Ozone (O₃) is a naturally occurring form of oxygen composed of three oxygen atoms. While it is widely recognized for protecting the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, ozone has also gained attention in healthcare because of its unique antimicrobial and biological properties.
Today, ozone is used in various medical and dental applications in many countries as an adjunctive therapy. Research continues to explore its potential benefits, while the level of clinical acceptance varies across countries and indications.
Dutch physicist Martinus van Marum noticed a peculiar odor while conducting electrical discharge experiments using electrostatic machines.
Although he did not know what caused the smell, this became the earliest recorded observation of ozone.
German-Swiss chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein officially discovered and identified ozone.
He named it "Ozone" from the Greek word:
Ozein (ὄζειν) — "to smell"
because of its distinctive fresh odor after lightning storms.
Schönbein later demonstrated that ozone could be generated artificially using electricity.
This discovery marked the beginning of ozone science.
Scientists soon noticed that ozone possessed remarkable disinfecting capabilities.
Research showed that ozone could:
Kill bacteria
Destroy fungi
Inactivate viruses
Remove unpleasant odors
Purify water
During the late 1800s, physicians began experimenting with ozone for treating wounds and infections.
At that time:
Antibiotics had not yet been discovered.
Infection was a major cause of death.
Sterilization methods were limited.
Ozone offered a promising method of reducing microbial contamination.
German military physicians used ozone to disinfect:
Infected wounds
Gangrene
Burns
Trench foot
The strong antimicrobial effect of ozone helped reduce wound contamination at a time when antibiotics were unavailable.
Although equipment was primitive compared to today's technology, these early experiences encouraged further investigation into medical ozone.
As engineering improved, more precise ozone generators became available.
Researchers discovered that:
Medical ozone must be generated immediately before use.
Pure medical oxygen should be used as the source gas.
Ozone concentration must be carefully controlled.
Excessive ozone exposure can damage tissues, particularly the lungs if inhaled.
Modern medical ozone therapy therefore uses calibrated generators that produce defined oxygen–ozone mixtures for specific applications.
Interest in ozone therapy grew in Europe, especially in countries such as Germany, Italy, Russia, and Cuba.
Researchers investigated its use as an adjunctive treatment in areas including:
Chronic wound care
Peripheral circulatory disorders
Certain musculoskeletal conditions
Some infectious conditions
Dental applications
Over time, professional organizations developed protocols emphasizing appropriate dosing and safe administration.
Today, ozone therapy is used in various countries as an adjunctive treatment in selected medical fields.
Research has focused on potential mechanisms such as:
Broad antimicrobial activity
Modulation of oxidative stress responses
Immune signaling effects
Improved local oxygen metabolism
Support for wound healing processes
At the same time, major medical organizations note that evidence is stronger for some uses than others, and clinical acceptance differs internationally. Ozone therapy should be performed only by trained professionals using medical-grade equipment and established protocols.
Dentists were among the earliest healthcare professionals to recognize ozone's potential.
Dental infections are largely bacterial in origin, making ozone's antimicrobial properties particularly relevant.
Early investigations explored ozone for:
Disinfection
Root canal therapy
Oral infections
Surgical procedures
European clinicians continued studying ozone in dentistry.
Applications expanded to include:
Dental unit water disinfection
Surgical irrigation
Caries management research
Periodontal therapy
These early studies laid the foundation for later clinical research.
Improved generators made ozone delivery more predictable.
Dentists began using:
Ozonated water
Ozonated oils
Ozone gas delivered through sealed systems
Potential applications included:
Cavity disinfection
Root canal disinfection
Periodontal pocket irrigation
Oral ulcer management
Post-operative care
With the growth of evidence-based dentistry, researchers began conducting controlled clinical trials to evaluate ozone as an adjunct to conventional care.
Studies have investigated ozone in:
Reduction of bacterial load
Support for minimally invasive dentistry
Potential assistance in managing early carious lesions
Adjunctive canal disinfection
Reduction of microbial contamination alongside standard irrigation
Reduction of periodontal pathogens
Adjunctive management of gingivitis and periodontitis
Surgical site irrigation
Support for healing after extractions and implant procedures
Aphthous ulcers
Mucositis
Other inflammatory oral conditions (research is ongoing)
Systematic reviews generally conclude that ozone shows promise in several dental applications, but the strength of evidence varies by indication and it is typically recommended as an adjunct rather than a replacement for established treatments.
Modern dental ozone therapy commonly uses three forms:
Local antimicrobial treatment using sealed delivery systems to prevent inhalation.
Used as an irrigant or rinse in various dental procedures.
Oils infused with ozone for topical application to oral tissues.
Researchers have been interested in ozone because laboratory studies have demonstrated that it can:
Inactivate a wide range of bacteria
Reduce fungal and viral contamination
Disrupt microbial biofilms
Oxidize microbial cell components
Support local wound-healing responses
Leave no chemical residue, as ozone rapidly breaks down into oxygen
These properties have made ozone an area of ongoing research for infection control and minimally invasive dental care.
Medical and dental ozone must always be:
Generated from medical-grade oxygen
Produced immediately before use
Administered with calibrated equipment
Delivered by trained healthcare professionals
Prevented from being inhaled, as inhalation of ozone can irritate and damage the respiratory tract
Ozone is currently used in many dental practices worldwide as an adjunct to conventional treatment. Its applications include infection control, periodontal therapy, endodontics, oral surgery, and preventive dentistry. While many clinicians report favorable outcomes and research continues to expand, regulatory approvals and clinical guidelines differ among countries. Ozone should complement—not replace—well-established dental treatments, and its use should follow evidence-based protocols.
1785
Martinus van Marum first observes the characteristic odor produced by electrical discharge.
1840
Christian Friedrich Schönbein identifies and names ozone.
1857
Werner von Siemens develops one of the first practical ozone generators.
Late 1800s
Ozone begins to be used experimentally for water purification and medical disinfection.
1914–1918
Ozone is used by German physicians to help disinfect wounds during World War I.
1930s
Early dental applications of ozone are explored.
1950s
Medical ozone therapy expands in parts of Europe.
1970s–1980s
More reliable medical ozone generators improve clinical use.
1990s
Increased research into dental ozone applications.
2000s
Growth of clinical trials and evidence-based evaluation of ozone in dentistry.
Present
Ozone is used in various medical and dental settings worldwide as an adjunctive therapy, with ongoing research into its benefits, limitations, and optimal applications.