Photobiomodulation therapy for salivary gland hypofunction: a preliminary human study

Area of Science:

• Dentistry and Oral Health
• Biomedical Engineering
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• Salivary gland hypofunction (SGH) severely impacts oral health, increasing risks of decay, infections, and xerostomia.
• Current therapies for SGH aim to boost saliva production, but novel approaches are needed.
• Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) has emerged as a promising, non-invasive treatment for SGH.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy of PBMT in improving salivary flow rates in patients with SGH.
• To evaluate the impact of PBMT on the quality of life for patients experiencing SGH.
• To determine the long-term effects of PBMT on salivary function in patients on continuous medication.

Main Methods:

• A preliminary study involving eight patients diagnosed with SGH (salivary flow ≤ 0.2 mL/min).
• Patients received ten PBMT sessions targeting major salivary glands.
• Outcomes were measured using sialometry, quality of life questionnaires (XeQoLS), and dysphagia assessments (EAT-10), with follow-up 45 days post-therapy.

Main Results:

• Significant improvement in unstimulated whole saliva flow (UWSF) rate observed during the 5th and 10th PBMT sessions (p < 0.01).
• Sustained increase in UWSF rate noted 45 days after the final PBMT session (p = 0.04), indicating a long-term therapeutic effect.
• PBMT demonstrated potential to improve quality of life and reduce dysphagia symptoms in SGH patients.

Conclusions:

• PBMT is an effective therapeutic option for salivary gland hypofunction.
• The positive effects of PBMT on salivary flow are significant and sustained post-treatment.
• PBMT offers a promising approach to enhance saliva production and improve patient well-being in SGH cases, including those with medication-induced SGH.