Antimicrobial effect of ozonated water against cariogenic Streptococcus mutans

Abstract

Ozone is a strong antimicrobial agent against bacteria, fungi, protozoan and viruses. In the present study, we examined the effect of ozonated water on oral microorganisms. After exposure of ozonated water, cell viability of oral microorganisms significantly decreased. There were no significant difference in the antimicrobial activity between ozonated water and oral disinfectants such as povidone iodine and benzethonium chloride. In addition, electron microscopic analysis revealed virtually complete breakage of ozonated water-treated S. mutans, suggesting that membrane components are the primary targets of ozonated water. Taken together, these results suggest that the ozonated water should be useful in reducing the numbers of infections caused by oral microoganisms.