The Use of Ozone in Dentistry - Antimicrobial and Cellular Aspects

Recently, the use of ozone as an antiseptic agent has become a relevant topic in dentistry. From the fields of water purification, food preservation or disinfection of dental unit water lines it is well known for its broad and high antimicrobial power against bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses without subsequent development of drug resistance. First encouraging short–term data have been provided about the clinical application of ozone gas to circum-scripted areas of decayed tooth hard substance resulting in regression or decreased progression of carious lesions. Currently, we evaluate antimicrobial and cellular aspects of ozone in dentistry. The antimicrobial potential of ozone against a broad spectrum of oralpathogenic microorganisms, especially anaerobic species, has been investigated. Furthermore, the effects of ozone on resident oral cells are being examined focussing on cytotoxicity, apoptosis and signal transduction. This research has been supported by a grant of the University of Munich, Germany.