Efficacy of Photobiomodulation in Reducing Symptomatology and Improving the Quality of Life in Patients with Xerostomia and Hyposalivation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of photobiomodulation (PBM) treatment in patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation and assess their quality of life over a one year of follow-up. Material and methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 patients with xerostomia were included (30 PBM cases and 30 placebo controls). Photobiomodulation was performed with a diode laser (810 nm, 6 J/cm(2)), while the controls underwent simulated treatment. One weekly session was carried out for a total of 6 weeks (total six sessions). The study parameters were recorded at baseline, after three and six weeks, and at one year post-treatment. Xerostomia was assessed using a salivary flow visual analog scale (VAS) and the Xerostomia Inventory (XI). The Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale, Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) were also administered. Results: The patients subjected to PBM therapy showed a significant improvement of xerostomia based on the drainage test, and of oral quality of life (p < 0.001). The depression score of the HAD (HAD-D) and the ESS showed improvement, though without reaching statistical significance (p > 0.05). The placebo group showed significant changes in the xerostomia VAS score at 6 weeks (p = 0.009), with no variations in any of the other studied parameters (p > 0.05). The beneficial effects of the diode laser in the PBM group persisted at one year post-treatment. Conclusions: Photobiomodulation with the diode laser is effective in patients with xerostomia and hyposalivation, and thus should be taken into account as a treatment option.