Low-level laser therapy for gingival inflammation in orthodontic patients: A clinical and microbiological evaluation

• Author Details:   
• Maya S. Indurkar
• Chandulal D. Dhalkari1
• Pawan M. Hargunani ^*

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Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances are associated with increased plaque retention and difficulty in maintaining oral hygiene, frequently resulting in gingival inflammation and hyperplasia. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) has been proposed as a non-invasive adjunctive approach due to its biostimulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Aims and Objective: To evaluate the clinical and microbiological effects of LLLT as an adjunct to conventional mechanical debridement in managing gingival inflammation among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic therapy.

Materials and Methods: A randomized, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted involving 30 patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Each patient's oral cavity was divided into quadrants, with one quadrant randomly assigned to receive mechanical debridement alone (control), and the contralateral quadrant receiving mechanical debridement in conjunction with LLLT (test group). The test quadrants underwent LLLT application on days 1, 3, and 5 post-debridement. Clinical parameters, including the Modified Sulcus Bleeding Index (M-SBI) and Plaque Index (PI), along with microbiological evaluation of bacterial load using colony-forming units (CFU), were recorded at baseline, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks.

Results: The LLLT group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in M-SBI and PI scores at both 3 and 6 weeks compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Additionally, a marked reduction in CFU counts was observed in the test group, indicating a substantial decrease in microbial colonization.

Conclusion: LLLT, when used as an adjunct to mechanical debridement, effectively reduces gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation, and microbial load in patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. These findings support its potential as a complementary therapeutic modality in orthodontic periodontal management.