%A Shivakumar, K %A Prasad, Sumanth %A Chandu, G %T Ozone Therapy in Dentistry- A Review of Literature %9 Article %D 2009 %J Journal of Indian Association of Public Health Dentistry %P 44-48 %V 7 %N 14 %U https://journals.lww.com/aphd/pages/default.aspx/article.asp?issn=2319-5932;year=2009;volume=7;issue=14;spage=44;epage=48;aulast=Shivakumar %8 July 1, 2009 %X Ozone is a naturally occurring compound consisting of three oxygen atoms. Usually it is found in the stratosphere in the form of a gas. It is an antimicrobial agent which has got the highest oxidation potential against bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa. Also it has got the capacity to stimulate blood circulation as well as immune response. It is universally accepted that the oxidant potential of ozone induces the destruction of cell walls and cytoplasmic membranes of bacteria and fungi. During this process, ozone attacks glycoprotein, glycolipids, and other amino acids and inhibits and blocks the enzymatic control system of the cell. Finally increases the membrane permeability, the key element of cell viability, leading to immediate functional cessation. It is also widely used for the treatment of alveolitis as a replacement for antibiotic therapy, as a mouthwash for reducing the oral microflora. remineralization of incipient dental caries as well as the adherence of microorganisms to tooth surfaces. The reliable microbiologic and metabolic properties of ozone, in either the gaseous or aqueous phases, make it a useful disinfectant with a wide range of activity. Also, the ozone can attack many biomolecules, such as the cysteine, methionine, and the histidine residues of proteins. Because of this nature of ozone, its application in dentistry and medicine has been indicated for the treatment of more than 250 different pathologies. %0 Journal Article %I Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications %@ 2319-5932