Say “ozone,” and most people probably think about the layer in our atmosphere that protects us from harmful UV rays – or, perhaps, the hazy smog that hangs over cities on hot summer days. But this naturally occurring molecule – made up of three oxygen atoms instead of the usual two – is also a powerful healing tool.
In fact, ozone therapy has been used for more than a century as a disinfectant and treatment for various conditions. What makes it especially promising in dental care is its unique ability to target harmful bacteria – and viruses and fungi, too – while supporting the body’s innate healing processes.
Oral health, after all, is largely about maintaining a healthy microbial balance in the mouth – more of the helpful species, fewer of the kind that drive disease.
Earlier this year, a comprehensive systematic review in BMC Oral Health found that ozone therapy is effective in a few key areas in particular:
- Improving periodontal (gum) health.
- Healing soft tissues after dental implant surgery.
- Reducing post-op discomfort.
The first of those findings is notable since treating gum disease is one of the most well-researched dental applications of medical-grade ozone. “The combination of scaling and root planing with gaseous ozone therapy,” noted the review team, “showed superior periodontal response rates” compared to conventional treatment alone.
For context, scaling and root planing – commonly called a “deep cleaning” – is a procedure that removes bacterial buildup and tartar from below the gum line, then smooths the tooth roots, making it harder for harmful bacteria to reattach themselves. This gives inflamed gums a chance to heal and reattach to the teeth properly. Ozone enhances this process by eliminating harmful bacteria and creating optimal conditions for tissue healing.
Such findings were echoed by another systematic review published around the same time. As its authors wrote,
Considerable improvements in periodontal parameters, soft tissue healing after implantation, and pain management after root canal were reported. Trials showed that ozone therapy had better clinical outcomes than traditional treatments, especially in reducing inflammation, pain, and bacterial load in periodontal pockets…. Ozone therapy is a useful adjunct in dental treatments with revealed benefits, especially in periodontal treatment and soft tissue healing. In general, ozone therapy can significantly enhance clinical practice in dentistry.
What makes ozone so effective is the combination of both its antimicrobial and healing qualities. Ozone works as a powerful oxidizing agent. While healthy cells in your body are equipped with natural antioxidants that protect them, harmful microbes don’t have much defense, leaving them vulnerable to ozone’s effects. Their cell walls are disrupted. Their essential cellular processes are interfered with. They simply can’t survive and are ultimately excreted as waste.
But ozone also stimulates healing through several pathways – improving local circulation, for instance, so more oxygen and nutrients can reach the tissues that need repair. It also appears to modulate the immune response, helping reduce inflammation so tissues can heal. Ozone may also promote the formation of new blood vessels in healing tissues, which is crucial for tissue regeneration and wound healing.
How We Use Ozone in Our Practice
At Sage Dental Wellness, we use ozone throughout our practice, as each of our treatment rooms is equipped with an ozonated water system, This means that ozone’s antimicrobial benefits are incorporated into virtually every procedure we do. It also helps ensure that our water lines remain pristine. In fact, studies – such as this one and this – have shown that ozone is highly effective for water line disinfection compared to traditional cleaning methods.
But ozone has more specific uses here in our office, as well:
- Periodontal therapy. Ozone can be applied during deep cleanings to reduce bacteria in periodontal pockets and promote the healing of inflamed gum tissue.
- Post-surgical healing. After extractions, implant placement, or other surgical procedures, ozone therapy can help speed healing and reduce the risk of infection.
- Reducing tooth sensitivity. Recent research has shown ozone to be highly effective for treating sensitive teeth, providing relief from sensitivity to temperature changes and pressure.
- Cavity prevention. In some cases, ozone may help stop early decay by eliminating bacteria and creating an environment less favorable to cavity progression.
Ozone is gentle, typically painless, and non-invasive. When used properly, there are next to no side effects. This makes it an excellent option for biological practices like ours.
While professional ozone treatment in our office offers the most benefit, there are ways you can incorporate ozone into your home care, too. For instance, home ozone generators can create ozonated water for drinking, rinsing, or delivering directly under the gum line with an oral irrigator such as Waterpik. (There are even some water flossers that have an ozonator built in.) These same generators can ozonate oils you can apply to inflamed gums or minor mouth sores. Ozonated coconut and olive oils are especially popular and also available premade by companies such as Promolife and O3. We’ll work with you to ensure any home ozone products fit seamlessly into your comprehensive oral health routine, complementing the care you receive here in our practice.
Rather than just treating symptoms, ozone addresses underlying bacterial imbalances while promoting the conditions necessary for good healing. This approach fits naturally with other aspects of holistic oral care – proper nutrition, stress management, quality sleep, sufficient physical activity, and so on.
When combined with these lifestyle factors, ozone therapy can be a valuable tool in maintaining long-term oral health.
If you’re curious about whether ozone therapy might benefit your oral health, we encourage you to ask us about it during your next visit. Every patient’s situation is unique, and we can help determine whether ozone therapy aligns with your specific needs and health goals.