In a world where we antibiotic resistance is on the rise, the dental community stepped up to look at alternative approaches to ensure good healing and minimizing bacterial infections.
The most promising so far, and one that I use often in clinical practice is ozone.
Ozone: Nature’s Antiseptic?
Ozone is a molecule of oxygen with an extra negative charge. It is a naturally occurring molecule in our body and around our environment. If you’ve ever noticed that smell after lightning strikes, that’s ozone!
Ozone has a strong oxidizing effect on the body. However, we are well protected from the harmful effects of ozone because of the natural antioxidants our bodies are full of, such as vitamin C and E. Bacteria, fungi, parasites and viruses, on the other hand, have very little antioxidants and the ozone breaks apart their cell membranes and walls.
Not only does ozone act as an antiseptic, but also helps to promote healing after dental procedures. In theory, ozone stimulates regeneration of the periodontal ligament important for supporting good gum hygiene and healing after dental procedures. This is now at the forefront of research in dental practice and so far the results have been positive.
Numerous groups have studied the use of ozone in dentistry.
How is it used in dentistry?
Some dental practices have special equipment that makes ozone using electricity. It is used either as ozone gas, infused in saline, and recently people have started using ozone infused olive oil for “oil pulling” after procedures.
Should I have ozone with my treatments?
So far, the research is looking fairly positive in this new treatment to prevent periodontal disease and gingivitis, and just as importantly, no significant risks have been seen at the doses we use in practice. I’ve been using ozone in my practice now for about a year, and in addition to good technique (the most important part of dentistry!!) and good followup, I’ve found ozone to be a great substitution for patients concerned with antibiotics or other chemical antiseptics.
If you would like to try an alternative to antibiotics or antiseptics, please feel free to contact me for more information and to schedule an appointment.
Pubmed Articles:
Clinical utility of ozone therapy in dental and oral medicine
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31552882
Ozone ultrafine bubble water induces the cellular signaling involved in oxidative stress responses in human periodontal ligament fibroblasts.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31258824
Clinical antibacterial effectiveness Healozone Technology after incomplete caries removal.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30919649
A short-term study of the effects of ozone irrigation in an orthodontic population with fixed appliances.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30919638
Evaluation of the antibacterial activity of a new ozonized olive oil against oral and periodontal pathogens.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30607228