What is Gum Disease and How Ozonated Water Can Help

Gum disease, often known as periodontal disease, is usually due to infection or inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis is a treatable and mild form of periodontal disease which can cause red, irritated, or even bleeding gums. Plaque and tartar begin to form on the teeth and gum line if untreated. The disease can cause serious problems when left to progress into periodontitis, as the gums start to pull away from teeth, creating a breeding ground for bacteria. Other symptoms of periodontitis include tooth loss, halitosis, and bone loss.

Periodontitis is extremely painful and requires surgery to remove bacteria that has built up in pockets around the teeth. The Center for Disease Control estimates that around 47.2% of adults in the US have some form of periodontal disease, which increases to 70.1% in adults over 65 years old. It is a common problem for many adults. In its most mild form, gingivitis can be prevented by good oral care and professional cleaning. However, this alone may not be enough for the many sufferers of gum disease. 

The Risks of Dirty Dental Waterlines

Dentists are often concerned about the quality of water used within their surgeries, especially as it comes into contact with open wounds before, during, and after surgery. Great care should be taken when treating patients with gum disease, as unclean water can aggravate the gums further. Dirty dental waterlines occur due to the buildup of biofilm, a thin bacteria known for sticking to moist surfaces. Dental waterlines are susceptible to such problems because of their narrow tubes, and water is often left stagnant for long periods of time. The CDC states that untreated dental waterlines can contain bacteria such as Legionella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and nontuberculous Mycobacterium.

Issues With Mouth Rinse

Traditional chemical rinses may cause infection and/or discoloring of the teeth due to the chemical chlorhexidine. Alcohol-based rinses can also dry out the tissue in the mouth, causing dehydration and even stinging or irritation of the gums in some patients. This can be particularly painful for patients with gum disease, especially if they have advanced stage periodontitis. Performing dental surgery without pre-rinsing can lead to bacterial infections or complications in patients. 

Can Dirty Dental Waterlines Transmit Disease?

The CDC notes that it is possible for dirty dental waterlines to transmit disease. This risk is a public health concern, but thankfully widespread breakouts are uncommon. Nevertheless, there are a few reports of infections and even deaths after contact with contaminated dental lines. In 2015 a pediatric dental clinic in Georgia reported a breakout of Mycobacterium abscessus odontogenic infections in children receiving pulpotomy treatment. The treatment requires irrigation and drilling, which led to contaminated water entering into open wounds and causing infection. After investigation, it was found that the bacterial count in the waterlines was above the amounts recommended by the American Dental Association. An 82-year-old Italian woman contracted legionellosis after attending two dental appointments, and died two days later. Molecular testing concluded that the source of bacteria was the dental waterlines.

How the Oral Rinse Tumbler Can Help

The Oral Rinse Tumbler from BioSure turns regular tap water into powerful ozone water with the touch of a button. Ozone water cleaning acts 3,000 times faster than chlorine, and is 50 times more effective, making it a clear choice against other disinfectants. It is a safe and powerful natural sanitizer for oral rinsing, that effectively reduces oral germs and helps remove bad breath. It is compact and portable, and powered by a built-in rechargeable battery. There are no chemical or electrode additives, and no additional expenses required. 

When ozone is added to water, it quickly dissolves contaminants without changing its composition or adding any odor or taste. Rinsing with ozone water twice daily minimizes gum bleeding after brushing and flossing. It kills bacteria and can prevent the onset or development of tooth decay. This removes the need for dentists to prescribe antibiotics or medication to control bacteria in patients with gum disease. The Oral Rinse Tumbler is recommended by dentists to help prevent and treat gum disease, and other related oral diseases.

Ozone water is suitable for use before, during, and after dental surgery, especially for patients with gum disease. Rinsing with ozone water ensures oral hygiene and can even promote healing after surgery. It minimizes the risk of airborne bacteria being transferred during dental operations. Ozone water improves overall gum health without the use of harmful or painful chemical rinses. It can prevent complications of gum disease and prolongs the benefits of treatment. 

Is Ozone Water Safe for Dental Waterlines?

Aqueous Ozoneis used as a disinfectant within a variety of applications and industries, including dentistry, and has been used for over a century worldwide. It is listed as an approved sanitizer by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The electrolytic ozone water treatment method used by BES Group is safer than other, alternative methods, and produces the highest ozone concentration in the ozone industry.

Ozone is safe for users and the environment, as it simply reforms into oxygen molecules without emitting any toxic by-products after the sanitization process. Ozone simply reforms back into oxygen molecules after the ozone water treatment process, without emitting any harmful by-products. Ozone water is perfect for use in patients with gum disease, as there is no risk of them breathing in harmful chemicals. 

Conclusion: Ozone Water Can Kill the COVID-19 Virus and Other Harmful Pathogens

Patients are understandably concerned about the risks of contracting COVID-19 during dental surgery. Research conducted by Nara Medical University in Japan has proven that low-concentration ozone emitted by the OWS-3 from BioSure deactivates 99.99% of the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) virus on surfaces. It is proven to be particularly effective in highly humid environments and even prevents airborne transmission of the disease. Aqueous ozone is a great solution for dental patients looking for extra protection and improved oral hygiene.