Ozone Therapy vs Fluoride Treatment
When it comes to preventative dentistry, fluoride treatments have been a mainstay in the field for decades. As technologies advance, we continue to learn more about the efficacy of other methods and treatments. At South Ogden Smiles, Dr. Patrick Tanner offers ozone therapy as a holistic alternative to fluoride treatments. Many of our patients have enjoyed the benefits of this treatment at our South Ogden, UT, practice. But does it work just as well as traditional methods? Our team can help patients weigh ozone therapy vs fluoride treatments based on their needs, and explore the pros and cons of each.
The Purpose of Fluoride
Enamel is the outermost surface of a tooth, and it protects the tooth from damage and decay. When plaque deposits and biofilm accumulate on the teeth, bacteria can flourish. These bacteria feed on sugars and starches in our diet, creating an acidic environment in the mouth. These acids then begin to erode the enamel during a process known as demineralization, making the teeth vulnerable to cavities and other forms of dental damage.
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral. The reason it is frequently used in dentistry is because it effectively remineralizes the tooth enamel. If a cavity is detected in the early stages, fluoride can even reverse the decay. However, despite all the benefits of fluoride, many patients are worried about the potential health risks associated with it.
Why is Fluoride Controversial?
Just because fluoride is present in nature does not necessarily mean it is healthy in large doses. While research has confirmed that fluoride is effective in fighting cavities and tooth decay, it also suggests that the element is linked to a number of health-related concerns, including skeletal fluorosis, dental fluorosis, thyroid problems, and neurological issues. Because of these reasons, there is a significant controversy regarding fluoride in dentistry and municipal water supplies.
What is Ozone?
When many people hear the word “ozone,” their mind immediately jumps to the ozone layer and its negative impact on the earth’s atmosphere. However, it is important to understand that ozone is not harmful. On the contrary, it is protective. Concerns regarding the ozone layer are actually referring to gaps in the layer, rather than the actual gas. So, how do we obtain ozone in our dental practice? We create it by filtering pure oxygen through a specialized generator. This device divides the oxygen into three atoms and charges them with negative ions. The ozone is then safely stored until it is needed, when it can be utilized in the form of a liquid or a gas.
The Purpose of Ozone Therapy
Ozone therapy actually has several uses in dentistry. Since ozone attacks harmful bacteria, it is commonly used in the treatment of tooth decay and gum disease. Best of all, ozone leaves healthy bacteria alone, enhancing your body’s natural healing capabilities. At our practice, we routinely use ozone therapy as a holistic alternative to fluoride. Ozone hardens the tooth enamel without any of the negative side effects of fluoride, making it a beneficial option for patients of all ages.
Learn More about Ozone Therapy at Our Practice
To find out more about ozone therapy at South Ogden Smiles, schedule a visit with Dr. Tanner. As always, we are here to answer any of your questions regarding our treatments. You can contact us online anytime.
