Efficacy of a course of photobiomodulation for the management of B00.2 Herpetic Gingivostomatitis

Relevance. Herpetic gingivostomatitis (ICD-10: B00.2) is a common condition representing the primary clinical manifestation of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection. Herpetic lesions of the oral mucosa are associated with severe pain and a marked reduction in quality of life due to difficulty eating and speaking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of laser radiation as a non-pharmacological treatment modality for patients diagnosed with herpetic gingivostomatitis.

Materials and methods. A clinical study was conducted in 24 patients diagnosed with B00.2 herpetic gingivostomatitis (mean age, 31.1 ± 8.7 years [median, 28.5 years; IQR, 24–35.5 years]). Women comprised 75% of the sample (n = 18). Lesion sites on the oral mucosa were exposed to laser radiation on three occasions, 60 s per application, using non-initiated fibers attached to diode laser units ALTA BLUE (Group I, n = 12) and PICASSO lite (Group II, n = 12). Procedures were performed in a non-contact technique, maintaining a 4.5–5 mm standoff from the fiber tip to the lesion and employing a spiral scanning motion, with an initial output power of 0.5 W in continuous-wave mode. Pain intensity was recorded on a numerical rating scale (NRS-11, 0–10) before treatment and after each session over a 5-day course of photobiomodulation (low-level laser therapy, LLLT). Statistical analysis was performed in R, version 4.5.0.

Results. At baseline, the mean pain score at lesion sites was 7.8 ± 1.4 [median, 8.0; IQR, 7–9]. No statistically significant intergroup differences were detected in pain-reduction dynamics (p = 0.386). After the first minute of laser exposure, 75% of patients reported a sensation of superficial anesthesia with resolution of pain. Following the initial photobiomodulation session, 100% of patients reported a marked improvement in overall well-being. Clinical examination demonstrated a reduction in edema and hyperemia of the oral mucosa.

Conclusion. Laser radiation at 445 nm and 810 nm is an effective modality for alleviating the clinical symptoms of herpetic gingivostomatitis.

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