Low-Level Laser Therapy in Burning Mouth Syndrome Patients: A Pilot Study

Author(s)

Kato, Ilka Tiemy ^[1] ; Pellegrini, Vivian Diane ^[2] ; Prates, Renato Araujo ^[1] ; Ribeiro, Martha Simoes ^[1] ; Wetter, Niklaus Ursus ^[1] ; Sugaya, Norberto Nobuo ^[2]

Affiliation

^[1] IPEN CNEN SP, Ctr Lasers & Aplicacoes, Sao Paulo - Brazil

^[2] Univ Sao Paulo, Fac Odontol, BR-05508000 Sao Paulo - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: Photomedicine and Laser Surgery; v. 28, n. 6, p. 835-839, DEC 2010.
• Web of Science Citations: 20

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on the treatment of burning mouth syndrome (BMS). In addition, the laser effect was compared on the different affected oral sites. Materials and Methods: Eleven subjects with a total of 25 sites (tongue, lower lip, upper lip, and palate) affected by a burning sensation were selected. The affected areas were irradiated once a week for three consecutive weeks with an infrared laser (lambda = 790 nm). The probe was kept in contact with the tissue, and the mucosal surface was scanned during the irradiation. The exposure time was calculated based on the fluence of 6 J/cm(2), the output power of 120 mW, and the area to be treated. Burning intensity was recorded through a visual analog scale before and after the treatment and at the 6-week follow-up. The percentage of the improvement in symptoms was also obtained. Results: Burning intensity at the end of the laser therapy was statistically lower than at the beginning (p < 0.01). Patients reported an 80.4% reduction in the intensity of symptoms after laser treatment. There was no statistical difference between the end of the treatment and the 6-week follow-up, except for the tongue site. Conclusion: Under the investigated parameters, infrared LLLT proved to be a valuable alternative for BMS treatment, providing a significant and lasting reduction in symptoms. (AU)