Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Effects of low-level light therapy on xerostomia related to hyposalivation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials

  • Review Article
  • Published:
Lasers in Medical Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Hyposalivation is a condition represented by a reduced salivary flow and may include symptoms such as mouth dryness (xerostomia), loss of taste, pain, dysphagia, and dysphonia, all of which greatly affect an individual’s quality of life.

The aim of the present study was to systematically review the effects of low-level light therapy irradiation (photobiomodulation) on salivary gland function in patients with hyposalivation.

The main question of the systematic review was: “Does low-level light irradiation therapy of the salivary glands affect salivary flow rate or indicators of salivary function (ion and protein concentrations) in patients with xerostomia or hyposalivation?” The question was based on the PICO (participant, intervention, control, outcome) principle and followed the PRISMA guidelines. Databases were explored and papers published between the years 1997 and 2020 were reviewed for the following Mesh-term keywords and their corresponding entry terms in different combinations: “Low-level light therapy,” “Xerostomia,” “Saliva,” “Salivary glands,” “Salivation.”

The initial sample consisted of 220 articles. Of those, 47 articles were used for full-text analysis and 18 were used for a systematic review, 14 were used in meta-analysis. According to their individual quality, most articles were classified as high quality of evidence according to the GRADE score. Meta-analysis of the evidence observed increase of unstimulated salivary flow 0.51 SMD compared to placebo (95% CI: 0.16–0.86), I2 = 50%, p = 0.005.

The findings of our review revealed evidence of a beneficial effect of photobiomodulation therapy on salivary gland function. The therapy alleviates xerostomia and hyposalivation. However, these effects are reported short term only and did not induce lasting effects of photobiomodulation therapy on patients’ quality of life.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Saleh J, Figueiredo MA, Cherubini K, Salum FG (2015) Salivary hypofunction: an update on aetiology, diagnosis and therapeutics. Arch Oral Biol 60(2):242–255. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.archoralbio.2014.10.004

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  2. Mese H, Matsuo R (2007) Salivary secretion, taste and hyposalivation. J Oral Rehabil 34(10):711–723. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2842.2007.01794.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  3. Nederfors T (2000) Xerostomia and hyposalivation. Adv Dent Res 14:48–56. https://doi.org/10.1177/08959374000140010701

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  4. Ship JA, Fox PC, Baum BJ (1991) How much saliva is enough? ‘Normal’ function defined. J Am Dent Assoc 122(3):63–69. https://doi.org/10.14219/jada.archive.1991.0098

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  5. Dirix P, Nuyts S, Vander Poorten V, Delaere P, Van den Bogaert W (2008) The influence of xerostomia after radiotherapy on quality of life: results of a questionnaire in head and neck cancer. Support Care Cancer 16(2):171–179. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-007-0300-5

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  6. Fidelix T, Czapkowski A, Azjen S, Andriolo A, Neto PH, Trevisani V (2018) Low-level laser therapy for xerostomia in primary Sjogren’s syndrome: a randomized trial. Clin Rheumatol 37(3):729–736. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10067-017-3898-9

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  7. Cassolato SF, Turnbull RS (2003) Xerostomia: clinical aspects and treatment. Gerodontology 20(2):64–77. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-2358.2003.00064.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  8. Farivar S, Malekshahabi T, Shiari R (2014) Biological effects of low level laser therapy. J Lasers Med Sci 5(2):58–62

    PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  9. Huang YY, Chen AC, Carroll JD, Hamblin MR (2009) Biphasic dose response in low level light therapy. Dose-response : a publication of International Hormesis Society 7(4):358–383. https://doi.org/10.2203/dose-response.09-027.Hamblin

    Article  Google Scholar 

  10. Sousa AS, Silva JF, Pavesi VCS, Carvalho NA, Ribeiro-Junior O, Varellis MLZ, Prates RA, Bussadori SK, Goncalves MLL, Horliana A, Deana AM (2019) Photobiomodulation and salivary glands: a systematic review. Lasers Med Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-019-02914-1

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  11. Mason MG, Nicholls P (1837) Cooper CE (2014) Re-evaluation of the near infrared spectra of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase: Implications for non invasive in vivo monitoring of tissues. Biochem Biophys Acta 11:1882–1891. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbabio.2014.08.005

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Heiskanen V, Hamblin MR (2018) Photobiomodulation: lasers vs. light emitting diodes? Photochem Photobiol Sci 17(8):1003–1017. https://doi.org/10.1039/c8pp90049c

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  13. Karu T (2010) Mitochondrial mechanisms of photobiomodulation in context of new data about multiple roles of ATP. Photomed Laser Surg 28(2):159–160. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2010.2789

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  14. Nemeth L, Groselj M, Golez A, Arhar A, Frangez I, Cankar K (2019) The impact of photobiomodulation of major salivary glands on caries risk. Lasers Med Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-019-02845-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  15. da Silva MR, da Silva Sergio LP, Polignano GA, Presta GA, Guimaraes OR, Geller M, de Paoli S, de Paoli F, da Fonseca AS (2012) Laser for treatment of aphthous ulcers on bacteria cultures and DNA. Photochem Photobiol Sci 11(9):1476–1483. https://doi.org/10.1039/c2pp25027f

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Loncar B, Stipetic MM, Baricevic M, Risovic D (2011) The effect of low-level laser therapy on salivary glands in patients with xerostomia. Photomed Laser Surg 29(3):171–175. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2010.2792

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  17. Fukuoka CY, Simoes A, Uchiyama T, Arana-Chavez VE, Abiko Y, Kuboyama N, Bhawal UK (2017) The effects of low-power laser irradiation on inflammation and apoptosis in submandibular glands of diabetes-induced rats. PLoS ONE 12(1):e0169443. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0169443

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  18. Plavnik LM, De Crosa ME, Malberti AI (2003) Effect of low-power radiation (helium/neon) upon submandibulary glands. J Clin Laser Med Surg 21(4):219–225. https://doi.org/10.1089/104454703768247792

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  19. Onizawa K, Muramatsu T, Matsuki M, Ohta K, Matsuzaka K, Oda Y, Shimono M (2009) Low-level (gallium-aluminum-arsenide) laser irradiation of Par-C10 cells and acinar cells of rat parotid gland. Lasers Med Sci 24(2):155–161. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-008-0541-7

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  20. Vidovic Juras D, Lukac J, Cekic-Arambasin A, Vidovic A, Canjuga I, Sikora M, Carek A, Ledinsky M (2010) Effects of low-level laser treatment on mouth dryness. Coll Antropol 34(3):1039–1043

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  21. Saleh J, Figueiredo MA, Cherubini K, Braga-Filho A, Salum FG (2014) Effect of low-level laser therapy on radiotherapy-induced hyposalivation and xerostomia: a pilot study. Photomed Laser Surg 32(10):546–552. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2014.3741

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  22. Simoes A, de Campos L, de Souza DN, de Matos JA, Freitas PM, Nicolau J (2010) Laser phototherapy as topical prophylaxis against radiation-induced xerostomia. Photomed Laser Surg 28(3):357–363. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2009.2486

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  23. Gonnelli FA, Palma LF, Giordani AJ, Deboni AL, Dias RS, Segreto RA, Segreto HR (2016) Low-level laser therapy for the prevention of low salivary flow rate after radiotherapy and chemotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Radiol Bras 49(2):86–91. https://doi.org/10.1590/0100-3984.2014.0144

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  24. Biswas R, Ahn JC, Moon JH, Kim J, Choi YH, Park SY (1862) Chung PS (2018) Low-level laser therapy with 850nm recovers salivary function via membrane redistribution of aquaporin 5 by reducing intracellular Ca(2+) overload and ER stress during hyperglycemia. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 8:1770–1780. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.05.008

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Brzak BL, Cigic L, Baricevic M, Sabol I, Mravak-Stipetic M, Risovic D (2018) Different protocols of photobiomodulation therapy of hyposalivation. Photomed Laser Surg 36(2):78–82. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2017.4325

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  26. Guyatt G, Oxman AD, Akl EA, Kunz R, Vist G, Brozek J, Norris S, Falck-Ytter Y, Glasziou P, DeBeer H, Jaeschke R, Rind D, Meerpohl J, Dahm P, Schunemann HJ (2011) GRADE guidelines: 1. Introduction-GRADE evidence profiles and summary of findings tables. J Clin Epidemiol 64(4):383–394. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2010.04.026

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  27. Guyatt GH, Oxman AD, Vist GE, Kunz R, Falck-Ytter Y, Alonso-Coello P, Schunemann HJ, Group GW (2008) GRADE: an emerging consensus on rating quality of evidence and strength of recommendations. BMJ 336(7650):924–926. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.39489.470347.AD

    Article  Google Scholar 

  28. Wallace BC, Schmid CH, Lau J, Trikalinos TA (2009) Meta-Analyst: software for meta-analysis of binary, continuous and diagnostic data. BMC Med Res Methodol 9:80. https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2288-9-80

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  29. Higgins JP, Thompson SG (2002) Quantifying heterogeneity in a meta-analysis. Stat Med 21(11):1539–1558. https://doi.org/10.1002/sim.1186

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  30. Acauan MD, Gomes AP, Braga-Filho A, de Figueiredo MA, Cherubini K, Salum FG (2015) Effect of low-level laser therapy on irradiated parotid glands–study in mice. J Biomed Opt 20(10):108002. https://doi.org/10.1117/1.JBO.20.10.108002

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  31. de Jesus VC, Beanes G, Paraguassu GM, Ramalho LM, Pinheiro AL, Ramalho MJ, Rodriguez TT (2015) Influence of laser photobiomodulation (GaAlAs) on salivary flow rate and histomorphometry of the submandibular glands of hypothyroid rats. Lasers Med Sci 30(4):1275–1280. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-015-1725-6

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  32. Simoes A, Ganzerla E, Yamaguti PM, de Paula EC, Nicolau J (2009) Effect of diode laser on enzymatic activity of parotid glands of diabetic rats. Lasers Med Sci 24(4):591–596. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-008-0619-2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  33. Simoes A, Nicolau J, de Souza DN, Ferreira LS, de Paula EC, Apel C, Gutknecht N (2008) Effect of defocused infrared diode laser on salivary flow rate and some salivary parameters of rats. Clin Oral Invest 12(1):25–30. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-007-0135-y

    Article  Google Scholar 

  34. Uzeda ESVD, Rodriguez TT, Ramalho LMP, Xavier FCA, de Castro ICV, Pinheiro ALB, Dos Santos JN (2017) Does laser phototherapy influence the proliferation of myoepithelial cells in the salivary gland of hypothyroid rats? J Photochem Photobiol B 173:681–685. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2017.07.008

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  35. de Castro JR, de Souza EMN, Park YJ, de Campos L, Cha S, Arana-Chavez VE, Nicolau J, Simões A (2018) Low-power laser irradiation decreases lipid droplet accumulation in the parotid glands of diabetic rats. J Biophotonics 11(4):e201700179. https://doi.org/10.1002/jbio.201700179

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  36. Simões A, Siqueira WL, Lamers ML, Santos MF, Eduardo Cde P, Nicolau J (2009) Laser phototherapy effect on protein metabolism parameters of rat salivary glands. Lasers Med Sci 24(2):202–208. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-008-0548-0

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  37. Pavlic V (2012) The effects of low-level laser therapy on xerostomia (mouth dryness). Med Pregl 65(5–6):247–250

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  38. Spanemberg JC, Figueiredo MA, Cherubini K, Salum FG (2016) Low-level laser therapy: a review of its applications in the management of oral mucosal disorders. Altern Ther Health Med 22(6):24–31

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  39. Zecha JA, Raber-Durlacher JE, Nair RG, Epstein JB, Elad S, Hamblin MR, Barasch A, Migliorati CA, Milstein DM, Genot MT, Lansaat L, van der Brink R, Arnabat-Dominguez J, van der Molen L, Jacobi I, van Diessen J, de Lange J, Smeele LE, Schubert MM, Bensadoun RJ (2016) Low-level laser therapy/photobiomodulation in the management of side effects of chemoradiation therapy in head and neck cancer: part 2: proposed applications and treatment protocols. Support Care Cancer 24(6):2793–2805. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3153-y

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  40. Galiano-Castillo N, Liu L, Lozano-Lozano M, Tumilty S, Cantarero-Villanueva I, Baxter GD (2020) Acute and cumulative benefits of Photobiomodulation for xerostomia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Dis. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.13648

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  41. Heiskanen V, Zadik Y, Elad S (2020) Photobiomodulation therapy for cancer treatment-related salivary gland dysfunction: a systematic review. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 38(6):340–347. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4767

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  42. Mercadante V, Al Hamad A, Lodi G, Porter S, Fedele S (2017) Interventions for the management of radiotherapy-induced xerostomia and hyposalivation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Oral Oncol 66:64–74. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2016.12.031

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  43. Zhang W, Hu L, Zhao W, Yan Z (2020) Effectiveness of photobiomodulation in the treatment of primary burning mouth syndrome-a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lasers Med Sci. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-020-03109-9

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  44. Kalhori KAM, Vahdatinia F, Jamalpour MR, Vescovi P, Fornaini C, Merigo E, Fekrazad R (2019) Photobiomodulation in oral medicine. Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 37(12):837–861. https://doi.org/10.1089/photob.2019.4706

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  45. Louzeiro GC, Teixeira DDS, Cherubini K, de Figueiredo MAZ, Salum FG (2020) Does laser photobiomodulation prevent hyposalivation in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy? A systematic review and meta-analysis of controlled trials. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 156:103115. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103115

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  46. Barbosa NG, Gonzaga AKG, de Sena Fernandes LL, da Fonseca AG, Queiroz S, Lemos T, da Silveira EJD, de Medeiros AMC (2018) Evaluation of laser therapy and alpha-lipoic acid for the treatment of burning mouth syndrome: a randomized clinical trial. Lasers Med Sci 33(6):1255–1262. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-018-2472-2

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  47. González-Arriagada WA, Ramos LMA, Andrade MAC, Lopes MA (2018) Efficacy of low-level laser therapy as an auxiliary tool for management of acute side effects of head and neck radiotherapy. Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy : official publication of the European Society for Laser Dermatology 20(2):117–122. https://doi.org/10.1080/14764172.2017.1376097

    Article  Google Scholar 

  48. Oton-Leite AF, Corrêa de Castro AC, Morais MO, Pinezi JC, Leles CR, Mendonça EF (2012) Effect of intraoral low-level laser therapy on quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy. Head Neck 34(3):398–404. https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.21737

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  49. Oton-Leite AF, Silva GB, Morais MO, Silva TA, Leles CR, Valadares MC, Pinezi JC, Batista AC, Mendonça EF (2015) Effect of low-level laser therapy on chemoradiotherapy-induced oral mucositis and salivary inflammatory mediators in head and neck cancer patients. Lasers Surg Med 47(4):296–305. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22349

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  50. Simoes A, Platero MD, Campos L, Aranha AC, Eduardo Cde P, Nicolau J (2009) Laser as a therapy for dry mouth symptoms in a patient with Sjogren’s syndrome: a case report. Special care in dentistry : official publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry 29(3):134–137

    Article  Google Scholar 

  51. Mobadder ME, Farhat F, Mobadder WE, Nammour S (2018) Photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of oral mucositis, dysgeusia and oral dryness as side-effects of head and neck radiotherapy in a cancer patient: a case report. Dentist J 6 (4). https://doi.org/10.3390/dj6040064

  52. Pedroni ACF, Miniello TG, Hirota C, Carvalho MH, Lascala CA, Marques MM (2020) Successful application of antimicrobial photodynamic and photobiomodulation therapies for controlling osteoradionecrosis and xerostomia after laryngeal carcinoma treatment: a case report of full oral rehabilitation. Photodiagn Photodyn Ther 31:101835. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2020.101835

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  53. Martins AFL, Nogueira TE, Morais MO, Oton-Leite AF, Valadares MC, Batista AC, Freitas NMA, Leles CR, Mendonca EF (2019) Effect of photobiomodulation on the severity of oral mucositis and molecular changes in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a study protocol for a cost-effectiveness randomized clinical trial. Trials 20(1):97. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-019-3196-8

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  54. Vieira KA, Bastos CM, Vitor MGC, Deana AM, Fernandes KPS, Rodrigues M, Pavesi VCS, Bussadori SK (2018) Use of low-level laser therapy on children aged 1 to 5 years with energy-protein malnutrition: a clinical trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 97(17):e0538. https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000010538

    Article  Google Scholar 

  55. Varellis MLZ, Gonçalves MLL, Pavesi VCS, Horliana A, de Fátima Teixeira da Silva D, Motta LJ, Barbosa Filho VF, Bezerra CDS, Silva FGD, Bussadori SK, Deana AM, (2020) Evaluation of photobiomodulation in salivary production of patients with xerostomy induced by anti-hypertensive drugs: Study protocol clinical trial (SPIRIT compliant). Medicine (Baltimore) 99(16):e19583. https://doi.org/10.1097/md.0000000000019583

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  56. Moher D, Liberati A, Tetzlaff J, Altman DG, Group P (2009) Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. J Clin Epidemiol 62(10):1006–1012. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2009.06.005

    Article  Google Scholar 

  57. Palma LF, Gonnelli FAS, Marcucci M, Dias RS, Giordani AJ, Segreto RA, Segreto HRC (2017) Impact of low-level laser therapy on hyposalivation, salivary pH, and quality of life in head and neck cancer patients post-radiotherapy. Lasers Med Sci 32(4):827–832. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2180-3

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  58. Terlevic Dabic D, Jurisic S, Vucicevic Boras V, Gabric D, Bago I, Vrdoljak DV (2016) The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy in patients with drug-induced hyposalivation: a pilot study. Photomed Laser Surg 34(9):389–393. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2016.4109

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  59. Valenzuela S, Lopez-Jornet P (2017) Effects of low-level laser therapy on burning mouth syndrome. J Oral Rehabil 44(2):125–132. https://doi.org/10.1111/joor.12463

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  60. Wibawa A, Sucharitakul J, Dansirikul R, Pisarnturakit P, Bhuridej P, Arirachakaran P (2018) Low-level laser therapy to the major salivary glands increases salivary flow and MUC5B protein secretion in diabetic patients with hyposalivation: a preliminary study. Makara J Health Res 22(1):14–21

    Google Scholar 

  61. Arbabi-Kalati F, Arbabi-Kalati F, Moridi T (2013) Evaluation of the effect of low level laser on prevention of chemotherapy-induced mucositis. Acta Med Iran 51(3):157–162

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  62. Cowen D, Tardieu C, Schubert M, Peterson D, Resbeut M, Faucher C, Franquin JC (1997) Low energy Helium-Neon laser in the prevention of oral mucositis in patients undergoing bone marrow transplant: results of a double blind randomized trial. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 38(4):697–703. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0360-3016(97)00076-x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  63. Libik TV, Gileva OS, Danilov KV, Grigorev SS, Pozdnyakova AA (2017) Management of cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis pain and xerostomia with extra- and intra oral laser irradiation. In: Gutmanas EY, Naimark OB, Sharkeev YP (eds) Physics of cancer: interdisciplinary problems and clinical applications, vol 1882. AIP Conference Proceedings https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5001623

  64. Louzeiro GC, Cherubini K, de Figueiredo MAZ, Salum FG (2020) Effect of photobiomodulation on salivary flow and composition, xerostomia and quality of life of patients during head and neck radiotherapy in short term follow-up: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Photochem Photobiol B Biol 209. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111933

  65. Oton-Leite AF, Elias LS, Morais MO, Pinezi JC, Leles CR, Silva MA, Mendonça EF (2013) Effect of low level laser therapy in the reduction of oral complications in patients with cancer of the head and neck submitted to radiotherapy. Special care in dentistry : official publication of the American Association of Hospital Dentists, the Academy of Dentistry for the Handicapped, and the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry 33(6):294–300. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1754-4505.2012.00303.x

    Article  Google Scholar 

  66. Gonnelli FA, Palma LF, Giordani AJ, Deboni AL, Dias RS, Segreto RA, Segreto HR (2016) Low-level laser for mitigation of low salivary flow rate in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiochemotherapy: a prospective longitudinal study. Photomed Laser Surg 34(8):326–330. https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2016.4104

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  67. Nemeth L, Groselj M, Golez A, Arhar A, Frangez I, Cankar K (2020) The impact of photobiomodulation of major salivary glands on caries risk. Lasers Med Sci 35(1):193–203. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-019-02845-x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  68. Wibawa A, Sucharitakul J, Dansirikul R, Pisarnturakit PP, Bhuridej P, Arirachakaran P (2018) Low-level laser therapy to the major salivary glands increases salivary flow and MUC5B protein secretion in diabetic patients with hyposalivation: a preliminary study. Makara J Health Res 22(1):14–21. https://doi.org/10.7454/msk.v22i1.8547

    Article  Google Scholar 

  69. Slade GD (1997) Derivation and validation of a short-form oral health impact profile. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 25(4):284–290. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0528.1997.tb00941.x

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  70. Slade GD, Spencer AJ (1994) Development and evaluation of the Oral Health Impact Profile. Community Dent Health 11(1):3–11

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  71. Thomson WM (2007) Measuring change in dry-mouth symptoms over time using the Xerostomia Inventory. Gerodontology 24(1):30–35. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-2358.2007.00137.x

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  72. Egger M, Davey Smith G, Schneider M, Minder C (1997) Bias in meta-analysis detected by a simple, graphical test. BMJ 315(7109):629–634. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.315.7109.629

    Article  CAS  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  73. Louzeiro GC, Cherubini K, de Figueiredo MAZ, Salum FG (2020) Effect of photobiomodulation on salivary flow and composition, xerostomia and quality of life of patients during head and neck radiotherapy in short term follow-up: a randomized controlled clinical trial. J Photochem Photobiol B 209:111933. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2020.111933

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  74. El Mobadder M, Farhat F, El Mobadder W, Nammour S (2019) Photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of oral mucositis, dysphagia, oral dryness, taste alteration, and burning mouth sensation due to cancer therapy: a case series. Int J Env Res Pub He 16 (22). https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph16224505

  75. Frangez I, Cankar K, Ban Frangez H, Smrke DM (2017) The effect of LED on blood microcirculation during chronic wound healing in diabetic and non-diabetic patients-a prospective, double-blind randomized study. Lasers Med Sci 32(4):887–894. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-017-2189-7

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  76. Chaves ME, Araujo AR, Piancastelli AC, Pinotti M (2014) Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASER x LED. An Bras Dermatol 89(4):616–623. https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806-4841.20142519

    Article  PubMed  PubMed Central  Google Scholar 

  77. Taroni P, Pifferi A, Torricelli A, Comelli D, Cubeddu R (2003) In vivo absorption and scattering spectroscopy of biological tissues. Photochem Photobiol Sci 2(2):124–129. https://doi.org/10.1039/b209651j

    Article  CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  78. Nussbaum EL, Lilge L, Mazzulli T (2002) Effects of 630-, 660-, 810-, and 905-nm laser irradiation delivering radiant exposure of 1–50 J/cm2 on three species of bacteria in vitro. J Clin Laser Med Surg 20(6):325–333. https://doi.org/10.1089/104454702320901116

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  79. Romanelli M, Piaggesi A, Scapagnini G, Dini V, Janowska A, Iacopi E, Scarpa C, Fauverghe S, Bassetto F, Group ES (2018) Evaluation of fluorescence biomodulation in the real-life management of chronic wounds: the EUREKA trial. J Wound Care 27(11):744–753. https://doi.org/10.12968/jowc.2018.27.11.744

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 4, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Aljaž Golež & Ksenija Cankar

  2. Department for Surgical Infections, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 2, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Igor Frangež

  3. Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Helena Ban Frangež

  4. Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Zaloska cesta 7, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Igor Frangež

  5. Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Medical Center Ljubljana, Slajmerjeva 3, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Helena Ban Frangež

  6. Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopaedics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Hrvatski trg 6, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Maja Ovsenik

  7. Department of Dental Diseases and Normal Dental Morphology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Hrvatski trg 6, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Lidija Nemeth

  8. Division of Stomatology, University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Stomatoloska klinika, Hrvatski trg 6, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia

    Lidija Nemeth

Authors
  1. Aljaž Golež
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Igor Frangež
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ksenija Cankar
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Helena Ban Frangež
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Maja Ovsenik
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Lidija Nemeth
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Ethics declarations

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation is a treatment modality which is non-invasive and patient friendly. Based on the findings of the present systematic review, it can be concluded that sufficient evidence exists about the beneficial effect of PBM on unstimulated salivary flow and other salivary parameters. However, there is insufficient evidence to prove that the effects of PBM are long-lasting enough to improve patients’ quality of life.

The manuscript represents valid work; neither this manuscript nor one with substantially similar content under this authorship has been published or is being considered for publication elsewhere (except as described in the manuscript submission); and copies of any closely related manuscripts are enclosed in the manuscript submission.

Ethical approval

As a systematic review, the article is based on papers which were previously considered for ethical standards.

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Golež, A., Frangež, I., Cankar, K. et al. Effects of low-level light therapy on xerostomia related to hyposalivation: a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical trials. Lasers Med Sci 37, 745–758 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03392-0

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103-021-03392-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation