Lund, Sweden: An ongoing clinical research aims to assess whether a light-activated teeth-cleaning method can effectively reduce plaque buildup and prevent gingival inflammation and caries—common issues faced by individuals with braces.
The study, titled ‘Efficacy of Regular Home Use of Dual-Light Photodynamic Therapy on Oral Health in Adolescents Undergoing Fixed Orthodontic Treatment,’ is being conducted at Borgska Villan’s Specialist Dental Care clinic in Lund.
Led by Dr. Ann-Marie Roos Jansåker, an associate professor at Malmö University and former president of the Swedish Society of Periodontology and Implantology, the study is being conducted in collaboration with Specialist Orthodontist Dr. Katja Elses.
This research trial involves 40 participants, who are randomly allocated to either a Lumoral treatment group or a control group. Over the course of 12 weeks, clinical assessments, including the Visible Plaque Index (VPI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), and Orthodontic Plaque Index (OPI), will be conducted. In addition, microbiological analyses will be carried out to evaluate the effectiveness of the Lumoral device. To maintain objectivity, all measurements will be conducted blindly.
The study focuses on adolescents aged 15 to 18, a group particularly vulnerable to plaque buildup and gingival inflammation, especially due to the challenges of maintaining oral hygiene with fixed braces. The aim is to determine whether light-activated antibacterial treatment can enhance the control of supragingival plaque and help manage subgingival plaque over time.
Photobiomodulation (PBM), a non-invasive therapy with proven benefits in neurosensory recovery, musculoskeletal injury treatment, and regenerative medicine, is gaining attention in dentistry. PBM enhances cellular activity, supports bone regeneration, and stimulates soft tissues, aiding in wound healing and reducing postoperative pain. While PBM's application in dentistry has traditionally been limited, recent research is broadening its scope to include low-level laser therapy and laser diode technologies. Current advancements in PBM research now cover areas such as tissue regeneration, cell therapy using dental pulp stem cells, and the early detection of dental caries through lasers.
Dr Roos Jansåker highlights the challenges of maintaining oral hygiene during orthodontic treatment with fixed appliances. Poor oral hygiene often leads to significant plaque buildup, resulting in white spot lesions and an increased risk of caries and gingivitis.
“Orthodontic treatments, such as braces, are crucial for correcting dental alignment but come with risks that need careful management,” stated Dr Jansåker. “Our aim is to show that regular antibacterial treatment can provide substantial benefits to adolescents undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment.”
Teenagers with braces face a heightened risk of caries, particularly due to frequent consumption of sugary drinks and sweets, coupled with less rigorous oral hygiene practices. Severe periodontal conditions such as periodontitis are relatively rare among teenagers, yet gingivitis remains a common issue. Effectively addressing gingivitis before and during orthodontic treatment is essential to prevent its progression.
Another significant concern is white spot lesions, which arise from plaque-induced enamel demineralisation. These lesions can be permanent and detract from the appearance of the teeth.
The device currently under investigation combines antibacterial blue and red light with a photosensitive mouth rinse to eliminate bacteria and reduce plaque accumulation. It is designed to assist individuals with orthodontic appliances, gum disease, or plaque-related oral problems.
Dr Roos Jansåker remarked, "If this device proves successful in reducing plaque around braces, it could become a valuable tool in mitigating associated risks. The outcomes from follow-up evaluations, especially at the three-month mark, will be crucial in determining the device’s effectiveness in plaque control.”