A review of multiple studies suggests ozone therapy may be as effective as chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) at killing germs in the mouth, but with less harm to cells. Ozone comes in gas, water, or oil forms and works by breaking down microbial cell walls and stopping biofilm formation. The review included various study types, from systematic reviews to case reports, but did not report a specific number of patients or a formal analysis.
Ozone therapy showed comparable antimicrobial effects to CHX, a common antiseptic. Importantly, ozone appeared to cause less cytotoxicity, meaning it may be gentler on healthy tissues. The review also noted that ozone does not contribute to antimicrobial resistance, a growing concern with many antiseptics.
However, this is a narrative review, not a new clinical trial. The evidence comes from many different study designs, and the review did not report any safety data or limitations. Readers should view these findings as promising but preliminary. More rigorous studies are needed before ozone can be recommended as a standard replacement for chlorhexidine.
If you are considering ozone therapy for dental care, talk to your dentist. This review does not provide enough evidence to change current practice.
