Effects of low‐level laser therapy on burning mouth syndrome

Summary To investigate low‐level laser therapy ( LLLT ) applied to treat burning mouth syndrome ( BMS ). This prospective, comparative, partially blinded, single‐centre, clinical trial of GaAlAs Laser, with 815 nm wavelength, included 44 BMS patients divided randomly into three groups: Group I ( n = 16): GaAlAs laser 815 nm wavelength, 1 W output power, continuous emissions, 4 s, 4 J and fluence rate 133·3 J cm −2 ; Group II ( n = 16): GaAlAs infrared laser, 815 nm wavelength, 1 W output power, continuous emissions, 6 s, 6 J and fluence rate 200 J cm −2 ; Group III ( n = 12) placebo group, sham laser. All groups received a weekly dose for 4 weeks. Pain intensity was recorded using a 10‐cm visual analogue scale; patients responded to the oral health impact profile ( OHIP ‐14), xerostomia severity test and the hospital anxiety–depression scale ( HAD ). These assessments were performed at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks. LLLT decreased pain intensity and improved OHIP ‐14 scores significantly from baseline to 2 weeks in groups I and II compared with the placebo group. No statistically significant differences were found from 2 to 4 weeks. Overall improvements in visual analogue scale ( VAS ) scores from baseline to the end of treatment were as follows: Group I 15·7%; Group II 15·6%; Group III placebo 7·3%. LLLT application reduces symptoms slightly in BMS patients.