Low-Level Laser Therapy for Burning Mouth Syndrome
Author Information
Author(s): Mu Wenxin, Li Shanshan, Lu Qian, Wang Juan, Tao Xiaoan
Primary Institution: Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
Hypothesis
This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for immediate pain relief due to burning mouth syndrome (BMS).
Conclusion
LLLT may provide non-pharmacological, non-invasive, side-effect-free, and rapid pain relief for painful BMS patients.
Supporting Evidence
- 71.3% of patients reported an immediate pain decrease after LLLT.
- The mean post-LLLT reduction in pain was 2.2 ± 2.0 on a 0-to-10 scale.
- 58.5% of patients achieved an effective response with pain reduction over 25%.
- Patients with higher pain scores before treatment were more likely to benefit from LLLT.
Takeaway
Doctors used a special laser to help people with burning mouth syndrome feel less pain right away, and it worked for many of them.
Methodology
This retrospective study included 94 BMS patients treated with an intraoral semiconductor laser, with pain assessed using a visual analogue scale before and after treatment.
Limitations
The study is a case-control study without a placebo control and has a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
The study included 94 patients, predominantly female (75.5%), aged 36 to 79 years, with a mean age of 56.36 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95 CI%: 47.9%; 68.6%
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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