HBOT: A New Approach to Treating Periodontal Disease

The article is reprinted from Oxygen Therapy Insights

Periodontal disease, widely regarded as oral health's greatest enemy, stems from infections driven by anaerobic bacteria in dental plaque. While conventional treatments can offer temporary symptom relief, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) demonstrates distinct advantages—thanks to its unique mode of action—in combating anaerobic bacteria, reducing inflammation and bleeding, easing pain, and enhancing tooth stability.

1. Targeting the Cause: Powerful Suppression of Anaerobic Bacteria
The primary pathogens in periodontal disease are Gram-negative anaerobic bacilli, which thrive in oxygen-deprived environments. HBOT involves breathing pure or highly concentrated oxygen at 1.6–2.5 atmospheres absolute (ATA), significantly increasing oxygen partial pressure within periodontal pockets and directly disrupting the survival conditions for anaerobic bacteria.

Clinical studies indicate that after combined HBOT treatment, anaerobic bacterial colonies in periodontal pockets decrease by over 50%, with an effective rate of 90.11% (compared to 79.12% in control groups). This shift from an oxygen-poor to an oxygen-rich environment addresses the source of infection at its root.

2. Rapid Reduction of Gum Swelling and Bleeding
HBOT alleviates gum swelling and bleeding through a dual mechanism:
Vasoconstriction to reduce exudation:：HBOT promotes capillary constriction, lowers vascular permeability, and reduces tissue fluid leakage, quickly relieving gum edema.

Promotion of micro-circulation reconstruction: By stimulating vascular endothelial growth factor production, HBOT accelerates the establishment of collateral circulation and improves local blood supply.

3. Effective Pain Relief and Improvement in Tooth Mobility
Pain in periodontal disease mainly stems from tissue pressure and inflammatory mediator stimulation. HBOT addresses this through the following pathways:

Reducing nerve compression: By alleviating tissue edema, HBOT decreases pressure on nerve endings.

Promoting tissue repair: It stimulates fibro-blast proliferation and collagen synthesis, accelerating the repair of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Clinical observations show that patients experience noticeable pain relief after 3–5 sessions, with significantly reduced tooth mobility and improved chewing efficiency after 1–2 treatment courses.

It is important to note that HBOT yields optimal results when combined with foundational treatments such as supragingival scaling and subgingival root planing.
In summary, through its multi-target effects—suppressing anaerobic bacteria, improving micro-circulation, and promoting tissue repair—hyperbaric oxygen therapy offers a scientifically grounded adjunctive treatment for periodontal disease. Early and standardized application can significantly enhance treatment outcomes, helping patients restore their oral health.