Ozone antiseptic shows potential for treating severe gum infections

The study, by Professor Shinichi Arakawa and colleagues, evaluated the bactericidal activities of ozone nano-bubble water -- also known as NBW3 -- against the two main bacterial agents that cause periodontitis. It also assessed NBW3's toxicity to human oral tissue cells.

Their results showed that NBW3 can kill periodontal pathogens within 30 seconds of exposure, yet has only a minor impact on the viability of oral tissue cells after 24 hours of exposure.

Based on their in vitro results, the researchers conclude that NBW3 could become a valuable tool for treating periodontitis. However, since in vitro models cannot be directly compared to real-life clinical situations in which oral antiseptics are diluted with saliva, the authors recommend further research to determine the extent to which NBW3's potency may be reduced by the saliva of dental patients.

Periodontitis is an inflammation of the oral tissues that surround and support our teeth. It is caused by bacteria residing in "biofilms" or dental plaque.

The traditional first step of periodontal treatment involves mechanical debridement (i.e. scraping away the dental plaque and dental calculus). Various antiseptics and antibiotics have been used to supplement mechanical debridement. But antibiotic therapies have several significant drawbacks, such as the selectivity of antimicrobial action, possible development of resistant bacteria, and risk for adverse host reactions. For these reasons, the topical use of a low-cost, broad-spectrum antiseptic agent with low potential for adverse reactions is preferable.

One possible alternative is ozone, which has strong antimicrobial activity against bacteria, fungi, protozoa and viruses, and does not induce microbial resistance. Aqueous ozone is highly biocompatible with oral tissue cells. However, ozonated water must be used within the first five to ten minutes after production to assure its potency.

To address this obstacle, co-author Masayoshi Takahashi and his colleague Kaneo Chiba developed a patented procedure to produce ozone nano-bubble water. NBW3 retains its oxidation ability for more than six months if protected from exposure to ultraviolet rays. Its high stability allows for the bottling and use of NBW3 as a disinfectant solution.

Next on the team's agenda is to study the potential of NBW3 to prevent adverse health effects during periodontal treatment.