Biological dentistry considers the connections between oral health and overall bodily health. It utilizes safe, non-toxic treatments to promote oral health and body wellness. One such treatment garnering attention in biological dentistry is the use of ozone.
Originating from the outer atmosphere, ozone holds many medical benefits. It effectively fights off bacteria, fungi, and viruses with its powerful oxidizing properties. Because unhealthy bacterial cells lack antioxidants, they can’t defend against the destructive power of ozone. Ozone is also easy to use, cost-effective, and widely accepted by patients. Taking these attributes into account, it’s no surprise that biological dentistry is also adopting ozone use.
Ozone can be used in three forms: gas, liquid, and oil. In dentistry, gaseous ozone is often used for treating dental decay and sterilizing oral environments. It can be applied directly to the tooth, typically for at least 10 seconds. However, health professionals must carefully manage excess ozone gas to prevent it from leaking into the clinic.
Alongside the gaseous form comes ozonated oil. This naturally occurring substance, produced from plant extracts, can penetrate deep into gum tissues. On the other hand, ozonated water proves highly efficient in treating oral diseases while being completely safe to use.
Ozone not only combats bacteria and fungus, but it also helps in wound healing. Regular use of ozonized water can significantly speed up the natural healing process by increasing the oxygen supply to wound areas. In combating periodontal diseases such as gingivitis and peri-implantitis, ozone boasts extraordinary disinfection performance compared to other antiseptics.
Despite its positive effects, using ozone is not risk-free. It can become toxic when used improperly or excessively, potentially causing respiratory issues. Health professionals must always adhere to recommended ozone doses and carefully monitor its concentration.
Biological dentistry has discovered an effective tool in ozone. With careful usage and ongoing research, ozone therapy will likely become even more ingrained in dental practice in the years to come. As always, the focus remains to provide the safest and most beneficial therapies for patients in the realm of biological dentistry.
The International Academy of Biological Dentistry and Medicine (IABDM) is a network of dentists, physicians, and health professionals committed to promoting biological dentistry. We invite you to visit our website to learn more about our advocacy for biocompatible dental materials and toxin-free practices.