Ozone Therapy: The Boon for Periodontics

The oral cavity is an open ecosystem, with a dynamic balance between the entrance of micro organisms, colonization modalities, and host defenses aimed at their removal. To avoid elimination, bacteria need to adhere to either hard dental surfaces or epithelial surfaces. The oral biofilm formation and development, and the selection of specific microorganisms have been correlated with the most common oral pathologies, such as dental caries, periodontal disease, and peri-implantitis. The mechanical removal of the biofilm and adjunctive use of disinfectants or various antibiotics have been the conventional methods for periodontal therapy. Ozone (O3) is a tri atomic molecule, consisting of three oxygen atoms, and its application in medicine and dentistry has been indicated for the treatment of 260 different pathologies. The ozone therapy has been more beneficial than present conventional therapeutic modalities that follow a minimally invasive and conservative application to dental treatment. The exposition of molecular mechanisms of ozone further benefits practical function in dentistry. [1] Ozone gas has a high oxidation potential and is 1.5 times greater than chloride when used as an antimicrobial agent against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa and also has the capacity to stimulate blood circulation and the immune response. Therefore it is the current interest in medicine and dentistry. It can be used for the treatment of alveolitis as a replacement for antibiotic therapy, as a mouthwash for reducing the oral microflora, as well as the adherence of microorganisms to tooth surfaces. [2]