Finding the right balance between safe treatments and effective treatments is overwhelming sometimes. Between chemicals and antibiotics, there is a lot left to be desired when it comes to traditional dentistry.
Luckily, Nature has a well-stocked medicine cabinet when looking at the therapeutic advantages of holistic dentistry as a traditional dentistry alternative. One such natural and effective treatment is ozone therapy.
What is Ozone?
Ozone is a naturally occurring gas, much like oxygen (which is comprised by two oxygen atoms), but with three oxygen atoms. It makes up a layer of our upper atmosphere, helping keep us safe from the damaging rays of the sun.
What Are the Advantages of Ozone Therapy?
When used in the right concentrations, ozone can kill microbes such as bacteria, funguses, and viruses while leaving healthy tissue alone. It does this by reacting with the cell walls in a process called oxidation; this consequently destroys the microbes. The advantage of using ozone is that there are no antibiotics for the body to metabolize and clear. This also helps to maintain beneficial microbe populations (such as those found in your GI tract) that may be damaged with the use of systemic antibiotics.
Ozone also gets into tight spaces, such as around teeth or wounds on the gums, making it a great option where antiseptic solutions can’t reach.
Ozone therapy has a wide range of uses in holistic dentistry. Some of these include cavities, root canal treatment, tooth desensitization, and gum disease.
- Cavities When cavities are cleared of decay, the void must be disinfected prior to filling to prevent further decay and possible infection. Ozone is ideal to clean not just the caries but also the surrounding tooth.
- Root Canal Treatment During root canal treatment, the infected roots of the teeth are carefully cleaned and the infected nerve material and pulp removed. Regardless of how thoroughly this infected tissue is removed, bacteria can remain in the canals. Flushing with ozonated water kills any residual bacteria.
- Tooth Desensitization Ozone therapy has been found to be effective in treating sensitive teeth, reducing and often fully eliminating uncomfortable sensitivity.
- Gum Disease Treatment Gum disease is one of the biggest dental issues for Americans. Ozone therapy is effective in killing the bacteria and even fungi that can lead to chronic gum discomfort, inflammation, and bleeding.
Finding an Experienced Holistic Dentist
To ensure you’re getting the best treatment, it’s important to find a practitioner who specializes in holistic dentistry. Drs. Kozlow and Rowell are both experienced and committed to offering the finest in holistic dentistry while staying abreast of the latest dental advancements.
Are you interested in learning more about how ozone therapy may help you? Read our interview with Dr. Kozlow about the advantages of this natural, gentle treatment option.
Content found on this blog is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgement, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please speak with a professional if you have concerns about your oral health.[/i]