhibited by DA and OA were 14.00 mm and 12.33 mm, respectively. Least antibacterial activity was shown by ethanol (9.66 mm). Conclusion: Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that LA exhibited antimicrobial efficacy comparable to that of 5% NaOCl. However, the clinical efficacy of LA must take into account the intricate canal anatomy and polymicrobial nature of root canal infections. ER -