As children, we are taught early on to brush and floss our teeth and keep our mouths healthy for cavity prevention and nice, clean smiles. But did you know that the real reason behind doing this is an effort to control the billions of bacteria that live there? Many of them are actually helpful, but others are not so nice:  P. gingivalis, S. mutans, Actinomyces, F. nucleatum, …and the list goes on and on. 

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A great philosophy to remember would be this...a healthy mouth means more of the good, less of the bad. 

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So what about when the bad/harmful bacteria get out of control? Antibiotics are often used to kill bacteria but have no effect on fungi or viruses. This is where ozone can be utilized! You may have heard the term ozone before. Many people associate it with the atmospheric ozone layer that protects us from UV radiation or the lesser of the two, the pollutant that creates smog. Ozone is created in nature through lightening, waterfalls, oceans and ultra violet light.

 

Medical grade ozone is very different from either of the mentioned. When concentrated and pure, it is a powerful disinfectant! This super power comes from Ozone's molecular structure of 3 oxygen atoms bonded together.

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The oxygen that we breathe on a daily basis is made up of two oxygen atoms and it is very stable. Ozone is made when oxygen and lightening are combined and with it's three oxygen atoms, it is not! It REALLY wants to get rid of that third atom and fit in with the other "regular" oxygen atoms. But what Ozone doesn't understand is that what makes them different, makes them stronger! And this reactivity is a great tool in the fight against tooth decay! That third oxygen atom gives Ozone a negative charge. And do you know what negatively charged particles naturally seek out? Positively charged particles like BACTERIA, VIRUSES, PARASITES and FUNGI! Ozone kills bacteria 3500x faster than chlorine/beach. 

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Ozone destroys them.

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Ozone can be made, in office, in three different forms: ozone gas, ozonated water, ozonized olive, or sunflower oil. Ozone is a very unstable molecule in gas form and lasts only a few minutes in the air. While the life of ozonated water lasts a few days. It has been reported that ozone can be measured for months and years when dissolved in an oil-based content such as 100% pure olive oil! 

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When properly administered, ozone is proving to become indispensable in dentistry and is an inexpensive and non invasive way to control those "bad guys". 

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 We Use Ozone in Our Office When Treating...

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• Gingivitis

• Periodontal/gum disease

• Dental decay

• Tooth sensitivity

• Promote ideal clot/bone formation as an alternative to bone grafting

• Proper disinfection of extraction sites

• TMJD (joint) inflammation

• Dry sockets

• Fungal treatments (mouth)

• Sinus

• Ear

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Although Ozone has been widely and successfully used across Europe for many years, it is newer to the U.S. market. Because of that, dental insurance companies have yet to recognize it. Therefore, it is not a covered benefit by your insurance company. We have found that our patients quickly see that the benefits of Ozone Therapy outweigh the low, out of pocket expense and choose to proceed with treatment.   

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If you are interested in learning more about this amazing treatment option, ask Dr. Boynton or your hygienist at your next visit here with us or call today for an even sooner appointment! We would love to share what we've learned with you!