Ozone Therapy – Disinfection and healing support

Ozone and Ozonated Water in Medicine and Dentistry

Ozone is a naturally occurring form of oxygen made up of three oxygen atoms (O₃). Because of this structure, it carries more stored energy than ordinary oxygen (O₂) and is far more reactive. These properties explain both its medical usefulness and the need for careful, controlled application.

One important characteristic is that ozone is approximately ten times more soluble in water than oxygen. When mixed into distilled, pyrogen‑free water, ozonated water remains active for about 9–10 hours at neutral pH (pH 7) and room temperature (20 °C). When stored at 0 °C, this half‑life is roughly doubled. For this reason, ozonated water must be freshly prepared close to the time of use to ensure effectiveness.

Applications of Ozonated Water

In clinical practice, ozonated water has found particular relevance in dentistry and minor surgery. When applied after tooth extractions or during dental surgical procedures, it has been reported to:

• Support hemostasis (control of bleeding)
• Improve local oxygen availability
• Inhibit bacterial growth at the surgical site

Because of these effects, ozonated water may be used as a gentle rinse in conditions such as oral thrush and periodontal disease. Beyond the oral cavity, it has also been described for use as a swallowed solution in certain gastric conditions, or as an irrigant in chronic intestinal or bladder inflammation, always within medically supervised protocols.

How Ozone Interacts with Biological Tissues

Ozone is one of the strongest oxidizing agents known. In biological systems, it reacts primarily with lipids, proteins, and other components of cell membranes. These reactions lead to the formation of short‑lived oxidation products such as peroxides and ozonides.

In controlled medical doses, these reactions are thought to explain many of ozone’s reported effects:

• Disruption of bacterial and fungal cell membranes
• Inactivation of viruses, particularly those with lipid envelopes
• Temporary stimulation of oxygen metabolism and cellular energy pathways

Human cells are equipped with antioxidant and repair systems (such as glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) that help neutralize these oxidative products. Microorganisms, by contrast, are far more vulnerable, which may explain why ozone can damage pathogens without harming host tissue when used correctly.