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| Title |
Low-level Laser Therapy (LLLT) Is Superior to Clonazepam at Reducing the Perception of Pain in Adults Suffering From Burning Mouth Syndrome |
| Clinical Question |
In adults who suffer from burning mouth syndrome (BMS), can low-level laser therapy (LLLT) reduce pain perception better than the traditional clonazepam treatment? |
| Clinical Bottom Line |
Based on this preliminary trial, LLLT is more effective at reducing pain associated with burning mouth syndrome than the traditional treatment of clonazepam. |
| Best Evidence |
(you may view more info by clicking on the PubMed ID link) |
| PubMed ID |
Author / Year |
Patient Group |
Study type
(level of evidence) |
| #1) 26873501 | Arduino/2016 | 33 adults, 76% of whom were female, with burning mouth syndrome | Randomized Controlled Trial | | Key results | To assess the sensation of pain, the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), McGill Pain Questionnaire, Present Pain Intensity (PPI), and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-49) were used.
Change in pain between baseline and 12 weeks for the traditional clonazepam treatment varied according to the assessment tool: VAS (P=0.33), McGill Pain Questionnaire (P=0.005), PPI (P=0.013), and OHIP-49 (P=0.25). On the other hand, the LLLT-treated group showed a significant decrease in pain sensation on all assessment tools: VAS (P=0.004), McGill Pain Questionnaire (P=0.002), PPI (P=0.002), and OHIP-49 (P=0.010). Comparing the two groups, “LLLT appeared to be superior in improving pain perception, but statistically only in VAS and PPT score at T3 [8 weeks] (P = 0.026 and P = 0.0379, respectively), if compared with medical therapy.” | |
| Evidence Search |
burning[Title] AND mouth[Title] AND syndrome[Title] AND low[Title] AND level[Title] AND laser[Title] AND therapy[Title] AND clonazepam[Title] |
Comments on
The Evidence |
Validity: The two groups were similar in number, and all were treated for burning mouth syndrome. All patients appear to have completed the study with no compliance issues. The study was not double-blind due to the fact that the clinicians had to perform the appropriate procedures.
Perspective: The patient group for this study was quite small, and the majority of these patients were female. Considering that middle-aged women are the most affected by BMS, this gender emphasis is to be expected. More studies which include a larger patient group are required; however, this preliminary trial provided a broad perspective of the pain experience by using multiple pain scales. Through the use of the various scales and despite the inadequate patient sample, this trial demonstrates great promise for the use of LLLT in the treatment of burning mouth syndrome.
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| Applicability |
This patient group is representative of a typical dental patient suffering from burning mouth syndrome. Additionally, LLLT is a treatment which can be performed in most dental settings. |
| Specialty/Discipline |
(Oral Medicine/Pathology/Radiology) (General Dentistry) |
| Keywords |
Burning mouth syndrome, Low Level Laser Therapy, Clonazepam
|
| ID# |
3234 |
| Date of submission: |
04/21/2017 |
| E-mail |
chitty@livemail.uthscsa.edu |
| Author |
Daniel Chitty |
| Co-author(s) |
|
| Co-author(s) e-mail |
|
| Faculty mentor/Co-author |
Edward F. Wright, DDS, MS |
| Faculty mentor/Co-author e-mail |
WrightE2@uthscsa.edu |
Basic Science Rationale
(Mechanisms that may account for and/or explain the clinical question, i.e. is the answer to the clinical question consistent with basic biological, physical and/or behavioral science principles, laws and research?) |
post a rationale |
| None available | |
|
Comments and Evidence-Based Updates on the CAT
(FOR PRACTICING DENTISTS', FACULTY, RESIDENTS and/or STUDENTS COMMENTS ON PUBLISHED CATs) |
post a comment |
| None available | |
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