The Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Inflammation Following Dental Prophylaxis

Authors
João C. Alves, DVM, PhD, DECVSMR , Patricia Jorge, DVM, and Ana Santos, DVM, MSc

Abstract
To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in reducing gingivitis following professional dental prophylaxis
in dogs in a prospective, randomly controlled, double-blind study. The study included 47 dogs (male n=23, female n=24),
with a mean age of 6.5±2.6 years and a bodyweight of 28.9±5.3 kg. Breeds included: Belgian Malinois Shepherd Dogs (n =23),
German Shepherd Dogs (n =14), Labrador Retriever (n =4), and Dutch Shepherd Dogs (n =3). The left side of the mouth was
treated by performing dental prophylaxis (control group). The right side received dental prophylaxis and a single session of PBMT
using a Class IV therapeutic laser (treatment group). Each side was graded individually for periodontal disease (PD), gingivitis, and
calculus. Follow-up observations were conducted on days 1, 3, 8, and 15 post-treatment. Results were compared using a Mann-
Whitney Test. Multiple regression was run to predict PD, gingivitis, and calculus scores using age, sex, and breed. A p < .05 was
considered significant. The PBMT group (PG) showed significantly lower gingivitis scores from day 1 to 15 post-treatment. PD
had an increasing prevalence with age. Age and breed contributed to the prediction of PD, gingivitis, and calculus grading. This
study showed that PBMT significantly reduced the grade of gingivitis following dental prophylaxis, and may be a useful adjuvant
procedure following dental prophylaxis.

Keywords
Dog, photobiomodulation, dental prophylaxis, periodontal disease, therapeutic laser class IV.