Abstract
Background: To investigate the effect of low-level laser therapy to salivary gland function in diabetic patients with hyposalivation. Methods: Twelve diabetic patients were recruited. A 940-nm indium-gallium-arsenide-phosphide low-power semiconductor diode laser was used to stimulate the major salivary glands with an irradiation time of 40 s; this was done three times a week for 2 consecutive weeks. Patients were given questionnaires related to dry mouth symptoms. Salivary flow rates, questionnaire responses as well as MUC7, MUC5B and histatin 5 protein salivary concentrations were assessed at the first and sixth visits after laser therapy as well at the 6-week follow-up visit. Results: The unstimulated salivary flow rate and MUC5B concentration at the follow-up visit significantly increased (p < 0.01). Histatin 5 concentration significantly decreased at the follow-up visit compared with that at the first visit (p < 0.05). The mean dry mouth score revealed a significant decrease in dry mouth symptoms at the sixth visit and follow-up visit compared with those at the first visit (p < 0.001). The positive correlation between dry mouth score and flow rate was the strongest at the sixth visit (rs = 0.549). Conclusions: Low-level laser therapy increased the salivary flow rate and decreased dry mouth symptoms in diabetic patients.
Recommended Citation
Wibawa A, Sucharitakul J, Dansirikul R, Pisarnturakit PP, Bhuridej P, Arirachakaran P, et al. 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. 2018;22.
