engleski

Low-Level Laser Treatment of Xerostomic Patients’ Major Salivary Glands Increases Salivary Flow Rate and Quantity of Secretory Immunoglobulin A. Preliminary Report.

Xerostomia (X), i.e. reduction in salivary glands secretion, is a common problem in the general population. Because of inadequate mechanical cleaning of the mouth and decrease in the levels of salivary antimicrobial proteins (including secretory immunoglobulinA (sIgA)), it is accompanied with difficulties during speaking and food swallowing but also with an unpleasant taste, a burning sensations in the mouth and higher susceptibility to oral infections, periodontal diseases and caries. Low-level laser treatment (LLLT) can intensify cell metabolism and its application on salivary glands could improve salivation. The aim of this study was to investigate whether it is possible to increase salivary flow rate in patient suffering from X by applying of LLLT to their salivary glands. The second aim was to ascertain if LLLT induces synthesis of sIgA in salivary glands. The preliminary study included 8 patients diagnosed with X. Their major salivary glands were treated with low intensity laser BTL 2000 on 10 occasions. The whole unstimulated and stimulated saliva quantities were measured before and after the LLLT. In the samples of unstimulated saliva concentrations of sIgA were estimated by using ELISA and it’ s quantity in the time unit was calculated. The visual analogue scale (VAS) score was used to assess burning and/or pain intensity before and after the LLLT. The results of the LLLT of xerostomic patients’ major salivary glands indicate salivation improvement quantitatively and quantitatively, i.e. increase in the quantity of saliva and sIgA. VAS score was improved and no negative side effects were observed. By applying of the LLLT, it is possible to stimulate them to produce more saliva with better antimicrobial characteristics and to facilitate the difficulties that are accompanied with X. Further investigation is needed to ascertain if this simple, non-invasive method can be introduced in everyday clinical practice as a routine procedure for the treatment of X.

low-level laser treatment; xerostomia; sIgA

nije evidentirano