Ozone is a naturally occurring inorganic molecule, and is present in the Earth’s atmosphere.A powerful oxident, it is used in many industries to disinfect water and surfaces.

Dentists primarily use ozone to help kill bacteria in the tooth, such as the anaerobic bacteria that causes tooth decay.

Ozone Dentistry: FAQ

 

What is ozone

Ozone is a trii-atomic oxygen molecule (O3), and acts as a potent anti-oxidant throughout the body. Simply stated, it does so by oxidizing diseased tissue as well as targeting harmful bacteria, amoebas, protozoans, spirochetes, parasites, fungus, viruses and even prions. This includes common pathogens, such as herpes, pappillomas, and influenza. Bacteria, Viruses, Fungi, and Parasites have little or no antioxidant enzymes in their cell membranes. This makes them vulnerable to oxidants. An oxidant will destroy the cell membrane of the pathogen resulting in a disinfecting or sterilizing effect. Ozonated solutions display a cleansing effect and act as a powerful disinfectant, which kills even antibiotic-resistant or anaerobic bacteria.

For more information please refer to the textbook: Velio Bocci, MD, in his book, “OZONE: A NEW MEDICAL DRUG” and www.ozonefordentisry.com.

Is it safe?

The term ozone is typically associated with our atmosphere. The ozone layer deflects harmful UV rays from the sun. However, in the atmosphere, pure ozone is contaminated with nitrogen oxides (NOx) and chlorine derived from chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), which can bind to the ozone creating more harmful gases, typically known as SMOG. Ozone generating units have an imbedded free ozone destructor, which allows for safe use in the office. The ozone-therapist must have an ozone generator that is safe, atoxic, and reproducible. Major cities throughout the US and world use ozone systems to sterilize their public water systems, and ozone is safely used to sterilize the bottles water we drink, and fruits and vegetables we consume. It is used in air purification systems, commercial laundries, swimming pools and spas.

How is ozone used in medicine?

Ozone was first discovered in the 1800′s. The first medical application seems to have been the use of ozone for treating gaseous, post-traumatic gangrene in soldiers during the 1st world war. Ozone is used in treatment as ozonated water, ozonated oil, and or ozone gas, all of which act as potent disinfectants and enhance healing by stimulating cell proliferation. Ozone, being a potent oxidant, REACTS IMMEDIATELY with a number of molecules present in biological fluids, namely antioxidants, proteins, carbohydrates and, preferentially, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). The mixture of ozone with these PUFAs creates an effect called Lipid peroxidation, which creates a cascade of lasting effects throughout the body.

Gum therapy with ozone

Your mouth is a wonderland

In each of us, it is normal to have between 250-500 species of bacteria in our mouths at anytime. Most of these are not harmful; however, many individuals harbor toxic and aggressive bacteria, either due to genetics, their environment, or innoculation from anther individual.

Ozone can kill all bacteria, viruses, spirochetes, amoebas, fungi and even prions

As mentioned before, ozone can kill all bacteria, viruses, spirochetes, amoebas, fungi and even prions. Deep inside of the periodontal (gum) pockets, ozone can penetrate to kill these aggressive bugs, which do not respond well to conventional periodontal treatment.

Think of a splinter embedded under your skin. If you can’t remove it right away, the body starts an inflammatory process to defend itself from this foreign object. The skin around the sliver festers up with puss and inflammation until it expels the object from the body.

The same phenomenon happens around dirty teeth. Remember, if the gums bleed, then bacteria are entering the bloodstream!

Ozone has provided a safe and effective way to maintain balance between healthy, and unhealthy bacteria in the mouth. It has provided a non-invasive tool in combatting gum disease, especially in our orthodontic patients.

 

How does the dentist use Ozone Dentistry (Ozone Dental Therapy)?

• Ozone gas is used to reach and penetrate areas such as: carious dentin, dentinal tubules, and periodontal pockets where no other antibiotic or disinfectant can reach.
• Decontamination of the mouth and gums is possible because the infection/inflammation is positively charged (acidic) and ozone is negatively charged. (basic) Therefore, the chemistry of the infection and/or inflammation attracts the ozone to the area.
• Disinfects and sterilizes dentin before fillings are placed
• Helps inflammation of nerve tissue and decreases the risk of abscess.
• Aids in the treatment of cold sores or canker sores.
• A decrease in healing time, and stimulates recalcification of teeth.
• Decreases need for antibiotics post extraction, and stimulates bone healing.
• Assists in sensitivity of teeth, especially post treatment.
• Decreases over-all cavity-causing bacterial count.
• Reduces tooth decay by killing the bacteria that secrete acids and destroy the enamel naturally.
• Doctor can remain conservative on smaller lesions. After Ozone treatment, the tooth can be remineralized by the calcium phosphate present in saliva, making it resistant to further bacterial attack.
• Ozone dental therapy is painless.