engleski

Effects of low-power laser treatment on hyposalivation

Purpose: Hyposalivation is usually followed by inadequate mechanical cleaning of the mouth and decrease in the levels of salivary antimicrobial proteins (including secretory immunoglobulinA [sIgA]). It is accompanied by difficulties during speaking and food swallowing, with an unpleasant taste, burning sensations in the mouth and higher susceptibility to oral diseases. Low-power laser treatment (LT) can intensify cell metabolism and its application on salivary glands could improve salivation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of LT on salivation of patients suffering from hypo salivation. Methods: The study included 17 patients with hypo salivation. Their major salivary glands were treated with low intensity laser BTL2000 on 10 occasions. The whole unstimulated and stimulated saliva quantities were measured just before the 1st, after the 10th and 30 days following the last (10th) treatment. In the samples of unstimulated saliva concentrations of sIgA were estimated by using ELISA method 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 in this three time points. Results: Statistical tests revealed significant salivation improvement quantitatively and qualitatively, i.e. increase in the quantity of saliva and sIgA. VAS score was also significantly improved and no negative side effects were observed. Conclusions: According to the results of this study, application of LT to xerostomic patients’ major salivary glands stimulates them to produce more saliva with better antimicrobial characteristics and improves the difficulties that are associated with hypo salivation. Relevance: This simple, non-invasive method could be used in everyday clinical practice for the treatment of hyposalivation.

low-level laser treatment; xerostomia; sIgA

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