ROLE OF TOPICAL OXYGEN ORAL THERAPY IN WOUND HEALING OF ORAL AND PERIODONTAL TISSUES: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

In recent decades, numerous periodontal and peri-implant surgical procedures have been proposed to enhance patients’ oral health-related quality of life. However, these surgical procedures may cause acute or chronic wounds in the oral cavity. The success of these procedures largely depends on the wound-healing process. Several adjuvant therapies, such as oxygen therapy, ultrasound techniques, photobiomodulation lasers, biological derivatives, and chemical stimulants, have been proposed for microbial control in the surgical field, reduction of postoperative morbidity, and/or acceleration of tissue-healing processes. Topical oxygen oral therapy has recently gained interest from oral and periodontal care providers to improve wound healing in the oral cavity and control microbial dysbiosis, which hinders optimal wound care. This review aimed to explore how topical oxygen interacts with tissue healing at the wound site and promotes angiogenesis during the proliferative phase of wound healing. A proprietary topical oxygen agent that reportedly increases oxygenation has also been highlighted.