Determination of effectiveness of photobiomodulation in the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis

Context: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is chronic, scarring disease of the oral cavity. Cytokines and growth factors produced by inflammatory cells play a major role in its pathogenesis. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) application, which has an anti-inflammatory, was used to determine the improvement in mouth opening. Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) in OSMF treatment. Materials and Methods: Thirty patients who were diagnosed with OSMF after obtaining consent form and ethical clearance were included. LLLT was applied for 4 cycles for 15 s each in the left and right buccal mucosa. Therapy was done on day 0, 3, 7, and 15 and measurements were done immediately after each LLLT application. Patients were recalled after 1, 3, and 6 months from the commencement of the therapy for follow-up measurements. Results: The mean increase in mouth opening following application of LLLT from day 0 to day 15 was 9.91 +/- 3.34, and day 1-6 months was 14.29 +/- 6.82, which was statistically significant. Conclusions: The study shows significant improvements in the mouth opening of the OSMF patient during treatment and postoperatively. Thus, our study confirms LLLT can be used as one of the modality in OSMF management.