Effects of photobiomodulation with low‐level laser therapy in burning mouth syndrome: A randomized clinical trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation (PBM) has proven to be effective in different painful conditions. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of photobiomodulation for pain management in burning mouth syndrome (BMS) patients, besides analysing the impact on different aspects of quality of life. METHODS: during 10 sessions, comparing with a placebo group (n = 10) with the laser turned off. Pain was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS) before starting each treatment session, and at the 1-month and 4-month follow-up appointments. Some validated questionnaires for general health were also complete: SF-36, OHIP-14, Epworth, SCL 90-R and McGill. RESULTS: All patients (n = 10) in the study group improved their pain ending treatment and remaining among 90% (n = 9) in the 4-month follow-up. Significant improvement was found in the study group in some sections of McGill questionnaire, Epworth scale, and SCL 90-R at the end of the treatment and in the 1-month and 4-month follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Photobiomodulation seems to be effective in reducing pain in patients with BMS, as well as, having a positive impact on the psychological state of these patients.