The use of ozone in dentistry and medicine

There is growing interest in the use of ozone in oral healthcare and the National Institute for Clinical Excellence (NICE) is at present reviewing the evidence for its effectiveness in the management of occlusal and plain surface caries. These are only two of the clinical problems for which ozone can, and has, been used; it has also been employed for a wide variety of other purposes in both dentistry and medicine. This pale blue-coloured gas plays an important role as a natural constituent in the higher layer of the Earth's atmosphere. There is growing evidence that it can be employed as a useful therapeutic agent. This paper reviews its therapeutic uses to date and suggests its possible future clinical applications. Consumer demands for this strong oxidant may increase as the general public becomes increasingly aware of its therapeutic capacity and the non-invasive manner in which it can be administered.