Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ozone Therapy on Cariogenic Bacteria

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial effectiveness of ozone therapy on cariogenic bacteria. Materials and Methods: We evaluated 40 children with deep caries in the permanent first molar. Patients were divided into ozone and chlorhexidine digluconate (CHX) treatment groups. Cariogenic dentin samples were collected from permanent molars before and after treatment: 120 seconds with ozone and 60 s with 20% CHX solution. Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus sp. colonies were counted after 48 hours of incubation in phosphate buffer. Obtained data were statistically analysed. Results: Significant differences between antimicrobial activities of ozone and CHX against S. mutans and Lactobacillus sp. were observed (p<0.05). In the Lactobacillus sp. group, the amount of growth in the CHX group was significantly lesser than that in the ozone group (p<0.05). Conclusion: When applied appropriately and cautiously, ozone treatment can be used for disinfection against cariogenic bacteria.